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Pronghorn Loop

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.2 (49)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …San Luis Valley
  4. …Del Norte and Monte Vista
  5. Pronghorn Trail System
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“An entertaining desert loop with epic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range! ”

Raleigh Burt
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7.8

Miles

12.6

KM
Singletrack

8,656' 2,638 m

High

8,071' 2,460 m

Low

954' 291 m

Up

900' 274 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Closed to bikes January 1 through May 1.

Description

The recently built Pronghorn Loop is a great ride within pedaling distance of the nearby town of Del Norte. The ~8-mile loop is 100% singletrack purpose-built for bikes. The trail wanders through unique rock formations then climbs into high meadows where you can see all the way across the San Luis Valley to the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The trail will test beginner's skills while still offering fun terrain and features to entertain more advanced riders.

The suggested direction is clockwise starting at the northeast end of the loop. The east section contours the hillside, navigating through unique rock formations while paralleling the San Fransisco Creek Road. This section is a great area for beginner/intermediate riders to work on technique and handling skills. The west end of the loop is where most of the elevation is gained and lost. Remember to charge your tubes or tires with sealant - cactus is not hard to find on this ride. In the heat of the summer, rattlesnakes are a common sighting.

Contacts

Local Club: Del Norte Trails Organization (DNTO)

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - San Luis Valley Field Office

Shared By:

Raleigh Burt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 49 votes

#1

in Pronghorn Trail System

#247

Overall
  4.2 from 49 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Pronghorn Trail System

#96

in Colorado

#247

Overall
18 Views Last Month
5,178 Since Dec 12, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
55%
17%
29%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Awesome views aren't hard to come by on the Pronghorn Loop!
Apr 11, 2017 near Del Norte, CO
A nice section of rock gardens along the San Fransisco Creek road.
Apr 11, 2017 near Del Norte, CO
Climbing into the sunset on the Pronghorn Loop.
Apr 11, 2017 near Del Norte, CO
Sangre de Cristos on fire at sunset.
Apr 11, 2017 near Del Norte, CO
Trail has some very creative and well built rock features.
Jul 2, 2018 near Del Norte, CO
Scenic view
Jul 2, 2018 near Del Norte, CO

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 32 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jun 27, 2026
Scott Gutowski
Mar 1, 2026
Nathan King
Rides better counterclockwise or just out and back the trail from the parking lot to the top and back
Jul 9, 2025
Jes Meiris
Clockwise- might consider other direction next time. Great trail! 7.8mi — 0h 55m
Sep 14, 2024
Chas Semon
Aug 26, 2024
Mitch Schaben
1h 19m
Jun 3, 2024
Sean McKeown
Sep 8, 2023
Clare Shemeta
we did CCL - first mile is super rough & rigorous - mostly intermediate but so sustained. Hot & no shade
Jul 24, 2023
Dried Figs
Man that uphill is brutal. Props to anyone can do it without stopping. 8mi — 3h 00m

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