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Fast and scenic trail that gets better the higher you go.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

Singletrack

7,395' 2,254 m

High

6,775' 2,065 m

Low

776' 237 m

Up

157' 48 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

Immediately start grinding up a wide singletrack high above the creek. It can be tough since you've had no warm-up and it's pretty consistent for over a mile and fully exposed to the sun. You'll pass a gate on the left (which heads over to Red Dirt Trail), and shortly thereafter to a historic (and photogenic) barn.

Pass that, head downhill to a bridge which connects to the Madhouse Trail, which would take you back to the trailhead.

For maximum fun though, continue up the Mad Creek Trail on the left side of the creek for another mile or so through superb aspens and meadows. There are a couple pullovers next to the creek which are great for a snack. It's a smooth, skinny singletrack in this area, and ends all too quickly at the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary. Bikes are not allowed in any wilderness zone in the USA. Turn around and enjoy the descent!

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 9 votes

#11153

Overall
  3.9 from 9 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
44%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,124

in Colorado

#11,153

Overall
2 Views Last Month
3,803 Since Jun 25, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
9%
91%
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0%

Photos

Headed up the Mad Creek Valley
Jun 25, 2014 near Steambo…, CO
Mad Creek Barn
Jun 10, 2015 near Steambo…, CO
Pedaling through open meadows up the Mad Creek valley
Jun 26, 2014 near Steambo…, CO
Climbing up Mad Creek
Jun 25, 2014 near Steambo…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

May 22, 2023
Tyler Smeenk
Fun ride with the Batman pup 4mi — 1h 30m
Jul 20, 2019
Ryan Wendell
went downhill from loop using madhouse trail. easy trail with a few rocky bits. plenty of hikers but lots of fun
Jul 2, 2019
Stephani Yannazzo
May 21, 2018
Chris Holder
7.6mi
Apr 25, 2018
Craig America
Jun 8, 2017
Aaron Hardy
6mi — 1h 00m
Nov 26, 2016
Tal Thevenot
Great short hike and fun exploring the Mad Barn. 3.8mi

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