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Sale Barn - South Rim - Carbon Junction

Intermediate
 3.8 (27)

Excellent introduction to Durango singletrack for an intermediate rider.


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Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.5

KM

95%

Singletrack

6,883' 2,098 m

High

6,480' 1,975 m

Low

752' 229 m

Up

766' 234 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Grandview Ridge trails are subject to conditional winter wildlife closures. Call the BLM Tres Rios Field Office for the latest info: (970) 882-7296

Overview

This ride introduces the willing intermediate to exceptionally well designed trails that are aesthetically pleasing and help to build skills. In about 4 hrs you can see a good sample of the famed Telegraph Trail System and get a good workout.

Need to Know

Take plenty of water, sun protection, and tools/spares.

Description

The namesake Sale Barn is long gone but the trailhead features a signboard and trail system map. After a steep rise from the parking area, Sale Barn settles into a pattern of gently curving runs up the narrow valley punctuated by switchbacks that will provide a good workout and test of skills.

The mesa top is achieved and here the rider finds gently curving singletrack that seems designed for mountain biking... because it is. The trail drops back down into the canyon in some steep turns then crosses the arroyo at about 1.2 miles and rises onto the west mesa.

Passing the junction with Cowboy Trail, you now head out onto the first portion of South Rim Trail. This is great cruising with minimal rocks. As the trail contours along the mesa edge, the proximity to the busy 550 corridor is apparent.

The trail descends into Big Canyon, which provides a shorter variant of this ride or a convenient bailout point if you've had enough. Rising out of Big Canyon is a series of very tight and fairly loose switchbacks that may require a bit of walking for the intermediate.

The next section is the west portion of South Rim Trail, featuring more cuising and views. The trail continues across another canyon and up onto the mesa. Here the trail splits, with the north branch heading up into the Telegraph System.

The south split contours around an open field, then begins a precipitous drop to Carbon Junction. Things get steep in a hurry: despite the views look ahead for abrupt and loose switchbacks. Missing the final switchback before the parking area would result in a steep drop onto the highway.

This was my introduction to Durango intermediate: a fine trail that mixes pleasurable cruising with technical challenges to build skill.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Geronimo

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 27 votes

#1007

Overall
  3.8 from 27 votes
5 Star
11%
4 Star
59%
3 Star
26%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

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in Colorado

#1,007

Overall
54 Views Last Month
13,901 Since Oct 11, 2013
Intermediate

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Photos

Descent on Big Canyon - Highlights of Telegraph Hill with Go Pro Hero 8
Sep 9, 2020 near Durango, CO
Looking west before the last return towards 160.
Aug 1, 2016 near Durango, CO
Looking south towards 160 through Big Canyon.
Aug 1, 2016 near Durango, CO
Great Views!
Sep 1, 2021 near Durango, CO
Un single bien sympa pour finir la sortie !
Nov 18, 2014 near Durango, CO
South end of the Horse Gulch Trail
Aug 22, 2015 near Durango, CO

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 2, 2022
Richard Grover
Sep 4, 2022
Andrew Hanes 1
Aug 28, 2022
Jeremy Stookey
Fun ride. Good signage. 7.5mi — 1h 30m
Apr 20, 2022
Joy Norris
Oct 4, 2021
Ray Ryan
Sep 10, 2021
John PCO
Solid ride. Not hard at all. The loose rocks are a pain in a few sections, but overall recommend it. 7.2mi — 1h 01m
Jul 11, 2021
Dean Pedrotti
Jul 3, 2021
Melissa Lux

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