FATMAP by Strava

Colorado Trail: Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Bypass

Buena Vista

Leadville

Salida

Combination of paved and dirt roads to bypass around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance
40 km
Ascent
426 m
Descent
417 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
Colorado Trail: Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Bypass Map

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.

Description

From Clear Creek Reservoir to Cottonwood Pass bikepackers must bypass around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This bypass route utilizes a combination of paved highway and gravel backroads. River Road leading into Buena Vista is a very scenic and enjoyable pedal.

While rerouting around Wilderness instead of riding singletrack is a bummer, dropping into Buena Vista provides a great opportunity to resupply. The upcoming section of the route is remote and arduous, so restocking on food and any other necessary supplies is mandatory. Boneshaker Cycles in downtown Buena Vista is a full-service bike shop. The Trailhead offers other useful outdoor supplies. And of course, Buena Vista offers other standard amenities like a grocery store, liquor stores, and restaurants.

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Road sections

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area