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A local's favorite loop that starts and ends on the Rio Grande Trail and offers up a taste of Prince Creek.


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Map Key

19.1

Miles

30.8

KM

60%

Singletrack

7,390' 2,252 m

High

6,177' 1,883 m

Low

1,450' 442 m

Up

1,445' 440 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Please be aware of seasonal closures on the Crown and Rio Grande Trail. Trail cameras are in use and violations are reported. Rio Grande - Rock Bottom Ranch to Catherine Store segment is seasonally closed Dec. 1–April 30. Glassier Open Space is seasonally closed from Dec. 1–May 15.

Overview

This is a satisfying loop ride with easy climbs, rolling singletrack, and a fun descent. The ride ends with a cruise along one of the more scenic sections of the Rio Grande Trail. There are limitless options for extending your ride once you get out to Prince Creek, but this featured ride shows the most direct route.

Need to Know

This ride can be started just about anywhere along the route, but is shown as starting from the Catherine's Store Trailhead along the Rio Grande Trail.

Description

From the trailhead, head west on the Rio Grande Trail about 3.0 miles into Carbondale before making a left on Snowmass Road. Take Snowmass Road about a mile before making a left on HWY 133. After about a mile on HWY 133 make a left on Prince Creek Road. Take Prince Creek Road for about a mile. The road will take a hard left with a big red barn on your right. In about 0.25 miles you'll pick up the Prince Creek Trail on the left.

Enjoy a rolling and gradual climb for about 1.4 miles. Pick up Monte Carlo and continue climbing, eventually getting to Christmas Tree where you'll make a left. Climb up Christmas Tree for about 0.5 miles before bearing left on North Porcupine.

A short climb along a fence line before making a left on your first taste of descending. North Porcupine is a fun traverse with punchy climbs and fast descents. Take this for about 2.5 miles where you get to a small meadow with a chicken coop/bee hive/cattle feeder looking thing.

Cross the meadow and pick up Outie where you'll roll your way up and down to the intersection of Buckhorn and Innie. Bear left on Buckhorn and enjoy the 3.0 mile descent back down to the valley floor and Rio Grande Trail. Hang a left and take the Rio Grande Trail back to your car in Carbondale.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt L with improvements by Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 20 votes

#3

in Crown Trails

#922

Overall
  4.3 from 20 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Crown Trails

#193

in Colorado

#922

Overall
3 Views Last Month
10,755 Since Aug 29, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
6%
81%
0%
13%
0%

Photos

Cats, dogs, and Monte Carlos.
Jul 12, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
Views of Mt Sopris sure do not suck up here.
May 12, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
The view of the Roaring Fork Valley coming down the Buckhorn  side.
Jun 13, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Contemplating my decisions at 1pm in mid-july, but LOVING the view!
Jul 21, 2023 near Carbondale, CO
One of the main decorations that you'll find along Christmas Tree.
Apr 23, 2014 near Carbondale, CO
Mount Sopris as viewed from North Porcupine Trail.
May 16, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
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