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Larimer County Cycling

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (24)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Soapstone Prairie
  5. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
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“A long, easy climb on well-designed singletrack followed by a great, fast descent. ”

Stuart Black
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Map Key

21.8

Miles

35.1

KM

100%

Singletrack

7,234' 2,205 m

High

6,129' 1,868 m

Low

1,603' 489 m

Up

1,600' 488 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Overview

This loop uses several different trails along the Colorado/Wyoming border in an almost wilderness setting. The early part of the loop is classic high plains riding with gently, albeit sandy, climbs.

The easy climb saves your energy for a long twisting descent back to your car. Be sure to stop and enjoy the views from the top of Cheyenne Rim Trail.

Need to Know

This is a long way from anything. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and food. Exercise caution while riding as help could be a long way away. Cattle are present on the trail, and the area is rattlesnake territory so be aware.

Description

This route makes a long loop of existing trails, heading counterclockwise along Pronghorn Loop, Pronghorn Loop to Mahogany Loop Connector, Mahogany Loop, Canyon Trail, and Cheyenne Rim Trail

The trails climb on relatively smooth and easy tread. There is some sand on the Canyon Trail but it is relatively short. Once you reach Cheyenne Rim Trail, the terrain becomes more challenging and technical with lots of rocks and fast descents and a few substantial climbs. It's mostly downhill but has some surprises. Watch for teepee rings and fire rings at the top of Cheyenne Rim Trail.

There are numerous loops that can extend this long ride even further if you wish.

History & Background

The area has been home to humans for over 20,000 years as evidenced by Folsom culture finds at the Lindenmeier site (northernmost parking lot off the Mahogany Loop to Canyon Trail Connector).

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Fort Collins, Colorado

Shared By:

Stuart Black with improvements by Brad Nelson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 24 votes

#2

in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

#927

Overall
  4.2 from 24 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
4%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Soapstone Prairie Natu…

#211

in Colorado

#927

Overall
37 Views Last Month
5,684 Since Oct 29, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate
9%
23%
59%
9%
0%
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Photos

The golden hour at Red Mountain is amazing.
Sep 10, 2016 near Laporte, CO
Amazing views !
Aug 30, 2015 near Laporte, CO
Mahogany has a few fun rock features.
Nov 5, 2016 near South G…, WY
Looking at the Red Stone Open Space
Jul 14, 2019 near Laporte, CO
Most of numerous gates in the Soapstone Area are now equipped with cattle guards, so you don't need to stop.
Nov 16, 2017 near Wellington, CO
South view at overlook around mile 5.5.
Sep 22, 2019 near Wellington, CO

2 Comments

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Check-Ins

Sep 29, 2024
Jed Smith
Ascent made for a great zone 2 ride, sandy single/doubletrack. Descent through Cheyenne rim trail is awesome. 21.4mi — 2h 55m
Aug 31, 2024
Seth Spielman
Jun 22, 2024
Timmy Kessel
With Dylan. Beautiful out.
Jul 16, 2023
Jacob Hauzen
Jul 17, 2022
Calvin Burns
Nov 8, 2021
Steve .
trails in hood condition 22mi — 4h 00m
May 23, 2021
Eric Newman
Wind at the end, super fun, beautiful views — 3h 25m
Jul 31, 2020
Brad Nelson
14h 00m

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