Steamboat Bike Guide 2013

Bike Guide The Guide to Biking the Boat!

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Table of Contents

On the cover

Welcome ................................... 9 New Online Bike Guide ...................... 9 Welcome Letter ........................................... 11 Letter of the Month ................................. 11 Events ....................................... 13 USA Pro Challenge.................................. 13 Bike Town USA ......................................... 15 Event Calendar ............................................ 16 Event Round-up .......................................... 18 Community................................. 20 Locals’ Favorites Rides............................... 20 Après Bike Sessions ................................... 22 Local Bike Manufacturers ....................... 23 Bike Shop Round-up ................................ 24 Safe Routes to School.............................. 26 Routt County Riders ................................. 27 Adaptive Cycling ....................................... 27 Cycling Seniors ............................................. 27 SSWSC Update........................................ 28

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Ride Guide ................................ 29 Using this Guide ......................................... 30 Safety ....................................... 31 Riding with Animals .................................. 31 Using the Bus ................................................ 31 Riding Right..................................................... 32 Road Safety.................................................... 33 Bike Tips ........................................................... 33 Family Riding .............................. 34 Municipal Map ........................................... 34 Historic Tour Rides ..................................... 36 State Parks ....................................................... 38 Lil’ Rippers ...................................................... 39 Family Rides..................................................... 39 Town/Mountain .......................... 40 Emerald Mountain Map ........................ 40 Howelsen/Emerald Mountain............. 42 Beall/Ridge Trails .......................................... 44 Rotary Trail ...................................................... 45 Ski Area ........................................................... 46 Skyline Trail ..................................................... 50

Jamie Kripke

Air Apparent: Steve Poole, Kristi Bernitt, Andrew Bernitt and Billy Grimes make their way down the new Rustler’s Ridge downhill trail at Steamboat Ski Area.

Photo by Larry Pierce.

Spring Creek Trail........................................ 52 Hot Springs Trail.......................................... 53 Lower Bear..................................................... 54 North Routt ............................... 55 Seedhouse....................................................... 55 Nipple Peak ................................................... 56 Big Red Park ................................................... 58 Grizzly-Helena ............................................. 59 South Routt/Rabbit Ears............... 60 Harrison Creek ............................................. 60 Divide Trail ...................................................... 62 Lynx Pass.......................................................... 64 BMX ........................................ 66 Bear River Bike Park .................................... 66 Road/Mixed-Surface Rides........... 68 Epic Rides........................................................ 68 Lunch Loops ................................................. 70 Road/Mixed Rides .................................... 73 Local Gear ..................................................... 76 Parting Shot ............................... 78

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Bike Town USA Debuts New Online Bike Guide Riders in Steamboat now have a new resource for their riding information.

A new website, www.steamboatbiketown. com, designed and funded by the Steamboat Springs Bike Town USA Initiative, is an online bike guide filled with interactive trail maps, event calendars and image galleries and is the most comprehensive website dedicated to cycling in Steamboat.

Built by riders and for riders, the online bike guide is organized into geographic riding zones within Routt County and is further segmented by riding type. Whether you’re a family looking for a leisurely cruise, a full-face helmet downhiller, or a roadie looking to tackle a century — the bike guide has your beta.

It’s also designed for today’s social networking, whether it’s on Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube or

Pinterest. “We’ve incorporated into it the ultimate sharing experience with a line of action-packed, gritty, Virtual Ride videos,” Bike Town USA’s Doug Davis says. “These videos can help people plan and get a feel for specific trails and rides from the comfort of their own homes or at their Steamboat lodging.” The site’s interactive cycling forum lets users post their photos and add ride highlights for friends.

The website owes itself to the generous community support of partners Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare, Steamboat Bike Shop, Backcountry Delicatessen and Moots Cycles.

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Welcome

Letter from the Chair

Welcome to Steamboat Springs, Bike Town USA. This year continues to be another successful chapter for the Steamboat Springs Bike Town USA Initiative with the addition of the new Wild Rose trail to be completed on Emerald Mountain, downhill trails at Steamboat Ski Area,

the opening of the Bear River Jump Park, new trail signage along the Yampa River Core Trail and Emerald Mountain, and an application to finalize designation as a nonprofit organization.

In the fall, we welcomed the International Mountain Biking Association to the Steamboat community as our friends and cycling partners with Routt County Riders becoming a new IMBA chapter. We also look forward to the return of the USA Pro Challenge in August as Steamboat Springs one again plays host to the world’s best cyclists.

We’re also excited to announce the launch of the new online Steamboat Bike Guide, www. steamboatbiketown.com, your interactive resource

for routes, maps, virtual ride videos and community information to get you out on the trails and roads and keep you up to date on cycling-related events in town.

We think the beauty of Steamboat is best when ridden. So enjoy our great road riding, pedal our 500 miles of cross-country mountain bike trails or simply cruise the Core Trail to your favorite watering hole. Thank you for visiting Steamboat, and we look forward to riding with you.

— David C. Scully Steamboat Springs Bike Town USA Initiative board president

Letter of the month

My husband and I are from Vancouver, British Columbia, and last summer we spent a wonderful 14 days in Steamboat. We’re avid mountain bikers, and we took a six-month leave of absence from work for an extended road trip. We went biking all over the Southwest U.S. (and Mexico), and Steamboat was by far our favorite place overall.

Steamboat is an amazing place! The cross-country

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mountain biking is outstanding — both for its variety and access right from town. We wish we had our road bikes because the road riding looks outstanding, too. Everything else there — from the people we met (friendly and very helpful) to the restaurants, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful Yampa River just 20 steps from where we were staying — was great. The only bad part is that we had to leave.

We’ll definitely be back, though, and will stay longer next time. If you live in Steamboat, count yourself lucky: You live in an amazing place. And keep up all the great work on your cycling facilities and trails. I’d estimate that we spent over $3,000 including our accommodations during our stay, and we wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t for your mountain bike trails. And I know that there are lots of people out there like us, so don’t under estimate the payback you’ll get from your cycling infrastructure. By the way, I loved the 2012 Bike Guide!

— Gail Sawers, Vancouver, British Columbia

Take our Bike Town Survey at www. steamboatbiketown.com, and you’ll be entered to win a free vacation to Steamboat Springs, including two nights at the Rabbit Ears Motel, dinner for two, free admission to the Old Town Hot Springs and more!

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USA Pro Challenge returns to Steamboat If you’re in Steamboat Springs on Aug. 21 and 22 this summer, bring your cowbells to Lincoln Avenue for a glimpse of some of the best bicycle racers in the world. The USA Pro Challenge returns to town for the second time to host the Stage 3 finish Aug. 21 and the Stage 4 start Aug. 22. Stage 3 begins in Breckenridge, and Stage 4 ends in Beaver Creek.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of it again,” says Jim Schneider, co-chairman of the local organizing committee that bid to host the event. “The entire community put on a fantastic event during the inaugural race, and we’re looking forward to again hosting the best cyclists in the world on this incredible international stage.”

On Aug. 21, racers will roar into a downtown finish on Lincoln Avenue after racing all the way from Breckenridge over Rabbit Ears Pass. The action continues the next morning as they take off from downtown, out Twentymile Road and onto Colorado Highway 131 to the day’s finish in Beaver Creek. No matter where you are along the course, expect everything from dancing Elvises and Wonder Women to the clanging of cowbells.

Between all the communities, race officials expect more than 1 million people to watch the race in person this year.

“The Steamboat community has proven we can support an event of this magnitude, so it was only natural to pursue it again,” Schneider says. “Everyone

has said it was the most amazing event to ever come here, and I’m sure this year will be the same.”

In 2011, some of the largest crowds on the entire tour lined Lincoln Avenue downtown for the stage finish. “There wasn’t a bad seat in the house,” Schneider says. “And with both a finish and start again this year, spectators will have plenty of chances to get up close and personal with the best cyclists in the world.”

“Each of these hosting communities will be on an international stage as part of America’s greatest race,” says USA Pro Challenge CEO Shawn Hunter, adding that in 2011, “Steamboat was the most energetic stage I’d ever been a part of in cycling.”

USA Pro Challenge 2013 schedule Stage 1 Aug. 19: Aspen/Snowmass Circuit Stage 2 Aug. 20: Aspen/Snowmass to Breckenridge Stage 3 Aug. 21: Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs Stage 4 Aug. 22: Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek

Stage 6 Aug. 24: Loveland to Fort Collins Stage 7 Aug. 25: Denver Circuit www.steamboatprocycling.com

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Joel Reichenberger

Stage 5 Aug. 23: Vail Time Trial

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Bike Town USA ®

With a world-class bike path; miles of trail improvements; ride-to-work and school initiatives; new BMX, pump and freeride options; a topnotch local race series; two bike manufacturers; and more, Steamboat Springs’ Bike Town USA movement is rolling strong enough that the League of American Bicyclists recently awarded Steamboat its Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

“Biking helps makes Steamboat a year-round destination,” says Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association CEO Tom Kern. “It’s an integral part of our community.”

The movement has hosted two nationally recognized Bike Summit meetings, produces the annual Steamboat Springs Bike Guide and has

twice attracted the USA Pro Challenge to town, including the event’s two-stage stop here Aug. 21 and 22. These initiatives aside, the town’s riding options are the backbone of this biking movement.

“People are now coming here from around the country just to go biking,” Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare owner Harry Martin says. “There are a ton of different options right from town.”

Adds Honey Stinger founder Bill Gamber, also an avid rider: “Biking is huge here. There aren’t many communities this passionate about riding.”

This cycling sentiment shows through in everything from the town’s lineup of annual bike events and a seven-mile bike path through town to a slew of new trails and two marquee bike manufacturers, Kent Eriksen Cycles and Moots,

calling Steamboat home.

“We have the full breadth of riders here, from recreational to pros,” Moots Marketing Director Jon Cariveau says. “The town’s access to riding is pretty unique, from Emerald Mountain downtown to great road loops and freeride trails.

We have all the right ingredients.”

It’s those ingredients that, mixed together with a passionate cycling community, make Steamboat Springs the ideal spot to visit for your cycling vacation, whether you’re on skinny tires or those for the trail. For more information during your stay, visit the newly designed www.steamboatbiketown. com, stop by any of our many friendly bike shops or flag a local down on the trail.

Bike Town USA Sponsors

Take our Bike Town Survey at www. steamboatbiketown.com, and you’ll be entered to win a free vacation to Steamboat Springs, including two nights at the Rabbit Ears Motel, dinner for two, free admission to the Old Town Hot Springs and more!

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2013 Steamboat Cycling Events May

www.townchallenge.com

29: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com 31: Strawberry Park school bike rally

June Colorado Bike to Work Month 12: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com 13: Mountain Scholarship Day benefiting Routt County Riders, www.routtcountyriders.org 14: Gondola opens for summer season, www. steamboat.com 15: Steamboat Bike Festival and Swap (benefitting Routt County Riders/Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club), Steamboat base area, www.sswsc. org. Vendor info: david@enduro-xrace.com, 970846-5012 15/16: Steamboat Enduro-X Mountain Bike Series (Rawhide Super D Gravity Race), www. enduro-xrace.com 26: Bike to Work Day, www.routtcountyriders.org 26: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series,

July 10: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com 20: Eriksen Tour de Steamboat (fundraiser rides including 110-mile Gore Gruel, 40-mile Stagecoach ride and family friendly Yampa River Core Trail ride), www.tourdesteamboat.com 21: Steamboat Lake Sprint Triathlon, www. withoutlimits.com 24: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com

August 4: STARS Biking the Boat charity ride (56-, 26and 10-mile rides), www.steamboatstars.com 7: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com 17-24: Steamboat Bike Week www. steamboatbiketown.com/events 17: Steamboat Stinger mountain bike race, www. honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger 17/18: Steamboat Enduro-X Mountain Bike Series

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club cycling programs Road Training Race Series: May 23, June 5 and 19, July 17 and 31, Aug. 14

Mountain Bike Skills Clinics: July 2 and 3, and July 6 and 7

Youth Mountain Bike Program (ages 7 to 15): June 19 to July 24

BMX: July 27 to Aug. 22

Development (ages 11 to 15): June 10 to July 22

Gravity Groms camps (ages 9 to 12): June 27 to 29, July 18 to 20, and Aug. 1 to 3

Elite (ages 15 to 19): May 6 to Aug. 23 Jr (ages 11 to 16): June 24 to July 18, and July 22 to Aug.15 Girl Thing (ages 11 to 16): June 25 to July 25, and July 30 to Aug. 16

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Gravity Team (ages 11 to 18): June 10 to Aug. 22

Steamboat High School Composite Team: Aug. 1 to Nov. 1

(Sunshine/Thunderhead Enduro Challenge Gravity Race), www.enduro-xrace.com 18: Steamboat Olympic Triathlon at Lake Catamount, www.withoutlimits.com 20: Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com 21/22: USA Pro Challenge, www. steamboatprocycling.com 30/31: Steamboat Springs Stage Race (Friday time trial, Saturday circuit race), www.bikesteamboat. com

September 1/2: Steamboat Springs Stage Race (Sunday road race, Monday criterium), www.bikesteamboat.com 7: Keep Emerald Green Ride www. routtcountyriders.com 30: Quick & Chainless Race and SummerEnd Festival wwww.steamboat.com

October

5: Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride (fundraiser for Routt County Humane Society), www. ssmustacheride.com

Ongoing bike programs and series Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series: May 29, June 12 and 26, July 10, Aug. 7 and 20. Info: www. townchallenge.com Team Flying Wheels BMX Race Series: June 13 and 27, July 11, 18 and 25, Aug. 1, 8 and 15. Info: 970-8719500, www.ihigh.com/ steamboatspringsbmx Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Women’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic: June 5 and 19, July 3, 17 and 31, Aug. 14 and 28. Info: www. steamboatskiandbike.com

Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Basic Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: May 6 and 31, July 1.

Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Women’s Tune Up Tuesdays: June 4, 11, 18 and 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Info: www. steamboatskiandbike.com STARS Sunday Strolls: June 23, July 21, Aug. 4 and 18. Info: www. steamboatstars.com

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Cycling Events Round-Up This year’s USA Pro Challenge is far from the only bicycling event hanging its helmet in Steamboat Springs this summer.

Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, all summer Rarely does an event better solidify the local cycling scene than Steamboat’s annual Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series. Held every summer, the seven race series offers hill-climb and cross-country events with a whopping 24 categories, from pro/open and men’s and women’s expert to sport and novice divisions, kids categories and even singlespeed. Points are awarded for each race (best six of seven), with the results tallied for top bragging rights at a raucous party at season’s end. Riders can register ahead of time online, at the city’s Parks, Open Space and Recreational

Services Office or on-site on race day. This year’s events will be held May 29, June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24, and Aug. 7 and 21. Info: www. townchallenge.com

Tour de Steamboat, July 20 When mountain bike Hall of Famer Kent Eriksen first brought the Tour de Steamboat into existence, it was a motley collection of 80 riders pedaling a 50-mile loop to Oak Creek and back. Now, thanks to local sponsorship from Prudential Steamboat Realty, it draws as many as 1,000 riders each year and benefits local nonprofits. Co-organized by Eriksen’s wife, Katie Lindquist, the noncompetitive event offers rides of three distances, including a 40-mile Stagecoach ride, family-friendly Yampa River Core Trail ride and the infamous 110-mile Gore Gruel, which takes riders from Steamboat over Rabbit Ears and Gore passes and back. “It’s a great event for a great cause,” Eriksen says. This

year, the Tour De Steamboat benefits four Yampa Valley organizations: Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, Partners in Routt County, Routt County Riders and Yampa Valley Sustainability Council.

Info: www.rockypeakproductions.com.

Steamboat Stinger, Aug. 17 Sting or be stung. That’s the mantra behind this year’s third annual Steamboat Stinger race, hosted

by Steamboat’s own Honey Stinger. Serving up a healthy dose of punishment Emerald Mountainstyle, this year’s event will lure 500 mountain bikers to town to race 50 miles up and over Emerald Mountain, not once but twice, grinding up frontside trails and then down the Ridge Trail and back up the Beall Trail in a two-loop circuit. This year’s event again will offer solo and duo divisions as well as full- and half-marathon trail races Aug. 18 as part of the Steamboat Springs Running Series.

Bill loves biking Steamboat.

Bill found fun things to do on his bike trip to Steamboat on ExploreSteamboat.com.

Be like Bill. Start your bike trip with ExploreSteamboat.com or the ExploreSteamboat mobile app.

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As many as 500 mountain bike and 400 runner spots are available.

“Racing is in our DNA at Honey Stinger, so we decided to promote the great trails we have so close to town by launching the event two years ago,” Honey Stinger’s Len Zanni says. “After our first successful year, we figured a trail race on the same weekend made sense, too. It’s going to be a big weekend party.”

Riders better eat plenty of Honey Stinger waffles and chews if they hope to unseat last year’s winners — including men’s champion Russell Finsterwald, who finished in 4:14:01, and women’s leader Katie Compton, who came in at 4:57:39 — and even more to earn the coveted King Sting and Queen Bee categories, awarded to those who ride and run. Last year men’s King Bee Max Taam finished in 8:40:578 and Queen Bee Sari Anderson finished in 8:55:15.

Info: www.steamboatstinger.com

USA Pro Challenge, Aug. 21 and 22 This internationally acclaimed cycling event returns

to Steamboat this summer for the second time, showing world-class cyclists everything there is to love about Steamboat. This year, Steamboat will serve as the finish of Stage 3, which has racers starting in Breckenridge and finishing in downtown Steamboat, as well as the next day’s start of Stage 4, which will see racers starting the Queen Stage at Steamboat Ski Area and ending more than 100 miles later in Beaver Creek.

Info: www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com

Steamboat Enduro-X Mountain Bike Series, June 15 and 16, Aug. 17 and 18 Enduro racing comes full force to Steamboat this summer with the new mountain bike Enduro-X race series. The expanding downhill and gravity trails at Steamboat Resort offer a new venue for the growing Downhill-Enduro scene. The downhillracing action kicks off with the Rustlers Ridge and Rawhide Enduros on June 15 and 16 and culminates with the Sunshine and Thunderhead Enduros on Aug. 17 and 18. Plus, the new series offers a Kids Pump Track Jam, Dual Slalom Races

and even a Strider Challenge for the youngsters, making each event fun for the whole family.

Info: www.enduro-xrace.com

Steamboat Stage Race, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 The idea for the Steamboat Stage Race started when founder Corey Piscopo moved to town in 2008 and saw an opportunity for a new event on Labor Day weekend, envisioning an event that would draw racers from across Colorado and encourage new road racers in Steamboat. It’s done all that and more.

The event’s uniqueness stems from its stage race format, similar to the Tour de France, requiring racers to compete in all four days of racing. “It also offers 10 different racing categories for men and women, based on age and ability, with equal prize money for the pro men and women, which isn’t very common in bike racing,” Piscopo says. “The first three years have been pretty awesome with pro riders racing alongside local racers,” he says, adding that this year’s event should draw nearly 400 competitors to town.

Info: www.bikesteamboat.com

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Secret Stashes

10 locals share their favorite rides Bill Gamber,

Honey Stinger president My favorite ride is right behind my house off Strawberry Park Road, involving various routes up and down Two-Track, Upper and Lower Bear, the Elk Park Road and Hot Springs Trail. It’s all great singletrack in a wilderness setting, with everything from open meadows to forests of aspen and pine. Plus, you can soak in the hot springs after your ride.

Chad Fleischer, Olympian, Fleischer Sport president My favorite ride is the Divide Trail starting from Dumont Lake on top of Rabbit Ears Pass. It has all the elements of a fantastic ride — scenery, little traffic, rolling terrain, limited climbing, singletrack and a few easy technical aspects. You can ride it fast and go for it or take it easy with a lakeside lunch stop along the way.

Mark Satkiewicz, Triathlete, SmartWool president I have three favorites. One is the coal mine through Stagecoach 20

loop, which has five great climbs. I also ride Elk River Road to Columbine and Seedhouse for a 78-miler. I go early in the morning and always see animals. I also do an in-town ride through Dakota Ridge and to the schoolhouse and then to the office. It’s 30 miles and close to home. It’s in town with the best of everything: climbing, flats and lots of people riding around.

Jon Cariveau, Moots marketing director I like Coal Mine-Trout Creek, a mix of dirt and pavement perfect for my cyclocross bike. I take Twentymile Road to the coal mine, then turn left toward Oak Creek and descend to Routt County Road 29. Then I turn right and climb along Trout Creek for about nine miles before descending into Oak Creek. After stopping to refuel, I head south on Colorado Highway 131 to the Stagecoach turnoff and roll along the reservoir to the ranger station on the north side of the lake. From there, I take the dirt road (No. 18) to the dam, continue along the Yampa into Pleasant Valley, turn left onto C.R. 14, right onto C.R. 14E and cross over Colo. 131 to south River Road and roll back to town. Total mileage: 65. Best shared with friends.

Caroline Lalive, Olympian If I had to pick one trail, it would be Larry’s on Emerald Mountain, finishing with a quick trip across Prayer Flag

Meadow. It reminds of a giant slalom ski race, with its sweeping, banked turns. The meadow feels like my own private oasis. I often stop and marvel at this hidden spot in the middle of town.

It’s one of my favorite places in Steamboat.

Corey Piscopo, Steamboat Stage Race founder I like the climb up Buffalo Pass.

It’s on dirt and takes you to some pretty incredible and remote spots. You can ride to it from town and be out in remote wilderness with incredible views pretty quickly. An added bonus is when the gates are closed, restricting cars and leaving the road entirely to bikers until you reach snow. Plus it climbs 3,100 feet in 10.5 miles, so it’s solid training.

Nelson Carmichael, Olympian “I like the climb up Mount Werner.

It’s arduous, but the payoff is worth it.

I start up Zig Zag, turn onto Yoo Hoo, then head up Sitz and Valley View and onto Spur Run. From the top of the gondola, it’s down Zig Zag to loop back to the base or up to the summit via Elkhead, Chisholm Trail and Storm Peak Challenge. It’s 3,400 vertical feet to the summit and possibly that many calories burned. Thankfully, it’s all downhill from there. It has everything: tough climbs, smooth singletrack, tight corners, fast rollers, jumps, boulders, logs, aspens, pines, open meadows and great views.

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Kelly Boniface, professional mountain bike racer

Kent Eriksen Cycles owner My favorite ride is out our back door

by Strawberry Park Hot Springs. We ride Lower Bear to Elk Park Road, cross the creek and keep riding up Upper Bear. Then we hike-a-bike across Summit Park and up Ball Bearing Pass for an incredible overlook into the Zirkels. From there, we retrace our route. It’s all downhill, technical at first, then simple flowing singletrack right back home.

Rishi Grewal, 24-Hours World Champion, National Road Champion Easily my favorite trail ride is to ride up the ski area and then descend back on Pete’s Wicked Trail to Cathy’s Cutoff to Sunshine to Moonlight to Valley View and finally Yoo Hoo. It’s a fun ride that will test all your skills and leave you satisfied to have made it to the bottom safely.

Doug Davis

No question — Emerald Mountain is my favorite place to ride in the whole valley. I can coast down from my house and be riding fantastic singletrack in just five minutes. With the new trails on the backside, I can ride up there all day and never do the same trail twice. It’s a gem right in our backyard.

Kent Eriksen,

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Après Bike Sessions on Yampa Street

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4. Sunpie’s Bistro: Riverside, outdoor seating and hurricanes that should be consumed with caution.

970-870-3360, 735 Yampa St. 5. Sweet Pea Cafe: If a healthy, hearty salad and a cold adult beverage sound good, Sweet Pea is your spot.

970-879-1221, 729 Yampa St.

Lincoln Avenue 6 3

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6. Ciao Gelato: There’s always room for dessert. Ciao Gelato serves up decadent gelato along with pizza, paninis and coffee for all your refueling needs. 970870-7979, 700 Yampa St. 7. Carl’s Tavern: Home of comfort food and big screen TVs, Carl’s will fill your belly and entertain with great bluegrass bands. Try the Rocky Mountain mule. 970-761-2060, 700 Yampa St. 8. The Boathouse Pub: Head upstairs and grab a seat on the outdoor deck to get views of the terrain you just conquered on Emerald Mountain. 970-8794797, 609 Yampa St. Fourth Street

10th Street

11th Street

2. Bamboo Market: Don’t want to waste a good ride with fries and beers? Bamboo Market will refuel you

3. Sweetwater Grill: Great restaurant to meet with the rest of the family. The kids will be entertained while you relax and enjoy new American cuisine and unique cocktails. 970-879-9500, 811 Yampa St.

Fifth Street

1. Double Z Bar & BBQ: If you’ve really worked up an appetite, head to Double Z for the Best Ribs in the Boat. 970-879-0849, 1124 Yampa St.

with organic produce, salads, sandwiches and soups.

970-879-9992, 1110 Yampa St.

Ninth Street

After a day of biking, you’ve earned a little indulgence. Yampa Street, moments away from the trailheads on Emerald Mountain, is the perfect location to find whatever it is your post-ride craving might be, letting you sit near the river while rehashing your ride.

Yampa Street

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Titanium Titans

Bike manufacturers proud to call Steamboat home

Moots

Kent Eriksen Cycles Kent Eriksen, 57, could be called the Pied Piper of pedaling. He played a pivotable role in introducing the sport to the country as well as his hometown of Steamboat Springs.

After owning and operating local bike shop

Sore Saddle Cyclery in the 1970s, when he also produced the region’s first cycling map, he founded Moots in 1981 and was elected into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1996. An endless tinkerer, he left Moots in 2005 to found Kent Eriksen Cycles downtown, another bike company specializing in titanium-made bikes.

How good are his custom-made bikes?

His company recently won the Best Titanium Construction award for the fifth year in a row at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

Producing up to 200 frames per year and making bikes of all styles — road, mountain, cross and touring — the company specializes in custom cycles, taking customers’ measurements down to the millimeter as part of the building process.

“Steamboat is already a special place to live, and its wealth of biking options make it even better,” says Eriksen, who can often be found riding a handmade tandem mountain bike with his wife, Katie Lindquist. “The quality of life here is wonderful. It’s easy to balance work and fun in a town with so many outdoor activities available. I couldn’t imagine living anyplace else.”

Info: www.kentericksen.com, 970-879-8484

Moots

Moots has been handcrafting the finest high-performance titanium road, mountain and cyclocross bicycle frames and select components from its facility in Steamboat Springs since 1981. Its success owes itself to its designs as well as a staff that lives and breathes cycling and often can be found testing their prodcuts on local roads and trails.

