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A fun, non-technical trail climbing/descending through the San Juan National Forest.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

Singletrack

10,144' 3,092 m

High

8,818' 2,688 m

Low

1,325' 404 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

Elbert Creek has two main sections bisected at Forest Road 581.

Mostly ridden as a downhill from FR 581, Elbert Creek's east section ends at the parking area near the Needles Conoco gas station on Hwy 550. It can be ridden uphill, but expect to hike-a-bike in a few steep spots.

The west section, ridden east to west, is a less trafficked trail. Though challenging, this trail section will leave most riders satisfied. Be prepared, the trail can be steep in places and will require use of GPS track or the MTB Project MTB Project mobile app to stay on track. This ride dumps you out near Big Bend trail and the bridge on Hermosa Creek.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Vuytos with improvements by Storm Perrella

Trail Ratings

  2.7 from 7 votes

#24

in Durango

#25974

Overall
  2.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
57%
2 Star
14%
1 Star
14%
Trail Rankings

#24

in Durango

#2,549

in Colorado

#25,974

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,539 Since Aug 11, 2014
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Photos

Looking east towards Electra Lake.
Sep 26, 2023 near Rico, CO
Ferns turning yellow below the aspens in late September.
Sep 26, 2023 near Rico, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 12, 2017
Henry Noerdlinger
See comments. Overgrown, non-used trail with steep hike when traversed from west to east. 10mi — 3h 00m
Sep 19, 2015
Deric Skinner
not an easy, non technical trail!
Jul 14, 2015
Dylan Davis
Overgrown vegetation on trail down to 550. Many loose boulders and cobbles from recent downpours. Several downed trees.
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