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An underrated ride nestled in a deep and scenic canyon.


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Map Key

11.1

Miles

17.9

KM

65%

Singletrack

7,268' 2,215 m

High

6,457' 1,968 m

Low

1,122' 342 m

Up

1,122' 342 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

With two creek crossings, some flow, some tech, and a lot of fun descending, this ride provides riders with the full MTB gamut.

Need to Know

A steep uphill/downhill are the main hazards of this ride. The downhill/uphill is the first and last section of the trail.

Description

From the parking lot off of Dave Wood Road, descend the incredibly steep Lower Spring Creek Trail. This trail has large loose stones and very tight switchbacks; descend at your own speed!

From the end of the first descent, turn right onto Lower Spring Creek North Connector. This trail is a newly built (2017) trail that winds its way towards the creek. Descend these switchbacks to Spring Creek itself, and cross the bridge (installed in 2019).

From the stream crossing, the trail heads north and enters the Old Spring Canyon Road. Turn left onto this road and follow it west. Though not incredibly technical, this road does ascend some chunky rock gardens, so save some energy for those.

After avoiding multiple cacti and jackrabbits, the road will dead end and turn into the brand new (2017) Lower Spring Creek South Connector. This trail is incredibly well-built and winds its way uphill to the highpoint of this ride. From there, the trail then heads east and descends back to Spring Creek. Take the bridge across the creek.

After the final stream crossing, the trail switchbacks to Lower Spring Creek Trail itself. This trail is a blast to descend and allows you to absolutely rip. Watch for loose rocks and blind turns as you make your way down, but mostly this trail is just pure technical bliss. This ride's finale is a hike-a-bike back to the parking lot!

An optional access is by driving up the Spring Canyon Road - go through 6 cattle gates before coming to a trailhead. Ride a short distance to beginning of loop, as described.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Bill Harris and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 16 votes

#2113

Overall
  3.9 from 16 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
13%
Recommended Route Rankings

#369

in Colorado

#2,113

Overall
15 Views Last Month
3,137 Since May 30, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
8%
85%
8%
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Photos

That's Lower Spring Creek down there! Taken from the top of the hike out.
Jan 25, 2016 near Montrose, CO
Catching some air!
Jul 26, 2016 near Montrose, CO
Lower Spring Creek bridge
Jul 2, 2020 near Montrose, CO
North end of Lower Spring Creek Trail
Jan 17, 2015 near Montrose, CO
Crossing Spring Creek in spring flood conditions, 2017
Apr 18, 2017 near Montrose, CO
Crew working on the south connector bridge
Dec 18, 2019 near Montrose, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 51 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 16, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Jul 1, 2022
Leo DutchCowboy
Rode it clock wise. Definitely very challenging climbs that way and could not make quite a couple of them. 11mi — 2h 20m
Jun 22, 2021
Tyler Rice
11.1mi — 12h 01m
Jul 18, 2020
Michael Vaughn
22mi
Jul 6, 2020
Cara Hubbell
With Zac. Hot af and really fun! 11mi — 2h 16m
Jul 4, 2020
Krisana Barrett
12.1mi — 3h 57m
May 7, 2018
Jesse McPeek
11.1mi
Mar 22, 2018
Adam Miller
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