Description

Crested Butte is striving to be a winter fat biking destination, evidenced by its ever-expanding system of groomed trails.

Cement Creek Road is a good example of the area's enthusiasm for all things winter! This route is the product of an enthusiastic volunteer groomer and an equally enthusiastic outdoor recreation community.

The 4.5-mile stretch of road is impeccably and regularly groomed for all users: XC skiing, walking, running, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and fat biking...

even dogs are welcome! The generous 10' width allows ample room for all of these activities, as long as everyone is courteous. The groomed goodness begins about 3.8 miles up Cement Creek Road (FS740) at the winter trailhead.

Riders looking for more mileage can park at Camp 4 Coffee at the intersection of Hwy 135 and Cement Creek Road and ride the plowed 3.8 miles up to the trailhead. The route is not at all technical as it climbs its way up to the switchbacks where the grooming ends.

When conditions are firm, the ride can be up to 9 miles of groomed sweetness.

When a lot of snow has accumulated and the surface is softer, the rideable out-and-back is closer to 7.5 miles, since the last ¾ mile gets steeper.

As with all groomed trails, if it is so soft that even big, fat tires are leaving ruts...

turn around and try again another day when the snow firms up. The scenic beauty of this route begins on the wooded climb from the trailhead.

Soon, a pretty creek can be seen and heard as it gurgles alongside the trail.

As the route exits the trees, expansive mountain views take center-stage and dominate for the rest of the ride. As an out-and-back route, each cyclist can ride as far as desired, then turn around and enjoy the exhilarating descent back.

Be sure to smile and greet all of the other winter-lovers who are out enjoying this wonderful groomed trail.