MTB Project Logo

A nice loop to enjoy many of the best trails in the Hardscrabble Trails system


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

19.4

Miles

31.2

KM

90%

Singletrack

8,034' 2,449 m

High

6,712' 2,046 m

Low

3,060' 933 m

Up

3,060' 933 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

32%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Closed from December 1 - April 15 for seasonal wildlife closures.

Overview

This loop takes in many of the best trails in this network. It is designed to climb on the mellower climbing trails and drop some of the great descents. A solid 19 miles with lots of climbing to make a good workout on many fun trails, see the area, and check out the views from up high.

Description

Start at the Horton Street trailhead.

Drop in on School House Rock for a quick climb and swooping descent. Left to climb Elmer's. This is a reasonable mellow grade climb to get you started up the first major climb.

Right onto World's Greatest for a short moment as a short distance connector. Enjoy a taste of the fun descent you'll get later in the loop.

Left to start the crank up Tick Alley. Another mellow grade climb though there are some steep climbs near the top.

Right on Elk Drop / Fast Times for your first major downhill to enjoy the fruits of your first climb
Watch for the right turn onto Star Wars -- it's easy to blow by. If you find yourself on easy old road, you've missed it. Enjoy the bottom of this first descent.

Take a left onto the very obvious Pole Road for a short moment. Check out the cool area the dirt bikes can play on. You'll end up at the McHatten Road #8384. Go left on it for 0.2 miles where you'll get to make a choice.

The recommended route turns left here to climb the ultra mellow road of Elk Drop Lower. After 0.6 miles up this mellow climb, you'll see an unnamed trail break off on the right. Go for it, a short trip that descends steeply at the bottom to rejoin the McHatten Road. Riding this alternative gives you an extra 150 feet of climbing but it's really mellow and a fun descent, so it's worth it.

The alternative would be to ride the McHatten Road #8384 for 1.2 miles. From here, you'll be able to look back up to see the alternate trailing coming down its steep little drop. Whichever route you choose, rejoin the main line here.

If you went for the recommended bonus, simply cross the McHatten Road; if you did the alternate, turn right at this readily noticeable intersection. Ride through the open flat with a Private Property sign off to your left then you'll see the entrance to Easy Rider ahead on your left shortly.

Take the left up Easy Rider for a good bit of climbing. Most of this trail is a mellow grade though beware: the top has a steep section with a deep rut that can be tough to climb. Accept the hike-a-bike if need be; it's short and worth getting through.

At the obvious top of Easy Rider, turn right on the Spring Creek to Cat Walk (8383C) road. It won't be long before you make the left turn onto Cat Walk. Your substantial climbing is done; it's time for lots of fun. Enjoy the flat fast trip across Cat Walk, taking in the views along the way. You'll exit Cat Walk into an open meadow with an oasis of a couple clumps of trees for shade and a nice spot to catch a bite to eat.

There are many trails departing this oasis area. Many of them will work. Your goal is to get onto Scratch for a quick transition to the top of World's Greatest. Time to throw on a huge smile for the sweet 1000 feet of flowing descent; you've earned it. Carry speed through the whoop-di-doos -- they are a fun, unique gift for all the work you've done.

Turn right onto Hockett Gulch to rejoin School House Rock for your final short climb and sweeping finish back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joel Larner with improvements by Kristen Arendt and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 5 votes

#3364

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

#481

in Colorado

#3,364

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,922 Since Jul 2, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
25%
25%
0%

Photos

The sign says it all
Oct 24, 2013 near Eagle, CO
World's Greatest, with decent scenery as well.
Oct 24, 2013 near Eagle, CO
One of the steep drops on World's Greatest
Oct 24, 2013 near Eagle, CO
World's Greatest to Elmer's  |  Total descent experience.
Oct 11, 2019 near Eagle, CO
Start of Elmer's.
Jul 9, 2016 near Eagle, CO
Easy Rider going down!! Woot! Woot!
Sep 12, 2016 near Gypsum, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.