The Colorado Trail runs for about 12 miles between the Mt. Shavano Trailhead and the Chalk Creek Trailhead below Mt. Princeton. Along the way the trail tread, trail steepness, and overall difficulty varies drastically. Some sections are single-to-double black diamond, and others are moderate, while others are down-right easy.
Some sections are super rocky and rolling, some are super rocky and steep, some are smooth and rolling, some are smooth and steep... all told, you'll get a bit of everything on this segment!
One thing is certain: the views are incredible. Be sure to bring a camera!
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Hopped on at CR 273. The first 3 miles were uphill. Lots of hike-a-bike opportunities. The next 4 miles were pretty fun, great flow with a couple of steep inclines up over 10k. I should've turned back at the turn out to 250. Would have made it a 17mi trip. But instead I took the road down to 285 and then back North to 270. 33 miles in all.
| ThankWow, is Salida MTB heaven? This section of trail just makes you feel like you're riding on cloud-nine. Sure, there are some tough hike-a-bikes, but they aren't too long. Hey, it's mountain biking, that should be expected. But once you've hiked your bike, be prepared for a rip-roaring ride on it!
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