“We’re fortunate to be surrounded by hundreds of miles of incredible single track, scenic paved roadways and winding backcountry county roads here,” Marketing Manager Jon Cariveau says.

“The miles we pedal challenge and inspire all of us at Moots personally and professionally.”

Long recognized by its peers for its quality designs, Moots recently received another feather in its cap by winning top honors at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. Its new Trail Maintenance Bike, a rideable, all-inclusive bike that carries critical trail tools, including a chain saw, won the Best Themed category and the People’s

Choice award. The company also was recently selected out of 400 nominees as a Colorado Company to Watch by the State Office of Economic Development.

Supporting the town it loves, the company also sponsors numerous community and industry advocacy movements, from local trail workdays to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Cycling Team. With an eye on protecting the environment, it also employs a cutting-edge recycling program and solar system to power its manufacturing.

“We strive to lead the way in designing and building the most innovative high-performance titanium bikes in the industry,” Cariveau says.

“We’re proud of the bikes we create, the team that builds them and the character of the town we’ve called home for so long.”

Moots offers guided factory tours at 10 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Info: www.moots.com, 970-879-1676

Kent Eriksen Cycles

Two homegrown bike manufacturers based in the Yampa Valley are quietly solidifying Steamboat’s place in the cycling world.

Inside the Moots factory (left) and Kent Eriksen tinkering with titanium in his downtown facility (right). Both companies offer free tours.

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Bike Shop Round-Up Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare

Orange Peel Founded in 1999, Orange Peel is Steamboat’s only bikes-only bike shop, and it shows. “That’s what differentiates us,” says owner Brock Webster, a former U.S. Elite rider. “We’re the only shop in town that focuses solely on bikes.”

With a peak season staff of 11, whose combined experience totals hundreds of years, the shop offers rentals (high-end demos, cruisers, kids bikes, trailers and more), service and retail, carrying such lines as Moots, Pivot, Ellsworth, Ridley and Orbea — brands

Webster maintains are perfect for the “enthusiast” rider.

“We’re not a cookie-cutter store,” he says. “We choose our lines carefully. We also stock a greater number of parts than any shop I’ve ever seen. Service is the engine that keeps things rolling around here.”

Info: 1136 Yampa St., Steamboat, 970-8792957, www.orangepeelbikes.com

Ski Haus With some of his store’s bike technicians working there for more than four decades, Ski Haus manager Murray Selleck credits his store’s success to a staff that’s passionate about riding. Come summer, the store’s newly expanded lower level turns into a beehive of bike activity, offering rentals (full- and front-suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers, child bikes, tandems, trailers, tag-a-longs and more), repairs and retail. Garage doors open up outside to create a great open atmosphere, and the store strives to offer something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. “Our retail line is extensive, with prices

John F. Russell

When Harry Martin moved to Steamboat from Jackson, Wyo., in 1995, he saw an opening for a ski and bike store focused on service. Located at 442 Lincoln Ave., with another storefront on the mountain, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare has been voted Steamboat’s Best Bike Shop three years in a row. “Our bike mechanics are some of the best in the business,” shop manager Derek Hudson says. “The business is always changing, and they know how to fix anything.”

Best sellers on the retail side include Trek, Giant and Italian road bike manufacturer Wilier. With 20 employees in peak riding season, the store offers rentals (high-end demos, hybrid road bikes, front- and full-suspension mountain bikes, child bikes, tagalongs, trailers and more), retail and repairs, catering to locals as much as visitors. “Our staff is very passionate about riding,” says Martin, whose store sponsors the Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, Steamboat

Stage Race, Bike to Work Week, Safe Routes to School, Bike Town USA Initiative, Enduro-X race series and more. “We cater to all aspects of riding, from people wanting cruisers for local mustache rides to mountain and road bikers. Steamboat’s just a fantastic bike town.”

Info: 2250 Après Ski Way, next to Truffle Pig and 442 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-9144, www. steamboatskiandbike.com

Brock Webster of Orange Peel Bikes truing a wheel.

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in performance for everyone,” Selleck says. Locals tip: Stop by when the Specialized and Rocky Mountain demo vans visit.

Info: 1457 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-0385, www.skihaussteamboat.com

Wheels Bike Shop Wheels is a small, independently owned and operated bike shop located along the Yampa River downtown, specializing in tunes and sales. “We gain our clients by friendly customer service, word-of-mouth referrals and our knowledge of bicycles,” owner and former competitive rider Chris Johns says.

On the retail front, Wheels is Steamboat’s Yeti Cycles dealership, happily bringing customers into the folds of the “Tribe.” It services bikes of all walks — including mountain, road riding, freeriding, downhill, townie and more — and offers a complete rental (cruisers, mountain and road) and demo line, as well.

It also prides itself on giving back to the community by supporting such organizations as the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Safe Routes to School, and the “Giving Bikes Back” refurbishing and donation program.

Info: 841 Yampa St., 970-870-1974, www. wheelssteamboat.com

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Blue Room Velo Already called for field repairs during bike races in Steamboat last year, J.R. Thompson’s new Blue Room Velo fills what he calls a unique niche in Bike Town USA: on-site repairs. The mobile bike repair service will show up at your house to repair your bike, and if it requires more work, he’ll take it back to his workshop. “Steamboat’s ready for another resource,” says Thompson, noting that waits for repairs at local shops can be more than a week during peak season.

Thompson adds that he also plans to branch out into bike rental delivery service. “I’m committed to making it a great service for Steamboat,” he says.

Info: 970-846-5922, www.blueroomvelo.com

Steamboat Bike Shop Located adjacent to the new promenade and just steps away from the gondola, the Steamboat Bike Shop is the most convenient location in town to access the Steamboat Bike Park. Their fleet includes downhill mountain bikes from Kona and Specialized with the latest in high performance suspension technology. Each rental includes a full face helmet, shin and elbow pads and bike gloves. Cruiser bikes are also available for your around town needs. Gondola tickets, bike park passes,

bike lessons and guided mountain tours also available.

Open daily 9am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday until 8pm starting June 13 through August 30, then 9am to 5pm daily until September 29.

Info: 970-871-5348, www.steamboat.com

Other rental locations Christy Sports Trek full- and front-suspension mountain bike rentals.

Child bikes and trailers also available.

Info: 1835 Central Park Plaza, Steamboat, 970-879-1250, www.christysports.com Fleischer Sport Carrying a full line of hard-tail and full suspension bikes (including Santa Cruz) as well as cruisers, kids’ bikes, tagalongs and more.

Info: 970-870-0900, www.fleischersport.com Boomerang Sports Exchange/Powder Pursuits Buying and selling the best used sports equipment in Steamboat downtown and at a new on-mountain rental program (single- and seven-speed Micargis) through Powder Pursuits.

Info: 1125 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-3050

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Safe Routes to School

Doug Davis

Steamboat Springs Safe Routes to School is a community effort aimed at making Steamboat easy and safe for kids to commute by bike or foot. Its mission: Inspire kids to bike to school. The program also organizes safety and skills rallies to make riding and walking fun and safe. The new Safe Routes to School map highlights the safest routes from various neighborhoods to area schools. “It’s a great program that’s gaining a lot of momentum among kids in the area,” coordinator Paige Boucher says.

Info: www.saferoutessteamboat.com

Safe bike riding tips Preparing to ride

Riding awareness and safety

• Choose the route with the fewest streets to cross, even if it’s longer.

• Wear brightly colored clothes. Tie your shoes and secure long laces and loose pants. Don’t wear headphones.

• Wear a properly fitted helmet (no more than two fingers between chin and chin strap).

• Check that tires are firm and brakes work.

• Ride a bike that fits. (When straddling, both feet should be firmly planted on the ground.

When seated, hands should reach the handlebars.)

• Don’t carry anyone else on your bike or anything in your hands (use a backpack or basket).

• If riding in the dark, use headlights, tail lights and reflectors and wear bright clothing with reflective material.

• Before entering a street, look for other vehicles to the left, right, in front and behind.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for other vehicles and hazards, such as potholes and parked cars.

• Watch for vehicles turning into or exiting driveways.

• Watch for parked vehicles that might back up, pull forward or open a door.

• Ride in a straight line with two hands on the handlebars unless signaling.

• Before changing lanes or turning, always check in front and behind for traffic.

• On sidewalks or paths, ride slowly and be prepared to stop quickly. Pedestrians have the right of way.

• Dismount if crossing at a stop light crosswalk.

Thanks to LENZ Sports for the bikes!

DEBBIE ARAGON STATE FARM INSURANCE 404 Oak Street • Steamboat Springs, CO • 970-879-1756

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We are excited to support biking in Steamboat!

STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM

Routt County Riders An IMBA Chapter

In 2012, Routt County Riders (RCR) closely aligned with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) as a new chapter of IMBA. Routt County Riders, an IMBA Chapter, refocused its energy towards trail maintenance and future trail development. We completed more than 780 hours of trail work on Routt NF lands, Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.’s upper trail network and both City of Steamboat Spring & BLM property on Emerald Mountain.

Come out and join us in 2013 and give a few hours back to the great trails you use throughout the year.

RCR, an IMBA Chapter, is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that raises funds for trail development through grants, donations, membership & event fundraising. Its mission

is “to unite bicyclists in Steamboat Springs and Routt County through trails, roads, and pathways; education; and events with the goal of creating a fun, healthy, and safe bicycle friendly community.”

RCR, an IMBA Chapter Supports: • Development and maintenance of sustainable mountain bike trails • Annual Steamboat Springs Bike Festival and Bike Swap • Bike To Work Week • Bicycle Friendly Community Initiative • Livestrong Ride 4 Yellow • Bike Town USA Initiative • Junior Cyclists development • Cycling Advocacy • Share the Road Campaigns • Safe Routes to School Membership supports the cycling community in Steamboat Springs.

Info: www.routtcountyriders.org

Cycling Programs Adaptive Cycling The stars have aligned for people with disabilities to descend on Steamboat to go cycling. The reason: Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports, a program dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities to empower them and enrich their quality of life.

Among its many summertime programs, STARS offers programming that includes hand cycling and mountain biking. A chapter of Disabled Sports USA and a U.S. Paralympic Sportclub, it also rents child and adult hand cycles and foot-pedal adaptive bikes.

“The Yampa River trail is a fabulous spot for adaptive cycling,” Executive Director Julie Taulman says. “Biking is

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an inclusive activity that people can do with friends and family, and our biking programs enable people with disabilities to get out there and get active. It’s great that people here are starting to embrace the concept and recognize the importance of it.”

STARS’ Summer Adventure Camp, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 18 to Aug. 15, offers biking as well as other activities, as does its Camp Achieve (Aug. 7 to 10) and Rising STARS Camp (July 25 to 27). On July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18, it also offers its popular Sunday Stroll Bike Rides from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Info: 970-871-5371, www.steamboatstars.com

Cycling Seniors Steamboat seniors like cycling, too.

Proving that riding in the Yampa Valley isn’t just for youngsters, Steamboat’s Over The Hill Gang — a group of enthusiastic cyclists who enjoy socializing and sharing outdoor activities with each other — is riding as strong as ever. Biking is the perfect fit for summer. The group leads trips throughout the summer for active seniors, including road bike loops, easy mountain biking trips, dirt road riding and even a Mellow-Plus category for any type of bike.

This summer, the group has five biking trips going out each week. “Whatever kind of pedal-powered biking you do, we have a group that will suit your style,” member Terye Rhoden says. Membership is open to anyone 50 and older, and you don’t have to reside in Steamboat, or even Colorado, to participate.

Info: 970-871-7937, www.ssoverthehillgang.org

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Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Cycling offers something for everyone and Ian Gale, a six-event road training race series called Steel Club, two-day mountain bike clinics for adults and kids, a Devo team for middle school racers coached by Linnea Dixson and Tim Nylen, and a volunteer-based youth program teaching fundamentals to elementary school-age athletes and older. The program’s high school-age elite team is coached by past CU cycling team member and current cross-country, Super D and cyclocross national competitor Dr. Jon Freckleton as well as Town Challenge expert racer Scott Myller.

“The depth and experience of our coaching staff this season is tremendous,” Seymour adds.

“We’ve created more programs for athletes who aren’t interested in racing but just want to ride and polish their skills as well as a girls-only program for 11- to 16-year-olds. Hopefully, these will feed the new high school team slated to start in the fall.”

Info: www.sswsc.org

SSWSC

With a focus on youth competition and the love of the sport, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Cycling, a division of the Winter Sports Club, offers numerous programs aimed at providing athletes of various ages the opportunity to develop their cycling skills and enjoy cycling as a lifelong sport.

From gravity riders looking to rip downhills and elite high school athletes taking competitive cycling to the next level to adults and elementary school children looking to trail or road ride with friends, the program offers something for everyone. “Our cycling program has grown so large over the last few years that we have a little something for everyone,” Winter Sports Club Cycling Director Blair Seymour says. “Our elite team has been very competitive over the years, and our Devo programs are growing.”

