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This rocky portion of CT can be a challenge, but is rewarding.


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Map Key

20.5

Miles

33.0

KM

Singletrack

11,766' 3,586 m

High

9,714' 2,961 m

Low

2,668' 813 m

Up

4,642' 1,415 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Section Of

Description

Disclaimer: We did segments 16 and 17 as a day ride starting at the dropoff of the Monarch Crest trail, so my opinion of difficulty might be a little biased due to the long day we had.

This section really seems to be one for motorcycles. The cuts can be steep and the rocks are tiring.

Once you leave the clearings around Sargent's Mesa and enter the forest, you're back into the rocks. About the next 10 miles of trail is pretty rocky. You might feel like all you're doing is climbing, but it's actually flat to slightly downhill. These miles are slow and require constant effort, with lots of rough sections that sap your energy.

After the descent (at around 11 miles into the ride), the trail cleans up a bit. However, it does go to the top of every hill in the vicinity which can get old really quickly and sap your motivation to try to ride.

After the final descent leaves the singletrack, turn right at the dirt road and continue on. Unfortunately you lose a lot of elevation on this road which would have been nice on singletrack. Hw 114 is close!

If you're starting this section fresh, most of it is rideable. The hardest part is simply the amount of miles you have to fight for.

Contacts

Shared By:

BlakeV Vanier

Trail Ratings

  2.6 from 5 votes

#33909

Overall
  2.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
40%
1 Star
20%
Trail Rankings

#3,121

in Colorado

#33,909

Overall
14 Views Last Month
3,538 Since Aug 11, 2014
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Photos

Rocky trail
Jul 15, 2020 near Whitepine, CO
Still Rocky, but better
Jul 15, 2020 near Whitepine, CO
And it goes on like this. This is a better picture of the trail. Usually only gets worse.
Sep 3, 2014 near Saguache, CO
Pretty standard loose stuff. Doesn't look too bad but it is really draining.
Sep 3, 2014 near Saguache, CO
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Current Trail Conditions

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