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Colorado Endurance Series - SBFL - Normal Route


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Map Key

89.3

Miles

143.7

KM

50%

Singletrack

10,282' 3,134 m

High

7,044' 2,147 m

Low

10,212' 3,113 m

Up

10,227' 3,117 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Its big... its a challenge... you need a GPS. It's the Salida Big Friggin' Loop!

It is difficult due to distance, altitude and its 12k' of climbing at altitude. This ride is not for the unprepared or faint of heart.

Need to Know

Carry a lot of water and food... and your GPS of course.

Description

Head west out of Salida past the airport on CR140, turn north on CR250, and stay on it until you come to a Y intersection where 250 takes the right fork and 252 takes the left fork. You take 252, then turn right onto the Colorado Trail segment 14: Highway 50 to Chalk Creek TH and ride it all the way to Cottonwood Creek, west of BV.

Following the Colorado Trail is not challenging, as it is very well signed. The only possible confusion: at Chalk Creek youll have to follow CR162 down to the Princeton Hot Springs Resort, then turn left on CR321, then left on CR322, then ride through the Frontier Ranch parking lot and continue on up the jeep road to the CT trailhead. And then on north on the CT to where the trail dumps out onto Colorado Highway 306. Follow 306 east on into Buena Vista.

Following the ride from downtown BV to the Midland Bike Trail Out and Back and Backbone is not difficult. Its on the maps, its well signed, and anyone you run into can give you directions.

For people doing the long route, I strongly suggest that you load the GPX tracks into a GPS and follow it. Unless you are VERY familiar with the area or experienced with orienteering, topo maps, and dead reckoning, the route is hard to follow without the help of GPS.

History & Background

Raise a glass to TP for organizing this event!

Shared By:

Jim Simons

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#2829

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#414

in Colorado

#2,829

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3 Views Last Month
4,770 Since Jun 6, 2014
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Photos

Mount Princeton is the best backdrop.
Mar 20, 2021 near Buena V…, CO
Views from the Colorado Trail
Sep 11, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Green room on the CT.
Sep 12, 2016 near St. Elmo, CO
Arkansas River colours along the SBFL.
Dec 15, 2014 near Buena V…, CO
Climbing the Colorado Trail above Chalk Creek Canyon.
Jun 7, 2017 near Alpine , CO
"Don't feed the Rocky Mountain Elephant"
Jul 16, 2018 near Buena V…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 3 days ago
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