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One of many gems in the Thompson Creek area offering tough climbing, alpine lakes, and rippin' DH.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.4

KM

Singletrack

9,503' 2,897 m

High

8,214' 2,503 m

Low

696' 212 m

Up

1,335' 407 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

A steep climb through a gorgeous aspen stand deep in the Thompson Divide. You'll have it all to yourself unless you go during hunting season. It's not often you'll find lakes up on a ridge!

While heading south on Thompson Creek Road #306, you'll do a short descent at a switchback. There's a meadow to your left after this descending switchback, take the two track into the meadow (nice campsite).

Now you'll need to find a way across the creek. Typically, it's easiest to either go upstream or downstream. On the other side of the creek is the hidden trailhead. There's a large gate and a forest service trail sign. If you look hard enough, you can see it from the campsite buried in the woods a little to your left.

Now you have a beautiful cruise through the aspens until the steep climbing begins. Put it in low gear and take your time; it's all rideable, just steep.

As you near the top of the ridge, you'll pass a small trail or two splitting off to your right; these go to the lakes. It's only 50 yards or so away. Bring your bike or leave it and walk to the lakes.

There's a final push up to the ridge which is forested so no views. However, you can follow a game trail north along the ridge a couple hundred yards up to a gorgeous vista. Either descend the way you came or continue east down the other side through the scrub oak with great views.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Thompson

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 5 votes

#2

in Lake Ridge

#26130

Overall
  2.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
60%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
20%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Lake Ridge

#2,567

in Colorado

#26,130

Overall
2 Views Last Month
830 Since Jun 20, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
17%
17%
67%
0%

Photos

Lake Ridge Lakes.
Jun 20, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
View of Mt. Sopris from the climb.
Jun 20, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
The beavers have made a mess of the western portion of this ride.  This is one of two water crossing in this area.
Jun 20, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
The climb may be tough, but the effort is totally worth it!
Mar 29, 2017 near Carbondale, CO
Lake Ridge Lakes in the fall.
Mar 29, 2017 near Carbondale, CO

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