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A challenging lollipop in the mid-valley with significant climbs that reward with ripping descents.


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Map Key

20.3

Miles

32.6

KM

80%

Singletrack

8,043' 2,451 m

High

6,283' 1,915 m

Low

2,273' 693 m

Up

2,273' 693 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

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 seasonally closed from Dec. 1–May 15.

Overview

This is a great lollipop that showcases some of the better trails on both Prince Creek and The Crown. While this isn't technical at all, there are two significant climbs that will tax everyone's fitness.

Need to Know

The start of this ride begins at the Catherine's Store Road Parking/Trailhead along the Rio Grande Trail, but it can also be accessed by starting from Hook Spur Lane Parking/TrailHead in Willits.

Description

From which ever trailhead you decide to begin from, the ride starts with an easy pedal on the Rio Grande Trail to the singletrack intersection with Buckhorn. The climb starts moderately along the newer section completed in 2016. A gradual 1.5 miles of climbing brings the trail to northern end of the Buckhorn Traverse. Bear right to stay on Buckhorn.

The climb continues for about 2.0 miles and is steep and unrelenting at times. Eventually, you'll get to the intersection where you'll head right onto Outie. This is a super fun rolling and traversing section with a few punchy climbs and quick descents. After about 1.2 miles, this will become North Porcupine, which you'll stay on till you pick up Innie on the left.

This is a long climb that gets gradually steeper as it continues. Keep an eye for Oz's Bench on your left near the top for some of the best view of the Crystal Rive Valley. When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with majestic view of Sopris and Capital poking up from behind.

This is where the real fun begins. Take Outie from the top of Innie and enjoy a classic fall-line rut descent that ends with a steep hike-a-bike (for most) before returning to the intersection with Buckhorn. From this point, retrace your steps down Buckhorn all the way to the valley floor and enjoy more fall-line descending before taking lower Buckhorn back to the valley floor. Consider tacking on Buckhorn Traverse and the Glassier OS Trail in either direction for a little more climbing, descending, and fun.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt L with improvements by Taz Brown

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 11 votes

#5

in Crown Trails

#2231

Overall
  4.0 from 11 votes
5 Star
18%
4 Star
64%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Crown Trails

#360

in Colorado

#2,231

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3,247 Since Nov 2, 2017
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Photos

Views of Mt Sopris sure do not suck up here.
May 12, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
The view of the Roaring Fork Valley coming down the Buckhorn  side.
Jun 13, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Contemplating my decisions at 1pm in mid-july, but LOVING the view!
Jul 21, 2023 near Carbondale, CO
Mount Sopris as viewed from North Porcupine Trail.
May 16, 2016 near Carbondale, CO
The "Chicken Coop" as locals call it.
Apr 23, 2014 near Carbondale, 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

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May 14, 2021
Bob Hall
Aug 12, 2019
Tarik Hopkins
Jun 14, 2019
Dan Andersen
Jun 11, 2019
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