Among the club’s offering are BMX and Gravity programs coached by Gina Grether, Brian Deem

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Ride Guide Using this Guide ............................. 30 SAFETY.........................................31 Riding with Animals .......................31 Using the Bus ...............................31 Riding Right ................................ 32 Road Safety ................................ 33 Bike Tips .................................... 33 FAMILY RIDING ........................... 34 Municipal Map............................ 34 Historic Tour Rides ....................... 36 State Parks .................................. 38 Family Rides ................................ 38 Lil’ Rippers ................................. 39 TOWN/MOUNTAIN ...................40 Emerald Mountain Map ................40 Howelsen/Emerald Mountain ......... 42 Beall/Ridge Trails ......................... 44 Rotary Trail ................................. 45 Ski Area..................................... 46 Skyline Trail................................. 50 Spring Creek Trail ......................... 52 Hot Springs Trail .......................... 53 Lower Bear ................................. 54 NORTH ROUTT ........................... 55 Seedhouse .................................. 55 Nipple Peak ................................ 56 Big Red Park ............................... 58 Grizzly-Helena............................. 59 SOUTH ROUTT/RABBIT EARS.....60 Harrison Creek.............................60 Divide Trail ................................. 62 Lynx Pass.................................... 64 BMX ............................................66 Bear River Bike Park .....................66 ROAD/MIXED-SURFACE RIDES ... 68 Epic Rides .................................. 68 Lunch Loops ............................... 70 Routt County Road Rides ...............73 Local Gear ................................. 76

Scan for trail rides!

Scan for road rides!

Larry Pierce

Table of contents

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Using this Guide This Guide includes a sampling of more than 75 routes and 500 miles of singletrack riding in and around Steamboat Springs.

Season General idea of when the ride is free of snow and dry enough to ride without harming trails.

Rating Based on the Trail Difficulty Rating System published by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. This system focuses on the trails’ technical challenge, not the physical exertion required to enjoy them. The ratings provide a general idea of the difficulty of each region; our trails are rated relative to each other and not necessarily relative to trails in other towns. All backcountry trails might have natural and manmade obstacles such as rocks, logs, stream crossings,

30

ledges and bridges. Easy trails have a firm and stable surface. More difficult trails have some variability in the riding surface and usually include steep terrain changes. Difficult trails have widely variable surfaces with significant rough terrain and many obstacles and include long, steep climbs. Consult local bike shops if you are unsure about your riding abilities.

Distance The length of the highlighted trail.

Elevation The lowest and highest points of the highlighted ride.

Harrison Creek/ Routt Divide Trail No. 1108

Season: mid-July to early September Rating: very difficult Know before you go: Bring rain gear, food and water (the starting elevation is about 9,000 feet, so stay hydrate d). The Forest Service is continuing to close areas for tree clearing. Read all closure information and contact the Forest Service for information.

The following roads could be closed with no access: Rabbit Ears Pass area, Road 311, Dumon t Lake to Base Camp, Continental Divide Nation al Scenic Trail, Road 251, Harrison Creek Loop.

Getting there: Take U.S. Highway 40 west from Steamboat Springs to the intersection of Dumont/Forest Service Road 251. Park on the right at the entrance of FSR 251. There is a sign for Harrison Creek.

Description: Start the ride from the intersection south on FSR 251 at about 3 miles. Veer left on to FSR 303 and left again onto FSR 303.1C .

The path is easy to follow . Veer left onto Routt Divide Trail 1108 at trailhea d sign. The trail starts with short descents combin ed with short, tricky and sometimes rocky climbs. Go through the meadow, even if the trail disappears in the grass (it picks up on the other side). Next comes the mandatory hike a bike. It’s steep, rocky and tough, but is mostly downh ill. The singletrack will end on Buffalo Park Road and go left. Now you’re in for a 10-mile moderate dirt road climb back to U.S. 40. From here, it’s a half-mile to your car.

60 STEAMBOAT SPRIN GS BIKE GUIDE

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Bike Safety Safety with Animals If you ride enough, you’ll likely encounter cattle and horses, either in a herd or as a single animal. Heed the following rules to ensure your safety: • Approach cattle slowly and quietly. Cattle will move away given the opportunity but become unpredictable when stressed by noises and movement.

• Don’t get between a cow or calf and the herd. Stop and stay still and the animal will go around you to return to the herd. Don’t try to get around it or chase it back to the herd.

• Heed the herd. When encountering a herd, stop, step to one side and stand still until it passes. Don’t hurry the herd’s passing with noises and arm movements. If you come up behind a herd, take the cues from the horseback riders; they might lead you through the herd or ask you to wait.

• Holler for horses. Pull off the trail and allow horseback riders to pass.

Give a verbal warning well in advance of approaching horseback riders.

Taking your bike on the free bus is a great way to get back to your lodging property after a day of riding.

All Steamboat Springs buses are equipped with a bike rack that holds two bikes. Instructions for use are on the rack. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.

To load your bike Have your bike ready as the bus approaches. Wait until the driver sets the parking brake to approach the rack. Pull up on the silver handle to release the rack and pivot it down. Arrows indicate which direction to set the bike in the rack. Place the bike in the rack and pull up on the spring-loaded retainer bar. Slide the retainer bar over the front tire.

To remove your bike Wait until the driver sets the parking brake. Slide the retainer bar up and over the front tire. Remove the bike from rack. Lift the rack back up until it locks in the stow position.

Doug Davis

• Move to one side when approaching a cow from behind.

This will cause them to move off the

trail (staying behind them causes them to travel faster along the trail).

Also, ease your speed. If they get far enough ahead, they’ll look for an escape.

Bikes on the bus

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Riding Right

• Ride only on open trails • Always yield to uphill traffic • Do not use trails when wet • Leave no trace (ride or carry through, rather than around, obstacles like mud puddles) • Avoid locking your brakes and skidding down steeps • Always control your bicycle • Never scare animals

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Doug Davis

Many trails have been closed to riders because of the actions of a few. Shortcutting switchbacks, taking off-trail routes and failing to yield to other users harm the environment and riders’ chances to continue to gain access to trails. Ride right by following the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s rules of the trail:

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Rules of the Road rules for safe riding • Wear a helmet.

• Don’t use headphones or cellphones while biking.

• Show respect for everything on the road: drivers, other bikers, pedestrians, parked cars.

• Use correct hand signals to show your movements.

• Don’t stop in the travel lane (only stop on shoulders or off the road).

• When riding at night, always use a headlight and wear bright or reflective clothing. Riding without a light is illegal.

• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals, and never ride against traffic.

• Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or avoiding hazards (ride on paved shoulders and bike lanes when possible).

• Ride no more than two abreast, returning to

single file if impeding the flow of traffic (always ride single file on curving or narrow roads).

• Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right of way.

• Share the road with other users, practicing safety, awareness and respect.

• When stopping, remain visible in both directions to other users, particularly on curves and hills.

Bike tips • Before every ride, check brakes, tire pressure and tire surface for cuts and embedded debris.

• Keep chain clean and lubricated. Lubricate chain with dry lube or every other week or 400 miles with wet chain lube.

• Check chain regularly for excessive side-to-side play, and replace if necessary.

• Wash bike regularly (once a week or every 200 miles) in hot water and dish soap, oil drive train and wipe off excess oil.

• Inspect shifting and braking cables and housing twice per year, and replace if necessary.

• Be prepared for inclement weather and carry extra clothing and food.

• Make sure your quick release is secured before riding.

• Carry proper repair gear, including pump, spare tube, patch kit and chain tool.

• Check cleats for wear and tighten bolts, and replace if necessary.

After Your Ride, You Decide 3 PLACES FOR ALL PALATES

Base of the mountain

Just off the mountain

Southwestern & Mexican Cuisine

Innovative Southwestern and Mexican Cuisine, Great Margaritas, Serving in a Beautiful Atmosphere at the Base of the Ski Area, Children’s Menu, Lots of Parking Open Nightly 5pm-Close • Happy Hour 4:30-6:00 879-5800 • Corner of Aprés Ski Way & Village Dr.

Steaks and Seafood

Pacific American Grill

Beautiful Spacious Dining Room, Raw Bar, East and West Coast Oysters, Fabulous Steaks and Seafood, Live Jazz - Friday Nights, Fireside Dining, Easy Parking, Children’s Menu

Reaching New Heights in Culinary Experience Steamboat’s Most Beautiful In-Town Restaurant/Catering LocationOverlooking the Yampa River

Open Nightly 5pm-Close • Happy Hour 5:00-6:00

879-2229 • 701 Yampa Avenue

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On the river, Downtown

879-3399 • 2165 Pine Grove Road

Open Nightly 5:30-Close • Happy Hour 3:00-5:30

S P R I N G S , C O L O R A D O 33

Pedal into the past Historic Steamboat bike tour

Want a great way to explore some of Steamboat’s colorful, Western history?

Take the town’s historic bike tour, which rolls you by 18 properties representing the town’s fascinating past.

1. Initiated in 1914, Howelsen Hill is the oldest ski area in continuing use west of the Mississippi.

The ski area is home to the Winter Carnival and has been the site for numerous national and world record-breaking ski jumps. (285 Howelsen Parkway) 2. The Yampa Valley Electric Association was formed in 1940 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s nationwide program of rural electrification. The 1956 YVEA building was designed by famed architect Eugene Sternberg as the headquarters for its growing customers. The building boasts the prairie-style roof and distinctive stone façade. (32 10th St.) 3. Designated on the local historic register, Lithia Spring’s milky waters contain a high content of lithium, a mineral used to treat the mood swings of bipolar disorder. The spring’s stone entrance columns were built by H.W. Gossard, who planned to bottle and sell the waters as Miraquelle in the 1930s. (700 Lithia Spring Road) 4. The Steamboat Springs Depot was a necessity for the coming of the passenger service railroad. Built in 1909 by architect Frank Edbrooke, the depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Across the street is the town’s namesake Steamboat Spring, once a bubbling geyser quieted forever by the construction of the railroad. Folklore has it that fur trappers heard what they thought was a Steamboat on the river, only to find this spring. (1000 13th St.) 5. Steamboat Springs’ founder, James Crawford, frequented the Iron Spring for its mineral waters and built his cabin close to the spring. His granddaughter Lulita Crawford Pritchett described growing up on Iron Spring lemonade, which the family made by mixing half a lemon with a tablespoon of sugar and then adding Iron Spring water to create a carbonated fizz. (1300 Lincoln Ave.) 36

6. Now home of the Laundry restaurant, the Steamboat Laundry Building constructed in 1910, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The building needed two additions for the growth of the washing service that served Northwest Colorado until the 1960s. (127 11th St.) 7. Designed by architect Eugene Sternberg, the Hillcrest Apartments were constructed in 1958 and embrace several elements of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Usonian style as evidenced by the building’s integration with the landscape. The distinctive rooflines also are seen in the YVEA building, the Butterfly Building in Little Toots Park and other residences designed by Sternberg. (302 11th St.) 8. In 1900, the Carver family built the Carver Power Plant next to their house to provide electricity to the local population. The system’s steam was used to heat nearby schools and residences. (124 10th St.)

13. A striking visual element in residential Steamboat Springs, the Seventh Street District, from Pine Street to Laurel Street, is eligible for designation, characterized by craftsman and bungalow type houses.

14. Constructed in 1910, the Craig House exemplifies the heritage and development of Routt County and is associated with James Lafayette Norvell, considered the county’s first entrepreneur as a developer and cattle buyer. Norvell also is credited with developing parts of Hayden and Craig. The house is an excellent local example of the bungalow style of architecture. (204 Hill St.) 15. The Routt County Courthouse represents the development of Routt County, its government and the establishment of Steamboat as the permanent county seat. A simplified classical revival building with Beaux Arts influences constructed from 1922 to 1923, it was designed by master architect Robert Kenneth Fuller. (522 Lincoln Ave.)

9. Bishop Spalding started St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the turn of the century. The church building was constructed and consecrated in 1913.

The native sandstone used in the construction came from the Steamboat Town and Quarry Co. on Emerald Mountain. (846 Oak St.)

16. Nominated and listed on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties and the local register, the Rabbit Ears Motel historic sign has been greeting visitors along U.S. Highway 40 since 1953. (201 Lincoln Ave.)

10. The Queen Anne-style building that houses the Tread of Pioneers Museum was built in 1908 by Ernest Campbell. The museum features a ski gallery, a Ute Indian exhibit and an original passenger stage coach from the late 1800s. (800 Oak St.)

17. The 130-acre Legacy Ranch District serves as a gateway to the city and reminds residents and visitors of the significant role that high-country farming and ranching played in the development of Colorado. (35435 U.S. 40)

11. The Routt County National Bank building was erected in 1919 and built by stonemason Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian immigrant renowned for his influence in bringing skiing to Steamboat. The upper floor was designed as a meeting place for the Masonic Lodge. (802 Lincoln Ave.)

18. The Mesa Schoolhouse was built in 1916

by Art Gumprecht, serving grades one through eight until rural school district consolidation was completed in 1959. The schoolhouse was restored

by Historic Routt County in 2000 and gifted to the city for use as a community meeting center.

(33985 U.S. 40)

12. The Christian Science Church was built in 1934 after the Christian Science Society had been meeting in Steamboat for nearly three decades.

Mrs. James Crawford, pioneer mother of the community, was one of its charter members. (639 Oak St.)

Many thanks to the Steamboat Springs Planning Department and the Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission for providing the information for this section.

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Cycling State Parks Eight miles of trails await at Stagecoach State Park. Two trails skirt the lake in a scenic, easy-toride dirt track. On the north side is the 2-mile Lakeside trail and on the south shore is the 6-mile Elk Run trail from the inlet to the dam.

Join the two for an 8-mile ride, or complete the loop by riding on Routt County Road 18 before taking a refreshing plunge into the lake.

Stagecoach Lake offers camping, showers and bathroom facilities. From Steamboat Springs, travel four miles south on U.S. Highway 40, then 5 miles south on Colorado Highway 131 to C.R. 14. Drive 7 miles south on Colo. 14 to the park entrance.

Steamboat Lake State Park Steamboat Lake State Park offers easy, scenic biking for the whole family, with views of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Ride the

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Willow Creek trail from the Dutch Hill Marina 3.8 miles to the Sage Flats day-use area. Or try the 1.1-mile Poverty Bar trail, which highlights the area’s gold mining history (access from the visitor center). The park also offers camping, beaches boat rentals and more. From Steamboat, head west of town on U.S. 40 and take a right at the 7-11 on C.R. 129 (Elk River Road. Drive 25 miles north to the park entrance.

Pearl Lake State Park Pearl Lake offers beautifully shaded trails and a great access point to Coulton Creek trail.

This easy ride is less than a mile toward the dam, paralleling the lake. Continue on for a more difficult route through the Routt County National Forest. To reach Pearl Lake, drive west on U.S. 40 to C.R. 129. Drive north until just before the Steamboat Lake turnoff and look for the park entrance signs.

State Parks information Stagecoach, Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake state parks require a day-use parks pass for $7 or a valid Colorado State Park season pass.

Convenient parking, picnic and restrooms are available at all parks.

Info: 800-678-2267, www.parks.state.co.us

Doug Davis

Stagecoach State Park

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Lil’ Rippers These Lil’ Ripper rides can be done in 30 to 60 minutes or half-day adventures to funfilled city parks and playgrounds. The rides are designed for children ages 5 to 9 and beginners and can be viewed online by visiting www. steamboatbiketown.com by clicking on “Riding & Maps” and then “Cruising/Commuting.”

Rotary Park to Whistler Park Starting point: U.S. Highway 40 and Mount Werner Road, Rotary Park parking lot, at southwest corner of U.S. 40/Mount Werner Road exit.

Restroom at parking lot.

Ride: Head south on the Yampa River Core Trail (toward Rabbit Ears Pass). Continue past the Walton Creek Road intersection and take a left at the split in the trail to cross under U.S. 40 (if flooded, cross at traffic light, turn right and head south on bike path for one-half block, then turn left at intersection with Core Trail). Continue on Core Trail and take right at next intersection to cross bridge. Ride past pond and take left at Stone Lane. Ride about two blocks to Whistler

Road, turn right onto sidewalk/bike path and veer right after one block as the sidewalk empties into the Whistler Park entrance, where there’s a playground and restrooms (bring water, picnic and bug spray). For a longer variation, start from the Core Trail downtown.

game: Time riders around the beginner loop for personal record bragging rights.)

Note: The Bud Werner Memorial Library makes a great stop with bathrooms, a great kids’ section and a cafe featuring fair trade coffees, teas, homemade pastries and snacks.

Bear River Skatepark/ Pump track

Ski Time Square pump track

Starting point: Little Toots Park at 11th and Yampa streets. Parking, food and restrooms can be found in the library. Bike rentals are available across from the park at Orange Peel Bicycles.

Ride: Head past the park toward the library, continue past the library (use underpass unless flooded). Follow Core Trail to bridge, turn left and cross Yampa River. Turn right and continue on Core Trail. Across the second bridge, the Steamboat Springs Community Center offers a park and playground (with restrooms). Continue to intersection at Shield Drive, stay on Core Trail and follow signage to Bear River Skatepark.

The pump track is on the far side of skatepark, complete with beginner lines and berms. (Fun

Starting point: Ski Time Square.

Ride: The pump track is at the upper end of Ski Time Square Road on the left side. This is good ride if you plan to include other activities at the ski area base. The track is smaller and great for young kids. Ride from the pump track down the access road next to Torian Condos to the Slopeside Grill restaurant for food, beverages and restrooms.

Continue down the promenade to Gondola Square for a kids activity center, more restaurants and restrooms. You can ride to Ski Time Square from the Core Trail intersection of Mount Werner Road/U.S. 40 exit, but this is only recommended for older children with more stamina because the hill is long and challenging for young riders.

Other Family Rides A block off Lincoln Avenue is Steamboat’s true summer Main Street: the Yampa River Core Trail, a 7-mile, multiuse pathway that parallels the Yampa River from Walton Creek Road on the east end of town to the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge on the west. Hit it on foot, bike or skateboard for a fun-filled excursion for the whole family. It’s also the best ride for cruiser bikes in town. Abundant parking is available at Rotary Park at 13th Street and the Yampa River. Hint: ring your bell when passing pedestrians.

Rotary Trail The recently completed Rotary Trail on the backside of Emerald Mountain is well worth the short drive. Featuring easy climbs, smooth banks and a wide and smooth, user-friendly trail, the four-mile loop is accessed by riding 0.65 mile and 125 vertical feet of the Ridge Trail. From there, it climbs 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit before another 1.5 miles of roller

coaster fun followed by a mile ride back to the trailhead. To get there, cross the river at the library and head west on 13th Street (Twentymile Road, Routt County Road 33) for about 7 miles. Turn left on Cow Creek Road (C.R. 45) and go one mile.

Two parking areas are available on the left.

Spring Creek Trail This gem of a downtown ride follows a dirt road for one-half mile up to two ponds perfect for fishing before continuing on as a creekside two-track for another two miles. From there, you can continue up the singletrack of Spring Creek Trail proper for as long as your troopers’ legs last or return the way you came with a leisurely stop at the ponds. To get there, take Fish Creek Falls Road up the hill and take a left on Amethyst Drive.

The parking area is a dirt road to your right across from the high school. To bike there, take the new bike underpass leading north from the upper parking lot of the Old Town Hot Springs; it’ll take you right there.

Aryeh copa

Yampa Valley Core Trail

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Howelsen/Emerald Mountain Park Across the valley from Mount Werner is the town’s mountain biking jewel, Emerald Mountain.

Accessible from the heart of downtown via the Yampa River Core Trail, Emerald offers a range of rides with more than 4,000 acres of public land and miles of connected singletrack. The area is known for tacky singletrack through wildflower-filled meadows and groves of aspen, shrub oak and pine.

For longer rides, you also can tie a loop on the Ridge and Beall trails off the backside of Emerald.

Season: Late May through October Rating: More difficult (fair amount of climbing) Mileage: Depends on your route. Lupine, Blair Witch, Quarry Mountain, Root Canal, Stairway to Heaven, MGM clocks in at 9.8 miles.

Know before you go: The trails can get crowded during lunch and after work so ride with respect for other users, including those on horseback and hikers.

A bell can come in handy.

Getting there: Three main trailheads serve the

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numerous riding options on Emerald Mountain.

Parking is available at the Rodeo Stables, at Howelsen Lodge and at Blackmer Drive. There are public restrooms at Howelsen Lodge but not at the Blackmer Trailhead. Parking gets tight during Triple Crown baseball and softball events, which occur throughout the summer, so ride from your accommodations as a nice warm-up.

Trailheads Rodeo Stables Trailhead: For a local favorite, try the twisty Lupine Trail, which is accessed via the Bluffs Loop. The trailhead is next to the stables and restrooms behind the rodeo grounds.

Mile Run Trailhead: A ski run during the winter season, this wide trail provides a moderate grade to access the higher riding options. The trailhead sign is located by the winter tubing building between the white pavilion and northernmost baseball field at the base of Howelsen Hill. Veer right along the base of

the Nordic ski jumps. The trail winds northwest and then cuts behind Howelsen Hill.

Blackmer Trailhead: Blackmer, which doubles as an emergency access road, provides the most forgiving riding option to the Quarry overlook (but you’ll still learn to count the three major switchbacks).

Head down the bike path or Lincoln Avenue and take a left at 13th Street at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. Follow 13th over the bridge and take your first left on Gilpin Street (or look for a shortcut singletrack heading up to your left). Then take a left onto Saratoga Avenue and a final quick right onto Routt Street, which ends at a parking area and the trailhead.

Loops Bluffs Loop: Short climb to big views of the Yampa Valley Access the trail at the Rodeo Stables Trailhead.

Climb a short pitch on the bluffs trail and then take

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and right on Prayer Flag Road, Prayer Flag to Larry’s Trail, Larry’s Trail to Blackmer, cross Blackmer to lower Lupine Trail, Lupine to Ricky’s Ridge, Ricky’s Ridge to a right at Howelsen Meadows, Howelsen Meadows to Bluffs Loop, Bluffs Loop to right turn on Bluffs overlook trail, Bluffs overlook around back to lower Bluffs Loop staying low and right, out to rodeo grounds back into finish.

Quarry Loop: A moderate climb to the Quarry

overlook through aspen groves with a twisty, fun descent.

Access the trailhead at the Rodeo Stables then ride up the Bluffs Loop, Howelsen Meadows, Ricky’s Ridge, Lupine, Emerald Meadows, Larry’s, Prayer Flag Road, Angry Grouse and Blair Witch, then stop and enjoy the views of Mt. Werner and town at the Quarry overlook before heading down Little Moab, Lupine and Bluffs Loop.

Doug Davis

a gentle loop through sage-covered hillsides with views of town, the Yampa River and Steamboat Ski Area.

Stinger Loop: Follow the famed Honey Stinger race route for 25 miles of Emerald glory. See www. honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger for full ride and race details.

Start at Howelsen base (Olympian Hall), ride past Nordic jumps to Robbie’s cut detour, to upper Robbie’s cut, go straight across Mile Run to Blackmer, turn left and up Blackmer to Orton meadow, take a right and go through the meadow to MGM, up MGM to Prayer Flag Road, right on Angry Grouse, up Angry Grouse to Blair Witch, right on Blair Witch to Prayer Flag Road, up Prayer Flag Road to Abbey’s, right on Abbey’s and veer left up to Stairway to Heaven, right on Ridge Road to Ridge/ Beall Trailhead, right down Ridge Trail, Ridge Trail to left on Cow Creek Road, up Cow Creek Road to Beall Trailhead, left and up Beall Trail to Ridge/ Beall Trailhead, right on Ridge Road to Root Canal, Root Canal to Quarry Mountain Trail, Quarry Mountain Trail to Little Moab, down Little Moab and right onto Lupine Trail, down Lupine to second Blackmer access point, left on Blackmer, up Blackmer

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Beall/Ridge Trails Ridge Trail

Mileage: 6.63 miles Know before you go: One of the newest editions on Emerald Mountain, the Beall Trail recognizes the efforts of Ben Beall, the 13-year chairman of the Emerald Mountain Partnership who was instrumental in negotiating the land exchange between the State Land Board and the Bureau of Land Management in 2007.

The negotiations yielded the largest land swap in Colorado history, adding 4,193 acres of public land called the Special Recreation Area on Emerald Mountain.

Geting there: You can access the Beall Trail from two places: the top of Emerald Mountain or via Routt County Road 45 (Cow Creek Road). From downtown, head north to 13th Street. Follow 13th as it becomes C.R. 33 (Twentymile Road). Take a left off the pavement onto C.R. 45 at the bottom of the hill. C.R. 45 is dirt but is well-maintained.

The first parking area you will pass accesses the Ridge and Rotary trails. Just a short drive past this trailhead, you will see parking for the Beall Trail.

Description: The most popular option is to link the Beall Trail as part of a larger loop ride.

The easiest option is the Emerald backside loop. Most riders choose to park at the Beall Trailhead, ride up Beall and then descend the Ridge Trail. At the Ridge trail, it is only a short ride up Cow Creek Road to your car.

For the most difficult option, ride the Stinger Loop which begins at the base of Howelsen Hill, climbs to the top of Emerald Mountain, then descends the Ridge Trail, climbs up the Beall Trail and then descends back down the frontside of Emerald.

The Beall Trail offers views of Rabbit Ears Pass, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and surrounding ranch land. You’ll meander through open meadows, pine forests, aspen groves and the beautiful gamble oak forest that is so prevalent on Emerald Mountain.

The trail is non-technical singletrack with a gentle grade.

Mileage: 5 miles Know before you go: The Ridge Trail is another recent addition to the amazing network of trails on Emerald Mountain. Located on the backside of Emerald, it offers stunning views and smooth, tacky riding, with the options to link longer rides via the Rotary Trail toward the bottom or the Beall Trail.

Getting there: To get to the trailhead, head out Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road) and turn left on C.R. 45 (Cow Creek Road). You’ll find the trailhead about a mile down on your left. Parking is available at Howelsen Lodge or on Cow Creek Road.

Description: From the Emerald/downtown side, you have the option of riding up a number of trails to the summit of Emerald Mountain. At the top follow the two-track along the ridge. To access the trailhead, continue down and to the left just before the closure gate.

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Note: The Ridge and Beall trails can be linked together from their respective trailheads on Cow

Creek Road for a 13-mile loop, 11.5 of which is on great singletrack. For the easiest climbing, head up Beall and down Ridge. You also can add in the Rotary Trail for an additional loop.

Doug Davis

Beall Trail

Emerald Backside

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Aryeh Copa

Season: Early May to early November Rating: More difficult (Ridge), easy (Rotary) Know before you go: Rotary Trail is one of the first trails to open each season because of its low elevation and western aspect. Built by the local Rotary Club, this loop includes wide and smooth trails that wind smoothly through trees and down ridgelines with large berms and dirt rollers that can be pumped or doubled. This loop is designed to be exciting for the expert rider when ridden fast yet easy for family riding.

