Colorado Trail: Twin Lakes to Clear Creek Reservoir

Pedal through a grove of towering aspen trees that turn a beautiful gold in the fall.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 437 m
Descent: 526 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 2.7 km
High Point: 3 km
Gradient: 8˚

Colorado Trail: Twin Lakes to Clear Creek Reservoir 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.

Photo from Colorado Trail: Twin Lakes to Clear Creek Reservoir

Description

The stretch of the COT running from Twin Lakes to the Clear Creek Reservoir (where riders must again jump back on roads to reroute around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness) is a true singletrack gem! This sweet stretch of trail flows through an aspen grove of epic proportions. Some of the aspens in this grove are mind-boggling tall, with massive trunks that shatter the stereotype of aspens as short, thin, whispy little trees.

During the fall when the leaves are turning a beautiful golden color, this trail is a popular out-and-back ride from the Twin Lakes Dam parking area. Riding well in both directions, both day riders and bikepackers are guaranteed to enjoy this stretch of trail.

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.