Thistle Hill

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Downhill · Flow · Technical · Wooden/Built Features

The Thistle Hill trails will put a smile on your face. The trails start with beginner-friendly flow trails, progress to intermediate two-way, singletrack through pine and aspen forests with various features along the way (always look for the B line!) and contain challenging rock armoring and difficult climbs. Rewards include thrilling descents and amazing views that start high, meander along the ridge, and dive down the ravine through a series of bermed turns before climbing back out. There are rock features, bridges, and fun, tight squeezes through rock outcroppings.

There's a parking lot you can use with maps south of Cty Rd ZZ at Bethel Horizons. There you'll also find another mountain bike trail system. Other than CORP membership, there are no fees for riding at Thistle Hill and Bethel Horizons.

From the trailhead at County Road ZZ, head north to trail marker #2. There are number posts along the trail (and some maps), follow these mostly in order. Head north from #2 on a trail that slices smoothly through the trees along the edge of a gully. The entire trail system makes use of a couple of large tree-filled gullies. Pass markers #3 and #4 and turn right at marker #5 to keep heading north. This will take you up over a ridge to the next gully. Don't be worried, the next marker you pass will be marker #7 (you hit #6 on the return).

Up until now the trail has been two-way but after marker #9, the trails are a mix of one-way and two-way trails. After passing #8, go right at #9 on a one-way trail until marker #11. At marker #10 there's an option for an expert trail (not included here). At #11 go right onto the two-way trail. Keep right again at markers #12 and #13. At marker #14 go left and enjoy some smooth downhills and increasingly tricky climbs with a few protruding rocks to keep things interesting.

You'll stay left at #15. Be careful to keep left at a trail junctions between #15 and #16. At marker #16 the trail will turn right. To stay on the route depicted, be careful not to take the advanced option just prior to #16. Now you'll come to #17 where we keep right which starts a loop that will return to this point. At marker #18, go left to loop back to #17. The stretch between #17 and #18 will be repeated and is one of the more rewarding and challenging sections of trail.

The views of gully rock walls are outstanding. At marker #18 go left. this climbs to open ridgetop and returns to #17, keep left returning #18 where you go right this time. Follow the markers in this order to make the return trip to the trailhead, #18, #21, #22, #15, #14, #13, #12, #11, #9, #8, #7, #5, #6 and finally #2. From there head up the hill back to county road ZZ.