FATMAP by Strava

Tiehack Lollipop

Fairplay

Salida

A classic, flowy XC ride just outside of Fairplay.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
8.4 km
Ascent
261 m
Descent
261 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
3.1 km
High Point
3.3 km
Gradient
Tiehack Lollipop Map

Tiehack is a historic singletrack trail located just outside the town of Fairplay in the South Park Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. While Tiehack isn't the best singletrack trail in the South Park Valley, this easily-accessible trail is a longtime locals' favorite that provides access to the beautiful forests and foothills of the Mosquito Range.

Description

The ride begins by slowly climbing up a mellow hill on mostly non-technical singletrack. All of the grades on this route are extremely climbable, making for a fantastic cross-country ride in the heart of Colorado. If you've spent all summer punishing yourself in the steep mountains, these mellow grades might offer a bit of relief come fall!

At the main junction, this route takes a right to keep climbing on singletrack before hitting a gravel road. After taking a left on the road, there's a bit steeper climb before another left turn onto the singletrack descent. Riding the loop part of the lollipop in this way provides the maximum amount of singletrack descending.

The descent back to the trailhead isn't very technical or very steep, but you can really let off the brakes on this wide-open old-school singletrack and fly! Be sure to always ride heads-up for other trail users and uphill trail traffic, and yield to uphill traffic and hikers.

On the final section of the descent (the stem of the lollipop), you'll notice a few kickers and small jumps built into the trail, providing some fun airtime opportunities to wrap up the ride!

While this isn't a long or epic route, this local favorite is still worth a ride if you're passing through the area.

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.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens