Colorado Trail: Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness Bypass

Salida

A lengthy road bypass around the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness areas.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance: 34 km
Ascent: 343 m
Descent: 469 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 2.9 km
High Point: 3.2 km
Gradient: 3˚

Colorado Trail: Holy Cross and Mount Massive 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.

Overlooking Leadville's fall colors on a September evening Photo: Jeremy Rhoades

Leadville, Colorado Photo: mark byzewski

Mount Elbert, from Leadville Photo: mark byzewski

Description

The COT bike route has to bypass around both the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness areas before regaining singletrack off of Half Moon Road. While this is a lengthy road bypass, it does offer the benefit of passing through the town of Leadville, providing a perfect resupply opportunity. Alternatively, if no supplies are required, a shorter route skips the town of Leadville and continues south through the valley.

Leadville offers a full complement of amenities, including Cycles of Life—a full service bike shop.

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.