0.0 From the parking lot, climb the short blacktop road that leads to the gondola and reads “scenic ride”. Pass the gondola, stay on the dirt doubletrack and climb.
0.3 Turn right on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) singletrack and sign the trailhead register.
1.1 At the junction, stay to the right on the doubletrack heading uphill (south). Follow the sign that points to the CDT. This is a steep 0.5 mile climb.
1.6 Turn right to stay on the CDT.
2.0 Enjoy the huge views on this sweeping lefthand corner.
4.5 Stop at the saddle and walk to the east for a great view of the Collegiate Peaks. Leave your bike on the trail and do not ride it across the high alpine plants.
6.9 Enter a meadow with a lean-to hut on your left. For an adventurous overnight, bring a sleeping bag and spend the night in the lean to. Follow the trail through the meadow and into the trees on the other side.
7.2 The water crossing the trail comes from a freshwater spring located about 20 feet uphill to the left. This is a good place to fill your water bottles. No one has been known to get ill from this spring, but be safe and purify it.
7.6 Climb uphill through a forest of dead trees.
8.8 Cross a wide rockslide. The singletrack after the rockslide is fast, treed and technical.
9.5 The singletrack intersects a doubletrack dirt road with a small clear area and old mine with white rocks. This is the end of the out and back ride, so turn around and enjoy the ride back. It’s like a whole new trail.