6.9 km away
Colorado Trail: Tennessee Pass to Holy Cross Wilderness Out-and-Back
A buff, flowy out-and-back on the Colorado Trail with a rocky finish.
Moderate Mountain Biking
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 501 m
- Descent
- 501 m
The Colorado Trail (COT) is widely regarded as one of the very best long distance mountain bike trails in the world. Running for 535 miles between Denver and Durango, the trail crosses high alpine mountain passes and drops into beautiful valleys as it traverses the most beautiful portions of the state of Colorado. The COT forms one third of the Triple Crown of Bikepacking, along with the Arizona Trail and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
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Description
From the historic Camp Hale, the COT singletrack climbs toward the top of Tennessee Pass, roughly paralleling the highway. Despite more-or-less following the highway, this section of singletrack is absolutely stunning! The trail is relatively smooth and ultra-flowy. Of course, it’s better in the downhill direction, descending from Tennessee Pass to Camp Hale.
Eventually the trail crosses the highway, running through an alpine meadow for a couple of miles. It finishes the climb on doubletrack, arriving at the top of the pass.
Difficulty
Moderate
Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.
Best time to visit
Features
- Flow
- Roots
- Rock Gardens
Similar routes nearby
9.3 km away
Colorado Trail: Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness Bypass
A lengthy road bypass around the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness areas.
Easy Mountain Biking
- Distance
- 34 km
- Ascent
- 343 m
- Descent
- 469 m
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Guidebooks in this area
26 routes · Mountain Biking