Getting there: From the library, head west on 13th Street (Twentymile Road, Routt County Road 33) for about 7 miles. Turn left on Cow Creek Road (C.R. 45) and go one mile. Two parking areas are available on the left.

Description: The Rotary Trail is accessed by riding up 0.65 mile and 125 vertical feet of the Ridge Trail. The Rotary trail turns left off the Ridge Trail and continues to climb 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit. With 400 vertical feet of drop, the next 1.5 miles are the roller coaster.

From there, it’s a mile back to the trailhead on gradual up and down smooth trail that gains 65 vertical feet back to the trailhead.

Doug Davis

Rotary Trail

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Steamboat Bike Park What’s new at the ski area including beginner trail, Tenderfoot, and expert trail, Rawhide, which features jumps, step-down rollers, berms, wall rides, bridges, table-top jumps and more. The resort will also focus on re-routing the popular Zig Zag trail for uphill riders.

The park’s trails will open as conditions allow

(please stay off closed trails) and Steamboat’s bike patrol will be available once the season opens. The 2013 summer gondola service opens for downhill riding on June 13 continuing with the tradition of Scholarship Day benefiting Routt County Riders. Info: www.steamboat.com

Larry Pierce

Continuing to implement its Summer Master Plan for a dedicated freeride bike park, Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. has come a long way since installing its first bike trails nearly three decades ago.

A new era was unveiled last fall at the Steamboat Bike Park, with award-winning bike trail developer Gravity Logic putting the finishing touches on three new downhill trails, including two green (easy) trails, E-Z Rider and Wrangler Gulch, and the expert black jump trail, Buckin’ Bronc, featuring step-down rollers, wooden and dirt berms, ladders, table-top dirt jumps and more.

New blue-square downhill trail Rustler’s Ridge was also completed, offering a series of smooth, sinuous curves, berms and more all the way down from the top of Thunderhead.

This summer, the freeride momentum continues as the resort continues to expand downhill trails,

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Steamboat Bike Park Trails (downhill only) Name

Distance

Use

Description

Buckin’ Bronc

0.3 mile

DH biking only

Steamboat’s first “expert” trail with big banked turns, a wooden bridge drop and finally a challenging and exciting jump line.

Rawhide

TBD

DH biking only

A steep, narrow and flowing trail marked by rollable rock drops and very sharp turns.

Rustler Ridge

1.6 miles

DH biking only

A downhill bike trail that is a bit more challenging than Tenderfoot with banked turns and rolling terrain. Runs from Christie Peak to base area.

Rustler Ridge Connector

TBD

DH biking only

A flowing trail that avoids the intensity of Valley View.

Tenderfoot

3.4 miles

DH biking only

An intermediate trail that starts at the top of the gondola and accesses Wrangler Gulch at the bottom of the Thunderhead chairlift. Beautiful views with a variety of mountain settings.

E-Z Rider

0.9 mile

DH biking only

Finish off your decent down the mountain with a beginner level trail that flows gracefully through a series of S turns showcasing an overview of Steamboat’s new base area.

Wrangler Gulch

0.7 mile

DH biking only

A beginner downhill bike experience that meanders through aspen trees and scrub oak getting you back down the lower part of the mountain.

Multi-use Trails (two-way hiking, biking and horseback riding) Creekside

1.7 miles

Multi-use

Singletrack including very steep sections and several creek crossings. Trail ends at Burgess Creek Road. Proceed uphill on Burgess Creek Road to access Zig Zag and the ski resort. Uphill traffic not recommended (average grade 8.3 percent).

Creekside Loop

TBD

Multi-use

Dirt service road that allows access for non-bike park riders to access Creekside trail.

Moonlight

0.8 mile

Multi-use

Singletrack with numerous switchbacks and 12-inch treadwidth in areas (average grade 9.28 percent, maximum grade 21 percent).

Mountain View

TBD

Multi-use

Singletrack trail that leaves ski area boundary, connecting to US Forest Service’s Continental Divide Trail.

Pete’s Wicked Trail

2.9 miles

Multi-use

Challenging trail with steep terrain, sharp switchbacks and rugged trail conditions (average grade 9 percent).

Spur Run

1.0 mile

Multi-use

Dirt service road, most direct route to Valley View (average grade 4.86 percent).

Storm Peak Challenge

2.2 miles

Multi-use

Extremely challenging ride to top of Continental Divide including steep terrain, sharp switchbacks and rugged trail conditions mostly on dirt service road (average grade 10.06 percent, maximum grade 12.1 percent).

Valley View

4.4 miles

Multi-use

Primarily singletrack to ski area base including cross-country style, rolling terrain, switchbacks and uphill/downhill sections (average grade 6.11 percent, maximum grade 11.78 percent).

Cathy’s Cutoff

0.5 mile

Multi-use

Singletrack, connecting Pete’s and Sunshine (average grade 4 percent).

Elkhead

1.1 miles

Multi-use

Start/finish at top of gondola, varied singletrack/service road (average grade 0.69 percent).

Sunshine Trail

2.0 miles

Multi-use

Challenging, more difficult singletrack through Sunshine Bowl (average grade 4.6 percent, maximum grade 10.06 percent).

Yoo Hoo

0.8 mile

Multi-use

Combination of single and double track with challenging downhill section (average grade 4.46 percent, maximum grade 13.77 percent).

Zig Zag

1.1 miles

Multi-use

Single and double track from the bottom of Thunderhead Lift to the base area.

Duster

1.2 miles

Multi-use

Service road with beautiful views of the Yampa Valley (average grade 3.15 percent).

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Skyline Trail Season: Early June to October Rating: Easy Know before you go: This is a short loop that dries out quickly in the spring. This area also is populated by moose, so please pay attention to posted signs.

Getting there: This trail starts at the water treatment plant. Take the Mount Werner exit from U.S. Highway 40 just south of downtown, heading east toward the ski area. Turn left at Steamboat Boulevard and follow it past the golf course into The Sanctuary neighborhood. The water treatment plant will be on your right, just after you cross Fish Creek. There is a good parking lot with a map of the trail posted there.

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Doug Davis

Shannon Lukens

Description: The trail goes along the new fence line behind the parking lot and joins up to the singletrack on the left. Then it switchbacks for a bit until you enter the aspen trees. You do a small circular trail through the aspens and onto the ridgeline heading back toward Steamboat Boulevard. Continue to a couple more switchbacks down the hill and onto Steamboat Boulevard. Ride the road a couple of minutes and you’re back at the water treatment plant.

Pottery • Vegetables & Herbs • Annuals & Perennials • Trees & Shrubs

Helping Gardeners Grow since 1999 1801 West Lincoln Avenue, Just off the bike path Spring • Summer • Fall

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03 nue 879-24 Lincoln Ave

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Spring Creek Trail

Season: Mid-May to mid-October Rating: More difficult Know before you go: This trail weaves back and forth over Spring Creek and through aspen forests with about a dozen bridge crossings. It can be done as an up-and-back or a loop if Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38) is ridden.

Getting there: From downtown Steamboat Springs, travel north on Third Street and turn right at the stop sign onto Pine Street, which will turn into East Maple Street. Pass the Steamboat Springs High School on the right and follow the road to the end where it intersects with Amethyst Drive. At this stop sign, the parking lot for the trail is directly across the street. This is Routt County Road 34. If driving, park your car here.

Description: Begin pedaling up the dirt road (keep an eye out for cars, stay to the right). The road will turn to a double track in about 0.5 mile. Follow this double track up above Spring Creek Park (featuring two reservoir ponds and gazebo). The first bridge crossing will be in about one-half mile. Stay on this double track for another mile until the trailhead sign. At the sign, climb up a short, steep hill to the left and take the immediate right. This is the beginning of the single track and the official beginning of Spring Creek Trail.

From here on, there are no other trails off the wide singletrack. The trail will cross back and forth over the creek until reaching the summit at Dry Lake, about 5 miles later. The terrain is mostly hard-packed dirt but does have sections of rocks, roots and ruts. It is a continuous climb with many short, steep pitches.

The trail is not very technical in nature, but the climbs require physical fitness. There is a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Upon reaching the top, turn around and enjoy the beautiful ride back down. Be careful, this trail is one of the most popular in Steamboat, so encounters with other riders, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians are inevitable.

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Hot Springs Area Season: Early May through October Rating: More difficult (Mad Creek), very difficult (Red Dirt) Know before you go: With southern exposure and quickly draining granitic soils, the hot springs area trails dry out early and offer the longest riding season of all the trails in town. Mad Creek is popular with hikers and their dogs. Please ride carefully and remember to yield the trail to hikers.

Also be aware of horse use in this area during the early riding and hunting seasons. Please yield the trail to horses. The Red Dirt Trail has some northfacing slopes and does not melt out as early as the rest of the trail system. Do not ride into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, or you could be ticketed.

Getting there: Ample parking is available about 5 miles up Routt County Road 129 at the Mad Creek Trailhead and another half-mile beyond at the Red Dirt Trailhead. (You can also ride C.R. 129 directly to each trailhead.) The other option is to ride the Strawberry Park Hot Springs Road, C.R. 36, to the Hot Springs Trail. Ride this trail down to C.R. 129 and then turn right and go 0.25 miles to the trailhead.

Highlighted trail: Mad Creek/Red Dirt Loop: This loop climbs from the Mad Creek parking area up to the historic barn. Look for the Swamp Park Trailhead sign on your left. Climb through aspen and lodgepole forests before descending the steep and technical Red Dirt Trail. A short spin along the road returns riders to the trailhead.

Description: These trails all link up essentially at the top of the Mad Creek Trail and offer a little something for everyone. From here, riders can follow the meandering trail by the historic barn and bordering an Alpine meadow to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area boundary, over to the Red Dirt Trail (see above), or across Mad Creek onto

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The long locals’ ride starts in town, rides out Strawberry Park Road to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, down the Hot Springs Trail, up Mad Creek, down Red Dirt, then back up Hot Springs (for a post-ride soak) and finally back into town.

Doug Davis

double track and loop back to either the Hot Springs Trail or the Mad Creek Trailhead parking lot. No matter your route, you’ll likely see birds of prey, deer or elk, fox and other wildlife. You’ll also encounter other trail users, so ride under control.

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Season: Early June to October Rating: Intermediate Know before you go: This trail is a beauty, and one of the first in the Steamboat area to dry out each spring because of its southern exposure. It also can be linked with several other trails in the area, including Hot Springs Trail, for a great half road/half trail loop from town. As an out-and-back from Lower Bear Trailhead to the summit overlook, expect about 4 miles of pedaling with an elevation rise of 1,353 feet.

Getting there: The trail starts on the right about a half-mile before you reach Strawberry Park Hot Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Hot Springs Road). Park at the pullout for the Lower Bear Trail on the right and look for the singletrack trail heading north from its far end.

Description: Break out your energy bar.

This Forest Service Trail starts with a bang.

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Beginning at an elevation of about 7,600 feet, the trail heads north before turning east and climbing the scrub oak-filled hillside with a series of switchbacks. After 1.6 miles, or about a half-hour, you’ll reach the old TwoTrack Trail, which is even steeper. Turn left and climb another 0.4 mile (2 miles from trailhead) to the overlook at the top of a saddle and a commanding vista of the Yampa Valley. From there, the trail rolls northeast before contouring across a rocky outcrop and descending to its junction with four-wheel drive Elk Park Road at mile 2.9. Stay on it to its end at a meadow called Elk Park. Turn right on the road, and you can descend back to Strawberry Park Road at mile 4.8, where a right turn and short road climb takes you back to your car. You also can head back the way you came on Lower Bear, the smooth, buff trail of which is pure butter to descend.

Doug Davis

Lower Bear

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Doug Davis

Seedhouse Trails

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Season: Late June to September Rating: Very difficult Know before you go: All the trails in this area are shared with equestrians, hikers and motorcyclists, so ride with respect. Also, hunters use this area in the fall, so wear bright colors. The U.S. Forest Service is continuing to close areas for tree clearing, so read all closure information and contact the Forest Service for information. Also, please report any new downfall.

Getting there: The Seedhouse area offers ample parking in three different locations: The Hinman Lake trailhead, the North Entrance to the South Fork trailhead, and the South Entrance to the South Fork trailhead.

Description: South Fork/Scott’s Run. This about 20-mile moderately technical loop offers a great aerobic workout and spectacular views of the South Fork of the Elk River, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area and the 2002 Hinman burn area (notice the regeneration). The suggested ride is counter-clockwise and prepare for creek crossings.

The Seedhouse area network of trails offers riders of all abilities the opportunity to ride pristine trails and see a wide variety of wildlife, beautiful flowers and the rugged Mount Zirkel. The trails, located about 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs, traverse aspen and lodgepole forests and pass by meandering creeks and streams and glimmering lakes. In the summer, they allow riders to escape the heat of Steamboat and ride through shady stands of aspens and lodgepole forests connecting to brilliant meadows of columbines. The singletrack is narrow and smooth with few technical interruptions, making for fast and furious fun in the saddle.

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Season: Late June to early October Rating: Very difficult Know before you go: This about 20-mile, technical, North Routt loop is a favorite bike ride but is also shared by four-wheelers, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. It’s best ridden in a counter-clockwise loop. The ride is gorgeous during the fall colors.

Getting there: From Steamboat Springs, turn north at 7-11 and follow Elk River Road (Routt County

Road 129) past Columbine to Forest Service Road 47 on the left just past the Summit Creek Guard Station. Park off FSR 47.

