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A good climb to amazing views on smooth intermediate singletrack.


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Map Key

7.8

Miles

12.6

KM

Singletrack

9,170' 2,795 m

High

7,972' 2,430 m

Low

988' 301 m

Up

1,639' 499 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

North Rim Trail (north of Sinclair Rd.) is closed December 1 - May 15 for elk.

Description

Generally done clockwise as a loop (see the Rim Trail Loop ride), this one starts off with a 700' vertical climb. The trail is well-built for bikes though, with widely-rounded switchbacks and a very smooth surface, so it's a very enjoyable climb. It's pretty exposed to the southern sun, so it could be quite hot on a warm sunny day.

Once at the top, take a left and go 100 yards to the high point and enjoy the remarkable 360 degree view.

Return those 100 yards, then continue on slightly descending, fast and fun singletrack right along the rim. There are occasional breaks in the trees that are worth stopping for and taking a peek.

More fun descending, sometimes through forest, takes you to a saddle point and a road crossing. This is a bailout option if you're in a hurry or tired. Otherwise, continue on, with some moderate climbing until you get to one final 400 climb.

Like the first climb, the surface is nice and it's well laid out for bikes, and it's over pretty fast. More great views from a bench at this high point.

Now it's a pure descent all the way to the car, and it's a blast: singletrack all the way through some aspens, but mostly sage meadows on nicely contoured trail. The views are astounding if you can take your eyes off the trail for a second. This final three quarter miles of trail (just after the final wood boardwalk / bridges) is a new trail extension constructed late summer 2014. This section is great swoopy fun, and brings you closer to the bikepath that leads to the Snowmass Recreation Center and Rodeo Lot trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Mike Pritchard and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 31 votes

#427

Overall
  4.5 from 31 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#138

in Colorado

#427

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,260 Since Sep 10, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

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81%
10%
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Photos

This is the desecnt of the North Rim Trail in Snowmass Village from the bench to Sinclair road. I filmed this with a GoPro 4K with a Karma grip and 2X speed.
Jul 6, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO
Grinding up Rim Trail's second hill.
Sep 10, 2013 near Snowmas…, CO
View from top of the initial climb
Jun 23, 2018 near Snowmas…, CO
Climbing over - time to descend!
Sep 10, 2013 near Snowmas…, CO
Top of the climb up Rim Trail
Sep 10, 2013 near Snowmas…, CO
Lots of spots like this as you traverse across the top of the Rim Trail
Oct 21, 2014 near Snowmas…, CO

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