Description

This loop of the Stagecoach Trail is a short but sweet backcountry ride, set many miles from the closest paved road.

This isolated gem is well worth the drive to reach it! The climb to the top of the trail follows Bolam Pass before turning left onto Hotel Draw for the bulk of the climb.

While the climb gains significant elevation (2,000 feet on this 11.6-mile ride), the well-graded road makes the climbing achievable, and the miles tick by surprisingly quickly.

The incredible views of the surrounding mountains also help keep your mind off the work.

Before you know it, you're at the top of the Stagecoach Trail and ready to descend. For being located this deep in the big mountains, Stagecoach is actually a fairly non-technical descent, aside from one optional rock roller line that can easily be bypassed.

In the middle, there is also one rocky section with a few small ledges, but most of the trail consists of fast, flowing, dark black dirt through a towering aspen grove.

The delightfully narrow trail follows an old road grade (presumably for a stagecoach line of some sort?), which includes some water bars that offer great jump opportunities.

Even though you can see the width of the old road grade, the trail tread itself is beautiful, beautiful singletrack! The aspen grove on Stagecoach is truly spectacular, no matter which time of year you get to experience it.

In the summer, the whispering aspen leaves provide a magical sensory experience.

But if you hit it during peak fall colors, you'll be transported to a mystical wonderland of golden leaves above, around, and below you.

While it's tempting to just blast through this high speed descent, taking some time to stop and soak in the grandeur of the beautiful aspens is absolutely recommended.