Epic views from the top of Teocalli Ridge give way to a ripping descent all the way back down to the valley floor on this classic Crested Butte route.

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

905

m

905

m

9

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Like all big mountain rides in Central Colorado, Teocalli Ridge begins with a never-ending slog up a 4x4 road that gives way to doubletrack.

Eventually the doubletrack turns to singletrack high up on the side of Teocalli Ridge, with gorgeous views of the Brush Creek drainage helping to distract from the searing pain of the steep climb. A breathtaking view of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness greets riders at the high point of the route.

Due to its north/northeast location in the Crested Butte trail network, this is one of the very best views of the Maroon Bells area available from a bike-legal trail.

Take a few minutes (or longer) to soak in the view and enjoy a granola bar or a sandwhich--you've earned it! The descent off of Teocalli ridge begins fast and furious on old school forest service singletrack that drops steep and fast over rocks, boulders, and root webs.

The first section is hands-down the most challenging part of the route. Roughly 1/3 of the way down the character of the trail changes dramatically as it transitions into singletrack that was rerouted by the Forest Service just a few years ago.

Here the singletrack is much more sustainable, but that sustainability spells more and tighter corners, with plenty of switchbacks that mandate slower speeds.

However, many of the corners have respectable berms, helping riders maintain speed through this twisty--but still enjoyable--singletrack.