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Buena Vista Singletrack Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.9 (46)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. …Buena Vista
  5. Barbara Whipple Trail System
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“A fun, not overly technical tour of BV singletrack. ”

Jason Lampenrider
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Map Key

12.1

Miles

19.5

KM

50%

Singletrack

8,440' 2,573 m

High

7,940' 2,420 m

Low

982' 299 m

Up

981' 299 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Overview

Starting and ending in the main parking area the Buena Vista River Park, you'll enjoy a good taste of Buena Vista's singletrack. If you're looking for more miles, combine this loop with the Midland Bike Trail Out and Back.

Need to Know

These trails see a lot of use, so be sure to be aware of other users.

Description

Begin at the Buena Vista riverside parking lot and cross the small bridge over the Arkansas river. Climb slightly along the Whipple Trail and then onto the South Loop which is mainly smooth singletrack. Continue straight when you come to the fork heading uphill. After about a mile, you climb up to and cross CR304 leading you directly into Broken Boyfriend (6032A), which climbs up and then turns to head north. The terrain is rolling singletrack with a few bits of sandy and rocky areas. After about 1.5 miles, you return to CR304 and take it south and very slightly uphill for about 3.0 miles to a junction and another parking lot.

From here, you can extend this loop by taking the Midland Bicycle Trail, or dive right into Django. Django winds its way west and downward through relatively rocky and tight turns and bottoms out into CR 304, near the Collegiate Peaks Overlook. From here, you can cross directly over this road and begin the climb up Fistful of Dollars (6034).

In a little over 1.5 miles, you'll top out on CR304 where you can decide again about extending your loop with the Midland Bike Trail Out and Back. If not, head north on CR304 and drop into the Whipple Trail. If you want a steep, rocky challenge, descend Steep Shortcut back to where you began. For a smoother option, take North Trail back to Bridge to Bridge Trail.

History & Background

CR 304 follows the old Colorado Midland Railroad route, which ran from the late 1800s to early 1900s, carrying loads of silver, iron ore, & other supplies from Colorado Springs to Leadville & Aspen.

Contacts

Local Club: Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Gunnison Field Office

Shared By:

Jason Lampenrider with improvements by Jeff Welch and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 46 votes

#1

in Barbara Whipple Trail System

#499

Overall
  3.9 from 46 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Barbara Whipple Trail…

#135

in Colorado

#499

Overall
30 Views Last Month
27,461 Since Aug 2, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
3%
59%
8%
27%
3%
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Photos

Mount Princeton is the best backdrop.
Mar 20, 2021 near Buena V…, CO
Django is a good mix of flowy and technical, with a nice backdrop.
Nov 27, 2017 near Buena V…, CO
If you see multi-colored tape hanging from a tree, it typically means that something is coming. Big step up after a loose entry. Traction is good on the rock and surprisingly smooth throughout.
May 28, 2019 near Buena V…, CO
Bacon Strip - Midland Trail System - Buena Vista - Colorado
Oct 9, 2024 near Buena V…, CO
Great view from Fistful of Dollars Trail!
Jan 7, 2024 near Buena V…, CO
Heading down the last leg of the trail into town.
Sep 24, 2017 near Buena V…, CO

2 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 17, 2024
Andrew Newland
Jul 26, 2024
Kevin S
Aug 22, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
May 29, 2023
Brent Vaalburg
Jul 16, 2022
Sheri Vernier
Great trail with amazing views. Good ascent in beginning. Not too strenuous. Took 2 hours 10 min.
Oct 14, 2021
Phil O
basically did this ride but didn't see gentleman's tail. took Django unchained back to fist full of dollars to elevation back to trailhead. great r… — 2h 30m
Jul 27, 2021
JAMIE KONEGNI
Apr 3, 2021
Tyler Atkinson

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