Description: Follow FSR 47 clockwise, west. It turns into Trail 1147. This trail winds through aspen groves and spruce, down to Lopez Creek and then connects with Trail 1156. Turn left, staying on Trail 1156 back over the divide and down Willow Creek. This area can be wet in early summer. Stay on Trail 1156 across FSR 487 to FSR 488. Turn right on FSR 488 and travel to the junction with C.R. 129. You can stay on the trail back to C.R. 129, but at this point, some smoother riding is welcome.

Turn left on C.R. 129 and return to the starting point.

Other trails can be accessed from the Nipple Peak loop. See map and consult local bike shops for more information.

Doug Davis

Nipple Peak/ Lopez Creek Loop

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Big Red Park: Manzaneres Loop

Season: July 1 to mid-October (closes Dec. 1) Ratings: Very difficult Know before you go: This area has challenging hilly, rocky sections and steep grades. Loose rock Jeep, motorcycle and ATV traffic at all times as you will be sharing the trail. Be prepared to deal with fallen trees, especially in the early summer before winter timber fall has been cleared.

Aryeh Copa

portions might require dismounting. Be aware of

Getting there: Take Routt County Road 129 (Elk River Road) past Steamboat Lake and Hahn’s Peak Lake. Just past Columbine, turn right on Forest Service Road 550. Proceed north 4 miles and turn right on FSR 500. After 2 miles, turn right onto FSR 402, which becomes rough and wet with deep holes (four-wheel drive recommended). The Farewell Mountain trailhead (No. 1203) is 1 mile up the road.

Description: Take Farwell Mountain Trail No. 1203 southeast about 5 miles to FSR 409, then follow the road about 3 miles to Wyoming Trail No. 1101. Take Trail No. 1101 north about 13 miles to Manzanares Trail No. 1204. Follow the trail west about 5 miles back to the trailhead No. 1203. This route is through pine forests and Alpine meadows. The intersection of the Wyoming and Manzanares trails offers views at the top of the Continental Divide. Don’t enter the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, which only allows travel by foot and horseback.

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Grizzly-Helena

Doug Davis

Season: Late June to mid-October Rating: Very difficult Know before you go: This ride is only for the adventurous and is very challenging, but the reward is an intimate overview of the Park Range, with many creek crossings and views of the drainages feeding North Park from the divide.

The trail is open to off-highway vehicles, so singletrack and two-track sections require being alert of other users. Some sections require portage and orientation skills. High water and vast beaver ponds suggest better riding in mid- to late summer.

The trail is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Getting there: There are three main access points to this trail: Southern terminus (Grizzly Trailhead): Access Forest Service Road 60 either by climbing Buffalo Pass Road to Summit Lake and continuing to the east side, or from Colorado Highway 14 by taking Jackson County Road 24 west to the National Forest boundary. Turn north on FSR 615 and go past Teal and Tiago lakes to the trailhead at road’s end.

Trail midpoint (Lone Pine Trailhead): This trailhead allows access to the trail north or south at about 15 miles from each terminus. From Colorado Highway 14 at Walden, go west on Jackson

County Road 12W for about 18 miles, turn south on C.R. 16 to the Forest Boundary. Riders south will find the Lone Pine South trailhead about 1 mile west of the boundary. Riders north can use the Brown Creek Road (FSR 650, a rough, four-wheel drive road that parallels the boundary and connects with the trail after about 3 miles) or the trail itself, accessed 1.5 miles farther west at the Lone Pine North trailhead.

Northern terminus (Helena Trailhead): From Colorado Highway 125 at Cowdrey, go west on C.R. 6W 18 miles to the community of Pearl.

Turn west on FSR 600, following FSR 600 again by turning south toward Big Creek Lakes, then turn south across the Big Creek Lakes outlet to take FSR 660 south to the Helena trailhead.

Description: The entire trail can be ridden using car shuttles between the Grizzly and Helena trailheads south of Big Creek Lakes.

Shorter out-and-back rides or alternate access also are available from the Rainbow Lakes, Pitchpine and Red Canyon trailheads, all accessible by turnoffs from C.R. 12W west of Walden. C.R. 5 and 7 run north-south and provide connections between the interior trailheads for all-gravel shuttle routes. Be prepared for loose trail, abrupt ups and downs, and creek crossings in many areas. From the southern trailhead, pay attention after about 0.72 mile, at the intersection with the Agua Fria Trail. This trail leads up a difficult but rewarding climb to a beautiful lake, but you will need to stay right (east) to remain on the Grizzly-Helena Trail.

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Harrison Creek/ Routt Divide Trail No. 1108

Season: Mid-July to early September Rating: Very difficult Know before you go: Bring rain gear, food and water (the starting elevation is about 9,000 feet, so stay hydrated). The Forest Service is continuing to close areas for tree clearing. Read all closure information and contact the Forest Service for information. The following roads could be closed with no access: Rabbit Ears Pass area, Road 311, Dumont Lake to Base Camp, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Road 251, Harrison Creek Loop.

Getting there: Take U.S. Highway 40 west from Steamboat Springs to the intersection of Dumont/Forest Service Road 251. Park on the right at the entrance of FSR 251. There is a sign for Harrison Creek.

Description: Start the ride from the intersection south on FSR 251 at about 3 miles. Veer left on to FSR 303 and left again onto FSR 303.1C. The path is easy to follow. Veer left onto Routt Divide Trail 1108 at trailhead sign. The trail starts with short descents combined with short, tricky and sometimes rocky climbs. Go through the meadow, even if the trail disappears in the grass (it picks up on the other side). Next comes the mandatory hike a bike. It’s steep, rocky and tough, but is mostly downhill. The singletrack will end on Buffalo Park Road and go left. Now you’re in for a 10-mile moderate dirt road climb back to U.S. 40. From here, it’s a half-mile to your car.

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The Divide Trail

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intersection, look for the Elkhead singletrack straight ahead. Take a right on the road at end of Elkhead, then a quick left to keep the gondola building on your right. Descend Huffman’s to a right turn onto a dirt road, and another right turn onto Valley View and finally straight on Sitz to Yoo-hoo. The ride ends at bottom of Steamboat Ski Area.

Other trail options in the area Dumont Lake to Summit Lake on Trail 1101 Descend Buffalo Pass Road to Dry Lake and Spring Creek Trail down into town.

Dumont Lake to Fish Creek Falls Trail Same directions as Mountain View, but stay on Trail 1102, Fish Creek Falls for arguably the most technical descent in the Steamboat area.

Base Camp Road toward Base Camp Turn left on Trail 1101 and ride back to your vehicle on the singletrack. Easier 8-mile loop, no shuttle required.

Spindle Bike Tours

Season: Early July to mid-October Rating: More difficult Know before you go: This rolling, scenic trail is a classic Steamboat epic. It is also the route for the Ride 4 Yellow event. This trail is referred to by three names: Wyoming Trail, Divide Trail and Trail 1101. Don’t be confused — they all lead to the same great place. You will need two cars or a driver who will not be riding. Your car will be left at Dumont Lake, and the ride will end in Steamboat. Also, check with local bike shops for trail conditions. Be aware of early season snow and fallen trees.

Getting there: From Steamboat, take U.S. Highway 40 east for 20 miles over Rabbit Ears Pass. Turn left toward Dumont Lake. Pass the campground entrances then turn left toward Base Camp (there is a large boulder in the middle of the road with a plaque on it). Park your car 300 yards up Base Camp Road on the right side.

Description: Look for the start of the trail on the opposite side of Base Camp Road. You will quickly come out onto the campground road. Continue straight on the campground road until you take a slight right onto Trail 1101 (Wyoming/Continental Divide Trail). Initially, the trail follows an old road along an irrigation ditch. Head left after crossing a small creek and begin your first steep climb. The trail will roll along and cross another creek, and 4 miles from the start, you will come out on Base Camp Road. Turn left on Base Camp Road and climb for about one-half mile to Base Camp Trailhead.

(Option: you can ride or drive Base Camp Road to this point to avoid 4 miles of singletrack).

At the Base Camp Trailhead, begin a fun, twisty descent over many water bars. After the descent, you’ll cross a creek and climb up to Fishhook Lake (a good spot for a snack). After riding along the east side of the lake, look for a left turn to continue

on Trail 1101 (don’t go to Lost Lake). More rolling terrain with a few rocky sections will take you past Lake Elmo and to an obvious four-way intersection, which is another great spot for a snack or to regroup.

Turn left onto Fish Creek Falls Trail 1102, which rolls downhill toward Long Lake. Stay right as you first approach the lake and then continue onto Fish Creek Falls Trail 1102 (don’t go to Fish Creek Reservoir). Another. 0.8 fairly flat mile later, turn left and begin climbing Mountain View Trail 1032.

The trail climbs a few loose switchbacks then rolls through the forest before climbing again. At the top, you’re rewarded with gorgeous views across Rabbit Ears Pass and a nice spot for a break. A couple more miles of rolling terrain take you to Steamboat Ski Area. Head left on the resort’s dirt road to connect with Pete’s Wicked Trail to begin the descent.

The best route down is Pete’s Wicked Trail, right on Cathy’s Cutoff, right onto Sunshine Trail and left on the dirt road. When the road comes to an

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Season: June to October Rating: More difficult Know before you go: This gorgeous ride stays in great shape throughout the summer. After an hour drive each way, you’ll be rewarded with winding singletrack along Rock Creek.

Getting there: Take Highway 40 east from Steamboat. Follow Colorado Highway 131 south

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Doug Davis

Lynx Pass: Rock Creek/Tepee Creek

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for 39 miles to Colorado Highway 134. Follow Colo. 134 8.2 miles to Forest Service Road 270 (Lynx Pass). Follow FSR 270 3 miles and turn right onto FSR 263 for one-quarter mile. (If you pass the bathrooms, you’ve gone too far.) Park on the side of the road at the sharp switchback to the right.

Description: Leave the road at the outside corner of a sharp switchback in the road. Cross the creek and begin climbing Tepee Creek Trail.

Turn left onto FSR 263. Continue a moderate climb for about 4 miles. Take a right onto Rock Creek Trail, this starts as an old dirt road for about one-half mile. Past a closed gate, the trail turns into singletrack. The trail descends steeply at first, then follows and crosses Rock Creek a few times. After following the creek, you’ll begin a short climb before descending an old two track. At the bottom of the descent, look for a sharp right onto Tepee Creek Trail 1173. Climb along the Tepee Creek drainage back to FSR 263. Continue straight across the road to stay on Tepee Creek Trail. Hang on tight for the fast descent back to the trailhead.

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BMX and pump tracks Trails for toddlers, teens and more

While Steamboat has a wealth of trails luring mountain bikers to town, it also has a couple of more urbanesque options providing bank-filled fun for the whole family.

BMX track BMX has found a home in the Boat. Steamboat Springs has a newly redesigned BMX track that is free and bike-friendly for all ages and all types of riders, adding yet another dimension to local riding options.

Located near the base of Howelsen Hill across the river from downtown, the 950-foot, professionally designed track officially opened in fall 2010, providing a top-tier facility for the BMX-light Rocky Mountain region.

“It’s a technical, professional course,” says Brian Deem, who was instrumental, along with Gina Grether and Eric Bress, in getting the course built. “It’s a varied course that requires more than just one skill to ride well. It teaches the kids how to jump, but it’s also a very competitive track.”

The result of Steamboat’s small BMX club, Team Flying Wheels, aligning with the nonprofit National Bicycle League, the course was five years in the making and came about via donations from SSX Excavating, Wagner Rents, Prestige Property Detailing, private donors and more. It turns back on itself for four straight shots, each littered with carefully considered rollers, mounds and berms designed to challenge experts and beginners from seasoned BMXers and freeriders to toddlers on Striders. Organizers also have

added starting gates, lights and a public address system for the local 10-race BMX summer series racing circuit, open to kids and adults. “This could even generate a state or a national BMX race,” Grether says. “It has that potential.”

Info: Team Flying Wheels, 970-871-9500

Pump track Local and visiting riders now have something else to get pumped up about in Steamboat.

The pump track, located in Ski Time Square just north of the base of Steamboat Ski Area, is the latest addition to the town’s quick and easy riding options, taking riders on a bank-filled, pedal-less course at the base of Mount Werner.

A pump track is designed to allow riders to cruise the course without pedaling, relying

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on pumping up and down the slopes to take advantage of gravity and momentum. Opened in July 2010, the project is a partnership between the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s Gravity Team, the city of Steamboat Springs and the Atira Group, which allowed the track to be built on its property. The pump track is a great skill-building tool and is open and free to riders of all ages and ability.

Info: 970-819-0843

Bear River Bike Park

Aryeh copa

Steamboat Spring’s newest riding edition will be unveiled this summer, with plenty of jumps and flow to satisfy the full range of dirt jumpers. Located on the west side of town along the Yampa River, this is a great stop for families cruising the Yampa River Core Trail and looking for a great activity. Bring along your skateboard, too, as the Bear River Park is home to our concrete skate park. With a beginner and intermediate jump line already in place, the local cycling community is working hard to extend the park’s offerings with an expert line.

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3 Epic Rides Stinger Loop This baby’s a classic, taking you 25 miles from downtown, up and over the backside of Emerald Mountain and back all on silky smooth single track.

Bonus: Once you cross back over the Yampa River, the ride dumps you straight onto Yampa Street and its myriad, riverside bars just in time for happy hour. (See description under Howelsen/ Emerald Mountain Park on page 43).

