CT - Segment 6: Kenosha Pass to Goldhill

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E-Bikes Not Allowed

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• Colorado Trail: The Entire MTB Route - IMBA EPIC

This trail segment begins on the South Platte Ranger District at Kenosha Pass, and is jointly managed by the South Park Ranger District and Dillon Ranger District.

This trail can be ridden in either direction, although it flows a bit better and the climbs are more climbable heading down from Kenosha Pass, as mapped here.

In this direction, you'll start with a short climb and descent followed by a long climb to 11,900 feet. From here you have a 6.5 mile and 2000 vertical foot descent. Don't take this section lightly though - although it's a fantastic singletrack descent, it does have some technical sections. Near the bottom of the descent there is a challenging rock garden that will have less advanced riders choosing to walk.

Once you finish the first big descent, you'll cross the Middle Fork rd and enjoy another short rolling section. When you find yourself at an open spot along the North Fork of the Swan River this is a great place to take a break and refill water. You'll want to catch your breath here, because the next 3.5 miles bring a big uphill grind with over 1000' of climbing. This section gets quite a bit of sun, and it's granny gear climbing in spots, making this a real grunt, especially if you started the day at Kenosha Pass.

After this climb you have a big reward in store. The next descent is beautiful riding - less technical than the first descent, and flowy enough to let it rip. It's good enough to restore your energy, which is good because you're not done yet.

The rest of the trail has changed quite a bit due to big clearcut logging operations that have changed the character of the area and reduced the amount of shade available. Although the rest of the trail trends downhill, there are a couple of short and sharp climbs which you can see on the elevation profile below.

Keep an eye on the MTB Project/onX mobile app for this next section as there are a number of trail intersections coming up and it's possible to get yourself headed in the wrong direction. You'll know when you are close to the Gold Hill Trailhead when you cross a paved road and then Highway 9 shortly after.