MTB Project Logo

A mostly easy singletrack trail following a former railroad track.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

8,716' 2,657 m

High

8,445' 2,574 m

Low

468' 143 m

Up

466' 142 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Overview

This ride is a mostly flat out and back, smoooth and easy singletrack trail, with a handful of quick, but steep and technical sections.

Need to Know

There is plenty of parking at Midland Trailhead (CR 304), but it does tend to fill up on weekends. Port-a-potties are typically available at the TH.

Description

The trail profile gives the illusion that this trail is steep, but you probably won't even notice the gradual climb of 300 feet over 4 miles on your way out, and the gradual 4 mile descent on the return. You'll be busy enjoying carving your way along the smooth singletrack through everything from wide open terrain with great views to very narrow gulches as you follow a section of the former Midland Railroad.

It's generally easy and smooth singletrack, but where the train bridges have been removed, you'll find your way around up/down, surprisingly technical terrain requiring short bursts of energy and good line choosing skills to successfully navigate your way.

The route is about as simple as you can get - start in the parking area (Midland TH) on CR 304, above the scenic overlook. Start on a short section of CR 376a before reaching Midland Bike Trail. Stay straight to get onto the trail (CR 376a curves) & follow the well-signed trail, which terminates at McGee Gulch (this route is mapped to Shield's Gulch Road (315), as the McGee Gulch extension is fairly new.

If you want something more than an out and back, there are plenty of loop options. Link up with Sausage Link & Bacon Bits (1450A) for a great singletrack loop (add in Unchained if you're looking for more technicality, or ride out to Shield's Gulch Road (315) or McGee Gulch Road (305) & take the gravel roads into the Fourmile Recreation Area for some fun gravel loop options.

History & Background

This route follows the Colorado Midland Railway, which ran from the late 1800s to early 1900s, connecting Colorado Springs to Leadville and Aspen.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Lampenrider with improvements by Sarah Baker

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 36 votes

#621

Overall
  4.0 from 36 votes
5 Star
22%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#151

in Colorado

#621

Overall
26 Views Last Month
16,122 Since Jul 18, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

9%
3%
88%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

"Don't feed the Rocky Mountain Elephant"
Jul 16, 2018 near Buena V…, CO
Great drop with smooth landing that can be ridden small or large.
Oct 28, 2019 near Buena V…, CO
Heading west from trailhead off of 24.
Sep 9, 2022 near Buena V…, CO
Riding through a narrow gulch along the trail
Jul 27, 2013 near Buena V…, CO
Wonderful views along this section
Jul 16, 2013 near Buena V…, CO
Just a quick selfie before I sick roll in!
Jun 14, 2020 near Buena V…, CO
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.