Photo credit: Chasing Epic MTB
Whenever a customer asks us about our favorite places to ride, it’s our pleasure to share the local trails that get our veins pumping.
But this time we wanted to ask you! For our first-ever March RADness tournament, we asked you to vote on Instagram for your favorite trails, and boy did you turn up!
We had over 1,000 responses over the course of the week and we had a blast watching the results come in with Hall Ranch taking the cake as the number 1 trail in the Front Range. Check out the full results. What do you think, did we miss anything?
Riding around muddy sections widens the trail and ruins singletrack trails. Photo BoCo Open Space. Photo: Nick Hanford, 303 Trail Monitor
5. Pick up after yourself – Leave No Trace
This one should be obvious, but the amount of wrappers and trash that we’ve seen left out on the trails this summer has blown our minds. Follow the simple rule: If you pack it in, pack it out.
If there’s any question as to what’s acceptable, check out the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethic’s principles here.
6. Mind the yield triangle.
It may hurt to swallow this one, but we must acknowledge that mountain bikers are the lowest members of the proverbial trail-use totem pole. It’s our responsibility to yield to all other trail users out there in order to keep the peace.
Yield to horses.
Yield to hikers.
Yield to trail runners.
Yup, just slow down and give way.
7. Use a Bell
While it may not be absolutely required, a bell is about the best way to lower tensions out on the trail. It’s the best ten bucks you’ll ever spend.
8. Obey All Trail Closures – Know Before You Go
There are days where Mother Nature speaks her mind and tells us to just stay home. On those days, it’s our responsibility to listen. Riding muddy trails can damage and permanently alter the terrain for years to come and it’s our duty to exercise a little self-control and wait it out when the trail just isn’t ready.
If you find yourself out on a ride and in a questionable scenario, consider turning back. Are your tires actively sinking into the mud? Is your rear tire slipping and sliding as you pedal? These are good indicators that the trail is too saucy to ride.
Thankfully, we have a ton of resources available to us to check on trail conditions to avoid showing up to a messy trail. If you feel as though conditions might be uncertain, check the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance Trail Conditions page for status updates before you head.
Another excellent online resource is 303 Trail Monitor on Facebook. This is an active online community with over 16,000 members constantly chattering about trail conditions in Colorado. If you’re looking for the status on a trail, odds are someone here knows!
Salida Gravel Rip ?
Food & Water
There are no stores or water re-supply locations on the route, pack enough food and water for your whole ride.
Where to Park
Riverside Park in downtown Salida is your jumping off point. Park in the free parking lot on the other side of the river and take a dip in the water after your ride!
When You’re Done
Grab a brew and a bite Soulcraft Brewing in town and enjoy the fruits of your labor.