The sign indicating the Illinois Trail is obvious at the SE corner of the lot. From here, you can take Illinois Creek High or Illinois Creek Low (Low provides a more gradual climb) as they will loop back onto each other. Look for a paved road crossing and pick up the marked Southside trail on the other side (close to and parallel to Highway 9). Southside will stay close to Highway 9 for a while on moderately technical singletrack with level spots separated by sharp, but short climbs. After traversing the edge of a beautiful meadow, there will be a sustained climb on ATV width trail followed by some level trail leading to a road. At the road, go right and very soon you will see the Blue River trail to the left. Enjoy the plummet down to another road. Cross the creek on the road and immediately pick up the trail again on the left. Follow this to its termination at the next dirt road. Return the way you came or take any of the various roads back into Breckenridge.
While this trail is surprisingly accessible and enjoyable, in the grand scheme of things it's not very remarkable except as a beginning to get to other trails. Seems more like a great after work running spot than anything else.
| ThankThis is a quick ride right from town, although you will spend some time route finding if you've never done it before. Neither my Trails Illustrated map, my "Mountain Bike Summit County & Vail Singletrack" guidebook, nor the map available online from the Town of Breckenridge fully described the area accurately. Between the three and with some poking around I was able to figure it all out. However, you need not worry about getting too lost as you're always near Highway 9, town, or some residential development. The trail itself provides a great variety of climbs, descents, buff, rooty, and rocky tread all while leading you through beautiful alpine forest with stunning views at each clearing.
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