Buena
Vista, Colorado
ATV Historical Color Tour
Sample ATV Trail Routes
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Listed below are
descriptions of some of the
ATV Trail Routes that
will be available for riding during the rally.
Last year we applied for a new route, Hagerman Pass. We did not get approval but we expect to this year. This is another up and back route following, for a ways, the old Colorado Midland Railroad grade from Leadville to the Aspen Valley. Mostly easy and scenic and best of all, some new terrain for our regular Tour attendees. In addition to the main roads, there is a proposal to open a new <50" trail just above Ivanhoe Creek in Hell Gate Canyon. We won't know until summer if this new route is accepted for sure.
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| Easy-Moderate |
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| Moderate |
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| Moderate-Difficult |
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| Difficult |
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Six Pac Ride
Rating:
Actually six passes, Hancock, Tomichi, Black Sage, Wauneta, Napoleon and Tin Cup. These are not that difficult but there is some exposure and a deep stream crossing. The difficult rating is primarily for the length of the ride (85 miles) and a steady (meaning not slow) pace that has to be maintained to complete this ride. This is one of the few guided rides. High critter, history and color factor.
Mosquito Pass
Rating:
This is the highest pass in the United States at over 13,000 ft. Prior to summiting you will go through some of the highest concentrations of old mines on the planet, with much of the infrastructure still standing. There isn't a lot of color, there's some exposure, and the critter factor is fairly low, but the history is very high.
Otto Mears Toll Road to Bonanza
Rating:
This route has more historic value than most and very different mountain scenery.
You’ll get up close and personal to several mine sites, many with buildings
still standing. Lots of Aspen and this trail now makes a loop. A few side routes
can be challenging.
Hancock/Tin Cup Loop
Rating:
This route is a scenic masterpiece with high mountain vistas, old mine sites,
several ghost towns. You can ride right into the towns of Pitkin, Tin Cup,
and Taylor Park and get lunch. It’s a full day’s ride.
Mt. Antero/Baldwin Lake
Rating:
This route will take you higher than any other on the Tour. The highest point
is 13,700’ and the summit at 14,269’ is a short hike from there.
4WD is necessary for heavier machines and all will need a few ponies. You’ll
visit 2 high mountain lakes and a couple of mines. Look around near the summit
of Antero for aquamarine and quartz, minerals that are still mined today on
active claims. A few aspen areas.
Iron Chest and Pomoroy Lakes
Rating:
These are two different routes very close together. Each is up and back, not heavily traveled and go above Timberline. Pomeroy Lakes are beautiful and rarely fished and Upper Pomeroy (a short walk) contains Arctic Grayling. Both have color and Iron Chest (named for the most obvious mine up there) has history.
Mineral Basin/Ptarmigan Lake
Rating:
This route begins at beautiful Cottonwood Lake and is not heavily traveled.
It and all the side routes are up and back with critter sightings common and
lots of beaver ponds. Ptarmigan Lake holds some big and hungry trout and Ptarmigan
(Colorado’s unofficial state bird) hide in the surrounding rocks. Side
trip Hope Gulch is a beautiful up and back route over a saddle looking down
into the Chalk Creek drainage.
Twin Lakes/Lost Canyon
Rating:
Two different routes that require trailering to each, but worth the effort.
Aspen trees abound at Twin Lakes and the views from each are incredible. At
the top of Lost Canyon you’ll stare right into the faces of Mt’s.
Belford, Oxford, Missouri and Huron …14’ers all. At the Twin Lakes
trail, you’ll visit old mines and mills with colorful rocks. From the
top of Twin Lakes trail you can look across the valley into the famous California
Gulch Mining District and Leadville.
4 Mile Area
Rating:
Named for the creek running through it, it’s one of two routes that are
on the eastern side of the valley (Ruby Mtn. being the other). These are easy,
high clearance roads going through Pinion Forests and high desert. The only
moderate parts are on the ATV trail system. You’ll have panoramic views
of the Sawatch Range across the valley. Critters here include Big Horns, deer,
elk, bear and (rarely) mountain lion.
Ruby Mountain/Aspen Ridge
Rating: to
The extreme sections are easy to avoid and the easy ones are loads of fun.
New ATV trails cut through the Pinions, and Aspen Ridge in the fall will blow
you over with color. Similar in terrain, views and critters to 4 Mile.
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