McQuaid Creek

McQuaid trail itself is only 3 miles long, It makes a nice short out and back. Nothing too big here, but lots of fun in both directions. Presently, all deadfall is cleared. This is Salt Creek Trail's little brother. Salt Creek is bigger, better and faster imo.

I caught this ride the morning after a fairly heavy rain. As a result the thick vegetation on the Salt Creek portion soaked my shoes and socks within minutes. The roots and rocks were extremely slimy, making some hairy descents and difficulty climbing. On a dry day I may have given it a 4. Salt Creek is a primitive trail with a very narrow tread masked by the vegetation. McQuaid is a decent trail when ridden south to north with better flow.than Salt Creek. McQuaid by itself I'd give it a 4, I just wish the McQuaid section was a little longer. I extended the loop by traveling further north on Salt Creek. It's worth checking out. The sections of dirt road connecting the singletrack are fun breaks from the slower trails and offer good views of the Buffalo Peaks.
I rode it clockwise and that seems to be the way to go. For a detailed trip report and lots of photos check out the link to my blog below: http://tomcatoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/09/south-park-mountain-biking-salt-creek_98.html

This narrow singletrack isn't used very much, but it's flowy, fast, and offers up some great views, too. If this trail was located closer to civilization, no doubt it would have A LOT more traffic. But if you're willing to drive out here to ride, you'll be rewarded with a great section of singletrack.

There's lots of high quality, very narrow singletrack here. This ST is very lightly traveled--I went on a perfect weather weekend and saw nary a soul (save for some elk) on the singletrack. It does require some dirt road, which you will share with 5th wheels and jeep road you will share with ATVs, but overall, this is a great solitude ride. Some of the climbs out of the drainages on the Salt Creek trail are very steep and will invite most to dismount, but it's worth it and you get a great, long tight downhill for your trouble. This loop can be extended with additional singletrack at each end until you hit wilderness boundaries. If you get the Trails Illustrated Maps 110 (Leadville/Fairplay) and 129 (Buena Vista/Collegiate Peaks), all the possibilities will become apparent. Definitely do the main loop clockwise, though. For most of the Salt Creek Trail, you will be riding on the boundary fo the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area--this is the closest you can come to riding wilderness without poaching. Travel with a buddy or be self sufficient--there's no cell service out here.