The first half of the loop is on dirt roads and the return is singletrack. Head out of town on the road to Boreas Pass. Turn right just after Robert's Cabin (you'll see it) to stay on Boreas Pass Road. After a few mroe miles, look for the sign to Selkirk Campground and follow the dirt road back to the valley floor. At the bottom, follow 801 past the entrance to Selkirk CG for a couple more miles and look for a fairly inconspicuous forest service sign marking the trail on your left. Beware, the Trails Illustrated map shows the trail ass 653, but the FS marker says 698, so don't get confused. There's also a marker and an old doubletrack on your right. If you get to a fork in the road, you've gone about 0.3 mi too far. After turning left on to the trail, get ready for some high quality singletrack through a very unspoiled forest. During the first leg, the trail has worn a groove in the countryside and you can really crank on the bermed turns. A few more miles and you'll cross county road 50 amid some private property. Just cross the road and continue on the singletrack. There's some killer views in this valley followed by a tough, but brief climb. The trail then becomes soft pine-needle bed, then has a rocky section that will force most off their bikes once or twice, then a rooty descent back to a doubletrack. Less than a quarter mile into the DT, look for the ST veering off to the right again--don't miss this as this is some particularly sweet singletrack. About a half mile later, the trail will dump you onto a dirt road--take a right and cruise back into Como. The dirt road climb has great views, beautiful aspens and fragrant wildflowers, but if you object to riding the road for 9 miles, the ST is doable as an out and back.
Rode Gold Dust as an out and back today, starting from the old depot in Como. There were definitely a handful of punchy climbs and a couple of sustained steep climbs, but all in all, it was not too difficult of a climb going out. There were some fun downhills going out too. I'm really glad I skipped the road climb and all the car dust. The road climb would probably only be worthwhile to me in late September when the aspen are in full color. There are definitely some good downhills on the way back. Beautiful forests. Some big views. Nice trail.
| ThankFor a trail that's billed as a ripping descent there's a good bit of climbing along Gold Dust, but you'll hardly notice as the singletrack is sublime, the dirt is black and loamy, the descents are steep and ripping, and when the views open up you'll be grabbing for your camera!
| ThankI really loved this ride. The climb up the road is a gradual spin. There are nearly constant views on the road of the surrounding alpine terrain and it makes the road go fairly quickly. I even saw a moose along the road.
| ThankI had a blast on the singletrack. The initial descent is fast and narrow. I wouldn't say don't use your brakes. There are some rocks that I wouldn't want to hit at full speed but you can bomb pretty quickly. The flume is fast twisty fun with berms on a twisty singletrack. Most of the rock garden section is rideable although probably not in one clean run. After the rocky stretch is a nice fun gradual downhill back to Como. I think any Colorado intermediate rider can handle the ride without too many problems. I was a few weeks before peak leaves but the area is full of aspens and would be great in late September. I have a full trip report and lots of photos at my blog at the link below. http://tomcatoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/09/south-park-mountain-biking-salt-creek_98.html
Really loved this. As described in other posts, five distinct sections: Climb on Boreas Pass Road, ripping fast, no brakes downhill, flume, rock gardens, flowy singletrack through aspens. A real gem. One note - trail directions have you enter below the top section. For the whole thing, ride up BP Road about 10 miles to well-marked trailhead and go from there. Skip shuttle.
| ThankBeginning of the descent is fast and rocky - go as fast as you dare. Trail flattens out in the middle with few short climbs and descents. The last third of mile or so through the aspens is fast and flowy if you got traction through the roots but will eat you up good if you lean too much and clip your bars. Very fun overall. Will probably shuttle it next time..
| ThankAwesomely fun trail. Shuttled it like weenies, parking down in Como and up on Boreas, but you can easily ride up that road instead. The first part of the downhill just RIPS, straight down, you don't even need brakes, just open up and bomb. Then you ride through this fun flume for a while, and through nice singletrack with some roots and rocks thrown in for good measure. Ridiculously fun trail, highly recommended.
| ThankWe rode up and back down on the Gold Dust trail; didn't take Boreas Pass Rd.
| ThankThe trail is actually a mixed bag. Sections are steep and rocky/ rooty. Other sections, especially the section between the 2 dirt roads had about 2 miles of a flume trail. Almost flat, quite smooth, a few downed trees. There was also a section of unrideable rock field, about 0.2 miles long, about midway. A few creek crossings, with bridges.
So the 14 miles we did was a pretty good grind; we were pretty tired. Legs and arms were tired gliding the roots for the last mile back down.
So, if you are in the area, it is definitely worth the ride. A long drive? Other trails offer more overall fun for the effort.
The aspens were yeller and just keen. I'd recommend the lungbusting climb via singletrack to Boreas Pass, then turn around and retrace your path with a sanguinous and wickedly fast downhill over chunky monkey terrain. Don't know what I'm talking about? Me neither...it was just a poetic blur of colors and jarring speed after killin' it to climb to the top.
| ThankI rode this trail for the first time this morning. I only did the lower section due to time constraints, but the upper sections look good too. It was a pretty fun singletrack. Some sections were fairly rocky, and there were some roots too, but overall a nice ride.
| ThankThis is a diverse trail that combines technicality and endurance. A whole lot-o-fun!!! I had fun on this trail and my wife (who does not have the technical skills) enjoyed it too!!! I only rode on a small portion of the trail due to time limits. I would recommend a full suspension on this trail as you WILL come across a lot of rocks. The scenery is fantastic!! It isn't too far from Breckenridge either if you take Boris Pass. I plan on going back one day.
| ThankWow this trail sounds awesome but im alittle worried cause I might get lost.
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