Divide Trail Carpool up to Dumont Lake on Rabbit Ears Pass, and you’re in for a wilderness ride treat with

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the nearly 25-mile Divide Trail, which follows the Continental Divide to the top of the ski area, where 3,000 vertical feet of single track schussing await. Bonus: At the end, you get to hit the new Rustler’s Ridge downhill trail from the top of Thunderhead to the bottom, where cold beer awaits. Then all you have to do is roshambo to see who has to shuttle back up to get the car. (See map under Divide Trail on page 62).

Coal Mine Loop If you have time for only one roadie, make it the Coal Mine Loop, which takes you on a 53.5-mile loop from downtown, out Twentymile Road to the coal mine at the junction of Routt County Roads 33 and 27, on to Oak Creek, past Stagecoach Reservoir and back on Colorado Highway 131 to Steamboat Springs and a dip in the river before a well-earned refueling stop. (See map under Road/Mixed Rides on page 75).

Nick Glimenakis

Have three full days in town? Bring your full quiver? Below are three epic rides worth notching off your Steamboat bucket list. Hit them all over a long weekend, and you’ve earned your Steamboat stripes.

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1-hour Lunch Loops 2 great nooner rides from town

Road bike Downtown to Hilton Gulch school house via Routt County Road 14 This is a great lunch hour ride along the valley.

Routt County Road 14 (River Road) has become a popular route, so vehicles are used to seeing bikes.

Recent resurfacing has provided a more consistent riding surface.

Leave downtown via Fifth Street, cross the railroad tracks and turn left onto River Road. Pass through the Brooklyn neighborhood and follow the Yampa River out of town.

This ride allows you to set you own pace; the rolling terrain will not force you out of your comfort zone unless you decide to push on each rise and fall. At the intersection with C.R. 14F (4 miles) turn right to stay on C.R. 14. At 6.9 miles, follow the

road around to the right and slightly uphill onto C.R. 35. At 7.9 miles, follow the road around to the left staying on C.R. 35. At 8.7 miles, you are at the base of a short climb. Turn around here or continue up the one-half mile hill to the right where C.R. 41 and C.R. 35 merge. At just more than 10 miles, you will arrive at the old school house at Hilton Gulch. Turn around here for a fast descent and cruise back to Steamboat retracing your path.

Mountain bike Downtown to Emerald Mountain Quarry This is an awesome, steady, intermediate mountain bike ride taking in prime Emerald trails with the reward of a view from the quarry across to the ski mountain, followed by a fast, technical return to town.

Leave downtown via Fifth Street. Cross the

railroad tracks and turn right toward the Howelsen Hill ski area. At the intersection, go left and arrive at the horse stables. Turn right immediately past the stables and then immediately left, taking the first singletrack going uphill. Bear right at the top of the rise and head for the short whoop-de-do down and up again. Bear left and up at the first intersection. After a smooth cruise on level single track, bear left at the next intersection onto the Bluffs Overlook. At the next intersection bear left and uphill out onto the Bluffs. After a short climb, follow a smooth, mellow section south along the flank of Emerald before curving around up to the next intersection where you bear left and continue up. Take Ricky’s Ridge trail on your left and follow it up until you see the Lupine Trail on your left.

Stay on the flowy singletrack all the way up until you pop out with a choice to ascend the technical

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Steamboat Moab slick rock (a sharp left) or a gravel road spin to the Quarry.

For the return, descend the road and look for the Blair Witch trail that disappears left into the woods after about 50 yards. Follow it past a wooden elevated section. After you pop out at an intersection, keep going slightly left and uphill.

After a slight downhill, turn right at the intersection of a two-track road and continue downhill. Look for a left turn onto the MGM trail after the second bend. Stay left on this trail until you come almost to a meadow, turning right and uphill briefly onto Eye-2-Eye. Follow this tight, winding trail until it dumps out onto the bottom of MGM trail. Take a right and after 100 yards bear left onto Molly’s, a flowy trail that feels like a slalom ski course. Stay left at the first fork, them take a right at the fork at the bottom across a small wooden bridge. A short uphill on the Gas Line connects you back to Blackmer Drive (gravel road).

Turn left and then stay right, crossing to Mile Run. Stay on the singletrack, and follow it back down to Howelsen Hill Lodge where you can cruise back into town.

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Road/Mixed Rides Twentymile Road

A local’s favorite with rolling hills, plus a few hardy climbs, nice pavement and relatively low vehicle traffic especially on weekends.

Twentymile out-and-back: From downtown Steamboat Springs, turn off Lincoln Avenue at the library onto 13th Street. This will turn into Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road). There is about 5 miles of open range, so pay close attention for cattle on the quick valley descents. It’s 40 miles out-and-back, if you make it all the way to the coal mine at the junction of C.R.s 33 and 27.

Twentymile loop: For a longer loop variation of the ride (53.53 miles) continue on C.R. 27, with several fast drops into the small town of Oak

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Creek. The return follows C.R. 14 past Stagecoach Reservoir. There is about 1 mile of well-maintained dirt road on C.R. 14 after the short interlude on Colorado Highway 131 toward Steamboat Springs.

left on C.R. 14 (River Road), which will bring you back to town. Ride the loop in reverse for a challenging climb up Hilton Gulch. This is a 30mile loop with about 6 miles of well-maintained gravel roads.

Emerald loop

Stagecoach/ Oak Creek loop

A Routt County cobblestone classic Head out of town on 13th Street (C.R. 33, Twentymile Road) up and over the first major climb and take a left onto C.R. 43, where the gravel begins. Continue around the back side of Emerald Mountain, bearing right onto C.R. 41. After the steep descent down to the Hilton Gulch schoolhouse, take a left back onto the pavement and continue down, merging with C.R. 35, then

A 40-mile classic Steamboat loop From Steamboat Springs, head south on C.R. 14 (River Road). At the junction of C.R. 35, veer left across the railroad tracks onto C.R. 14E and continue to the intersection with Colorado Highway 131. Go right on Colo. 131 for a brief stretch, then turn left back onto C.R. 14 heading to Stagecoach. Ride over Yellow Jacket Pass

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(this stretch has narrow shoulders and some rough pavement) past Stagecoach Reservoir and intersect again with Colo. 131. Turn right on Colo. 131 and head into Oak Creek. From Oak Creek, stay on Colo. 131, roll through the canyon and come back toward town, then turn left back onto C.R. 14E to ride back in on River Road.

Elk River Road/ Seedhouse Road out-and-back

has narrow shoulders and some rough pavement.

For an even longer ride, from Clark continue on C.R. 129 over Willow Creek Pass, past Hahn’s Peak Village and Steamboat Lake and climb up to Columbine where you can turn around (making it a 60-mile round trip from Steamboat Springs).

Shoulder width varies significantly along the length of Elk River Road (C.R. 129).

Gore Gruel

Gorgeous riding through small towns and historic ranches along the Elk River Head north from Steamboat Springs on C.R. 129 for a scenic, rolling ride through the Elk River Valley.

Turn around at Clark for a 40-mile round trip. For a longer ride, turn right onto C.R. 64 (Seedhouse Road) just past Clark and head out to the end of the pavement at the Hinman Park turnaround for a 50-mile round trip. The Seedhouse Road section

Steamboat’s signature 110-mile century ride Head south from town on U.S. Highway 40 climbing over Rabbit Ears Pass, followed by some fast descending and rollers to Wolford Mountain Reservoir just before Kremmling. Turn right onto Colorado Highway 134 for a scenic ride over Gore Pass. Descending from Gore Pass, turn right at the intersection with Colo. 131 through Toponas and head north. Just past Phippsburg, take the right onto C.R. 14, pass by Stagecoach Reservoir

and tackle the few final short climbs. It’s best to start this ride early in the morning to avoid traffic on U.S. 40 and to turn the corner at Toponas before the afternoon winds or storms pick up. Take an extra bottle, too. It’s about 70 miles before your first chance for a snack in Toponas.

Airport plus gravel grinder Equal parts pavement and dirt on this fun mixed ride around the Sleeping Giant Head north on Elk River Road and past the Steamboat Springs Airport to C.R. 44 where you veer left onto the dirt. Continue out over the Elk River toward the Sleeping Giant and the farms that dot the countryside. Ride C.R. 44 until it hits U.S. Highway 40 and then turn left for a pavement section that will take you east toward Steamboat.

After the quick spin on the flat pavement, turn right onto C.R. 33 over the railroad tracks and onto the dirt/gravel, then continue on 33 until you intersect Twentymile Road. Take a left onto Twentymile and make the easy spin on pavement back to town.

This ride is a perfect 20 miles, with an estimated time of just more than an hour.

ALL TRAILS LEAD TO...

A BALANCE OF CLASSIC TECHNIQUE

MODERN CUISINE.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUSTAINABLE LOCAL FARMS

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Hahn’s Peak Lake Campground

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Pearl Lake Coulton Creek Trail

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Airport Plus “Gravel Grinder”

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disclaimer

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64)

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Hinman Campground

58

129

60

12

9

Mad Creek/ Strawberry Park Hot Springs

36

12

44

9

Dry Lake Campground

44

42

40

Milner

Fish Creek Falls

33

179

Howelsen Hill/ Emerald Mountain

Steamboat Springs Steamboat Ski Area

45

33B

41

29 179

27

Catamount Lake

14

Colo . 131

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25

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14B

18C

200A 200

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40

Walton Creek Campground

Stagecoach 8 State Park 1

Oak Creek

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40

Elk Run Trail

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21 2B

2

Dumont Lake Campground

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14D 14C 14A

Colo

Toponas

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39 14 14E 14E 18

33

27

35

Phippsburg

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Fishhook, Lost and Lake Elmo

Rabbit Ears Peak

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18

43 A

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Oak Creek

Long Lake Trail

14

43

33

179

SP1

40

Summit Lake Campground

Spring Creek Trail

Steamboat Campground

2

Soda Creek

361

44

49

South Fork Loop

Clark

Routt County and the City of Steamboat Springs take no responsibility for users’ safety and in no way warrant the safety of the roadways. The inclusion of specific route descriptions in this guide does not signify a higher level of road or infrastructure maintenance and is not meant to recommend or condone a particular roadway for cycling.

You are responsible for your own safety. All users should educate themselves on the rules of the road, and cycling safety, before using any of the routes shown. Your skill, fitness level, and comfort in diverse traffic situations, will determine the streets most suitable for your cycling needs.

Be aware that automobile speeds and traffic volumes may vary depending upon the street and/or time of day.

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Seedhouse Campground

GRAND COUNTY

Steamboat Lake

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9 20 Pearl Lake 209 State Park A

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Gore Gruel

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Hahn’s Peak Village

Lake Elk River Road/Seedhouse Road Steamboat State Park

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129

Stagecoach/Oak Creek Loop

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Columbine

9E 9F 12 12

Emerald Loop

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R19

129

Twentymile Road

Service Creek

Meadows Campground

ROUTT COUNTY

Stagecoach Reservoir

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Gearing up

Local gear to take on the trail Moots Tailgator

Hero Kit

This lightweight (13.8 ounce), custom-made rack pack boasts 400 cubic inches and 5 pounds of carrying capacity for trail essentials.

Filled to capacity, both bags measure 9 inches in depth and one foot long. Two shims are included to fit a range of seat post diameters (round only).

The bags have a Hypalon bottom for abrasion resistance and attach to Moots’ low-profile titanium rack. Each component comes with a 2-year limited warranty. $165, www. moots.com

For nearly all your field repairs, Colorado’s own Hero Kit offers the ultimate bike repair kit in a tight, 11-ounce package. Designed and tested for the most common field repair issues cyclists face, with only the best quality and most compact tools, the kit includes an instruction manual, multitool, tire levers, cable wire, wipes, zip ties, duct tape, tushy cream and more, all in a durable, lightweight LokSak package. It also comes with an I.C.E. (in case of emergency) card. Available at Orange Peel Bikes. $45, www.herokit.com

Honey Stinger Dark Chocolate Mocha Cherry bar

Orange Peel all-mountain shorts and jersey

Steamboat’s Honey Stinger now is adding even more punch to its products, with its first caffeinated protein bar: the Dark Chocolate Mocha Cherry Pro. With 10 grams of whey protein and 30 milligrams of caffeine, the Mocha Cherry is mucho bueno as a portable recovery snack. Ingredients include dark chocolate, organic honey, whey protein isolate, almonds, dried sour cherries and a coffee pick-me-up. $2.19, www.honeystinger.com

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Fly your Orange Peel colors proud with the new Orange Peel all-mountain shorts and jersey, in partnership with Jett Mountain Bikes, of Fort Collins. The apparel combo includes a casual, wicking jersey ($79.99) with T-shirt cut and hidden zipper back pocket as well as riding shorts ($59.99) with pockets and function in all the right places.

Plus, you get to show your support for Orange Peel. Available for men and women in a full range of sizes. www.orangepeelbikes.com

STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM

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Where the bike trails start and end on the mountain Show your bike paSS for happy hour priceS aLL day!

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970-879-4448

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Brian Small - Owner

970-871-1346 •2565 Copper Ridge Drive Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • www.docsautoclinic.com STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM

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Parting Shot

Locals Cathy Wiedemer and Kent Kirkpatrick take time off from work to hit some of Steamboat’s more than 500 miles of trails.

Photo by Larry Pierce.

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