This is described as a one-way ride with a shuttle because it is a beautiful descent with enough climbing. You will climb over 2000 feet over this 15.6 mile route, but you'll descend over 4,400 feet. Your high point is above 9800 feet elevation; your finish is around 6800 feet. Because this is also a horse trail and is fairly isolated/remote (don't expect to bump into anyone else out there), only expert riders should tackle this route. Don't go alone. Advanced riders, however, should find almost everything rideable.
Directions:
This ride is described here as a shuttle ride, so you'll need two vehicles for these directions.
Drive east from Pagosa Springs on Hwy 160 towards Durango for about 11.6 miles. Turn right onto Badger Rd (USFS Rd 628) and ask permission to park at the Turkey Springs Trading Post. Leave one vehicle.
With the other vehicle, continue towards Durango another 10.5 miles (total of 22 miles). Turn right on First Fork Road (just before crossing the Piedra River). Drive up First Fork Road (USFS Rd 622) 6.8 miles. Turn right onto West Monument Rd (USFS Rd 630W) and drive another 6.5 miles to the end of the road. Unload. This is the trailhead.
The Ride:
Go around the gate off the end of the road and follow the ATV trail.
At mile 1.78 turn right onto the single-track Devil Mountain Trail (USFS Trail 600).
At mile 2.6 you'll see another singletrack going to your right. Ignore this and continue straight.
The trail will soon stop climbing and will break out into open meadows on the top of a ridge with huge views on both sides. Continue along the ridge for a couple miles until you come to another fork in the trail. Turn left (USFS Trail 603). This trail starts a rather abrupt descent down the north side of the ridge.
Continue following the trail in a southwesterly direction following signs for "Snow Springs Trail" (USFS Trail 605).
At mile 8.4 you intersect another ATV trail. Go directly across this doubletrack looking for a continuation of the single track route.
At mile 10.5 you break out onto a gravel road. Follow this road.
At mile 14 you intersect USFS Rd 628. Turn right.
At mile 15.6 you arrive at the Turkey Springs Trading Post and your vehicle.
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