From the gate you'll head along a very well maintained road. Its a service road for the City Of Fort Collins Water. (The ditch is actually drinking water for Ft Collins)After you cross the gate about 100 feet in there is a self pay station. 3.00 per rider over 16. Bring exact change. You'll follow the road for 5 miles. (approximate) where it will end at the base of a rock slide. There is a foot path (No bikes allowed on Forest Service Property) at this spot Lock up your bike and take the 1/2 mile hike to Lake Agnes. WELL worth the hike. Trail is shared by hikers, Bikers and joggers but its the width of a road so plenty room to share. Nothing at all Technical about this trail but sometimes views are better than crashing down rocks. Very level and good for ANY rider. Kids alike. Great trail to start showing the kids what MTB is all about.
Couple things to be aware of. Your at 12000 feet in elevation. Air is VERY thin. Don't over do it. Easy trail but it can kick you if your too aggressive.
Bears and Mountain Lions in the area so a good can of bear mace isn't a bad idea. 200 Foot drop offs and Running Melting snow everywhere makes this an awesome ride.
Plan for bad weather no matter what the forecast! It has been known to snow in June and July here. After all, your about to be above timberline!!
Couple small cabins along the way. Those belong to the workers of the Ditch so please respect their property and stay away from them.
First, although this ride has some good scenery, it's mostly in just a few places between trees, since you never do climb "Above Timberline". In fact the "road" never even climbs to 10,400' , not 12,000' as stated. There isn't even 200' of climbing to the point that you have to lock up your bike, although the hike from there is short and steep.
Being a well maintained road, it is smooth enough that you could even take your youngest kids on it on a tricycle, so families could make an outing of it.
The only reason I ever ride "The Ditch Road", is to access the trail to Thunder Pass, aka the American Lakes trail, which is also in the data base here.
* Review edited 7/23/2009
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