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Buzzard Gulch Loop

 3.8 (15)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Southwest Rockies
  4. …Montrose
  5. Buzzard Gulch Trail System
Google Map

11.6 Miles 18.7 Kilometers


60%

Singletrack

1,050' 320 m

Ascent

-1,058' -322 m

Descent

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

6,672' 2,034 m

High

6,177' 1,883 m

Low

Shared By Tim Judkins

Conditions

All Clear 12 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“Fun easy singletrack close to Montrose.”

— Tim Judkins
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Unknown

Features -none-

Don't ride when muddy. Wear orange during hunting season!

Overview

Buzzard is a combination of trails that have been dramatically improved and expanded by the BLM in 2012-2013. The trails are named and intersections are numbered, but it's pretty easy to find your way around. It isn't very technical, but can provide a good workout on singletrack close to town.

Need to Know

The BLM publishes a helpful map of the area:

blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo/rec…

Description

To get there from town head out towards Dave Wood Rd, but take a sharp right on Popular Rd and go west about 3/4 mile. Take a left on Spring Canyon Rd and the TH will be on the left in about 1/4 mile.

Ride up the doubletrack from your car. There is a left turn that goes back towards Dave Wood Rd about 1/2 mile in. Pass this and continue straight up Buzzard Gulch. The doubletrack eventually turns into singletrack and there are numerous splits as you head south. I suggest climbing the east side trails and descending the west side.

At the top, you have the option of continuing south on doubletrack to meet up with Dave Wood Rd (and Lower Spring Creek Trail) or you can head about 1/8 mile west to a nice overlook at Spring Creek Canyon. The descent on the west side trails is fun and flowy. Watch out for cacti!

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Uncompahgre Field Office

You & This Featured Ride


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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Sep 11, 2018
David Nixon
9.8mi
Aug 28, 2018
Michael Winn
Jul 25, 2018
David Nixon
Riding real nice now. 7.5mi
Jul 11, 2018
Barto Saurus
15mi
Jul 3, 2018
David Nixon
9.3mi
Apr 25, 2018
Callie Ackerman
Super fun flowy trails with techy sections. Gorgeous view, make sure and stop at the viewpoint off Dakota Rim 6.5mi
Mar 22, 2018
Adam Miller
Feb 18, 2018
Michael Murphy
Fun ride. Good, steady climb up, and a fast, easy run down. 11.6mi — 1h 00m
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 15 votes

#2

in Buzzard Gulch Trail System

#1657

Overall
  3.8 from 15 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Buzzard Gulch Trail Sy…

#226

in Colorado

#1,657

Overall
115 Views Last Month
5,339 Since Jul 27, 2013
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
42%
42%
17%
0%
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0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Marcus rice catching some air on Rusty Buckets
Marcus rice catching some air on Rusty Buckets
 3
Coming hot off of PJ Way.
Coming hot off of PJ Way.
 3
On the edge of the rim
On the edge of the rim
 3
The boneyard
The boneyard
 4
East access to Vulture Rim
East access to Vulture Rim
 3
Upper Buzzard Gulch through the sagebrush.
Upper Buzzard Gulch through the sagebrush.
 3

2 Comments

Sort by: Oldest
Newest Oldest Popular
Zack Loucks
Zack Loucks  
Buzzard Gulch was easy to the point of boredom going up, but coming down was much faster than expected! PJ Way coming down was a huge payoff of effort vs fun. Jul 16, 2015
William Masterson
William Masterson  
Buzzard Gulch is a good fun all around work-out for all levels of riders...it is not extreme...expert to 12 year olds can ride this system with enjoyment...with light technical in areas, some cool new trails as of 2016, steep climbs, nice views at the top and some quick downhill (with obstacles, watch out for the jumps and other riders) this trail system is fun. Perfect for a quick tight schedule ride early in the morning or late afternoon...fantastic to ride with a multi-level group! For a more challenging longer ride, for you hardcore guys, try Lower Spring Creek...just up the road (Dave Wood Road). Apr 2, 2016

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Though not characteristic of the whole system, there are a few fun features mixed in! Hoping more are created amongst the highly flowy system!
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