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A fantastic lollipop in the mid-valley that mixes a little bike path with lots of flowy singletrack.


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Map Key

15.4

Miles

24.7

KM

70%

Singletrack

7,279' 2,219 m

High

6,282' 1,915 m

Low

1,254' 382 m

Up

1,252' 382 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

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 seasonal closed from Dec. 1 – May 15.

Overview

A great loop that can be accessed from Catherine's Store Road or Hook Spur Lane that provides an easy climb, ample flow, and a fun descent. Rides well in either direction!

Description

This is a great ride that combines two fairly new trails in the mid-valley that make for a great after work excursion. The ride starts and ends from the Catherine's Store Parking Trailhead along the Rio Grande Trail. Alternatively this ride can be started from the Hook Spur Parking Trailhead along the Rio Grande near Willits Lane (to spend less time on the paved bike path).

From either location, expect a moderate climb up the Glassier OS Trail before a fun and flowy traverse across Buckhorn Traverse punctuated with a ripping descent down the lower half of Buckhorn. It's worth noting that this loop is completely rideable and fun in both directions. However, the Buckhorn Traverse flows better in the downvalley direction. In either direction you'll end your ride descending either Buckhorn or Glassier OS Trail and you'll be smiling all the way home.

History & Background

The Glassier OS Trail and lower Buckhorn were completed in 2016. They were connected by the Buckhorn Traverse in 2017.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt L with improvements by Rob Stahl and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 41 votes

#1

in Crown Trails

#454

Overall
  4.3 from 41 votes
5 Star
51%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Crown Trails

#116

in Colorado

#454

Overall
4 Views Last Month
8,872 Since Oct 18, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

3%
3%
69%
8%
17%
0%

Photos

Get here early and you'll be blown away at beauty that is wild flowers!
May 13, 2014 near El Jebel, CO
Leaving Glassier Open Space, starting down Buckhorn Traverse on BLM land.  Roaring Fork Valley floor is to the right.
Aug 2, 2017 near El Jebel, CO
Buckhorn Traverse soon after the Glassier trail connects.
Jun 3, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Start of trailhead from Buckhorn Traverse.
Aug 1, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
The view of the Roaring Fork Valley coming down the Buckhorn  side.
Jun 13, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Above Rock Bottom Ranch & the Roaring Fork valley, Basalt Mountain on the horizon.
Jun 1, 2016 near El Jebel, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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