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Sourdough Trail Mountain Bike Trail
Nederland, Colorado
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:    |
17 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 7/6/11 by JohnsXCbike |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 12 miles | Global Rank: #851 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 104 | Wishlist: 49 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.24 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 41min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,342/-356 ft | |
 1 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: This trail starts out at 9,200 feet and tops at 10,200 feet! wait a few minutes before riding to acclimate. If you want to boost your cardio abilities, do this ride! theres not to much hard climbs, mostly hard because of altitude. very beautiful ride, highly recomended. one of my favorites.
Description: This trail starts out at 9,200 feet and tops at 10,200 feet! wait a few minutes before riding to acclimate. If you want to boost your cardio abilities, do this ride! theres not to much hard climbs, mostly hard because of altitude. very beautiful ride, highly recomended. one of my favorites.
added on April 12, 2005 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Jones Downhill in Colorado Springs
Zippety Do Dah in Fruita
Colorado Trail / Green Mountain in Deckers
South Saint Vrain in Ward
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by pickettz on June 11, 2011
I was riding this trail this past fall, and I almost died. Not because of the trail, most of which is covered in loose rock (actually a very fun trail), but instead because of moose. Flying down the single track back to the car park, a calf ran out into the trail about 15 feet ahead of me and continued to run straight down the trail. Luckily I was able to slam on the breaks because the doe followed the calf onto the trail, and was about 4 feet away from t-boning my bike. And to think, the one time I don't have my helmet cam with me! Overall, check this trail out.
Similar Trail: Nederland
reviewed by tickledpickle on September 8, 2010
This trail is more of an intermediate plus, borderline advanced. Very rocky and bumpy, on the way down, my hands were numb and sore. Great trail for a hot summer day as it's surrounded by woods. Going up, it's almost constant climbing. First mile or so of the trail is covered with loose rocks and sandy gravel.
reviewed by skibum on July 30, 2010
Some rocks are amusing, some are annoying; this ride has plenty of both. And roots. I wouldn't want to ride a hardtail here (unless maybe if it was a 29er). The combination of altitude and rocks provide a physical challenge, but the grade is generally pretty easy, so it's all doable. This one trail has lots of options; it's great as an out-and-back (the descent is way fun), a point to point with a shuttle from Peaceful Valley, a loop if you don't mind a long stretch of pavement with more climbing, or you can connect to many trails in the extensive South St Vrain network.
reviewed by mwalsh23 on June 18, 2010
Absolutely awesome. This trail is rocky, there's no question, but it's not bad on the way up at all- easy to pick lines and power through/ over most everything on the trail. Coming down is fast and fun- some sections are smooth and twisty goodness, while others are just constant rock fields- not too bad, just numb hands :). Beautiful woods and gorgeous trail.
reviewed by kuala_tahan on August 5, 2009
Good trail. First few miles kinda blow, climbing up some scree, loose rocks, stuff to that effect. After those first few miles it turns way better, good singletrack, parts are technical with rock gardens (but not overly technical, all ride-able). Climb the whole way up pretty much, but it's never a real steep climb, all manageable. Fun downhill on the way back, nice singletrack with a bunch of rocks and stuff to make it a little bumpy/tricky.
Similar Trail: Heil Ranch
reviewed by adam.colba on July 26, 2009
I rode this trail from the Sourdough trail head off highway 72 to the reservoir. Out and back I figure it was about 24-25 miles. The first 2 or 3 miles are a bit rocky, but totally manageable. It is deceiving because I felt that the decent back would have been awesome, perhaps my expectations were too high. Don't get me wrong, the downhill at the end was fun, but I've had better experiences on different trails. If you continue past Left Hand Canyon Creek and the paved road, there's an interesting downhill. It's difficult to describe - it's not one full section of rock gardens and techy parts, but various large, round rocks placed all of the trail. It makes it difficult to really pin it and enjoy the decent. After reaching a few trail junctions, the decent smoothed out and was more enjoyable, but I was frightened for the climb out. It turns out that the climb wasn't nearly as bad as anticipated, but I hesitate to say that the decent to the reservoir was worth it. It was a pretty view, but the work to get out...meh. There are better epic rides out there (Kenosha Pass, Buffalo Creek, Monarch Crest, etc). With that said, I would do this trail again. It's always nice to spice up a routine of weekend rides.
Similar Trail: Kenosha Pass, Buffalo Creek
reviewed by JohnsXCbike on May 27, 2009
This trail is very difficult and should be rated a Black so not to mislead anyone who may be new to biking, it's very rough/rocky in a lot of sections, only a few small spots with larger rocks that some will have to walk(myself included), some tough climbs because of the high altitude. I've been riding since 2003 so trails like this are great for me, but for those new to riding like a friend of mine it's very difficult. I honestly don't remember why I rated it intermediate, maybe I was in better shape back then ;), so I apologize for the initial misleading trail listing. I still highly recommend this trail, I think it's overall the best and toughest within 30 minutes of Boulder that I've done, just remember it's not snow-free until around mid-late June.
* Review edited 7/27/2010
Similar Trail: South Saint Vrain
reviewed by Viper45 on May 23, 2009
I attempted to ride this trail on May 23rd, 2009. About 2.5 miles in the trail was covered in 1' to 3' of snow. I got to Peace Bridge before I was forced to turn around. Since I never got to break through the canopy, I imagine that it would provide nice cover for those looking to get out of the sun on a hot summer day. That said, I can't wait to attempt this trail once we're a little farther into the season. I'm still a novice, but short of a rocky incline every now and again I didn't see anything I couldn't manage. I think the biggest hurdle for most beginners like me is going to be the altitude. * Review edited 5/23/2009
* Review edited 5/23/2009
reviewed by keithcath on October 28, 2007
This is an out and back route through the trees, starting with a steady climb. There's enough technical interest to take your mind off the fact that it's hard to breathe at this altitude. The downhill payback makes the climb well worth all the puffing - fast and fun.
* Review edited 10/28/2007
Similar Trail: Bergen Peak, Jefferson County, CO
reviewed by jeeper on August 31, 2007
This is an absolutely beautiful trail. It is rocky but the rocks are small and easily ridden. The best part of this trail is no steep or sustained climbs. Amazing considering the altitude. You can ride this anytime of day as you are in dense forest 98% of the time. If you have some energy left when you reach Brainerd Lake Road, I highly recommend the 1 1/2 mile climb up to left hand resovoir. The views up there are spectacular to say the least. A wide well established 4x4 road will guide you there. If you still have some juice left after that you can also ride the final 2 1/2 miles to brainerd lake. But watch out, if the pay station is open they will make you pay $1.
reviewed by wheelmon on July 15, 2007
This is rocky like no other trail, and it also gets lots of use on weekends. It is still fun and challenging on a hardtail, but FS riders will be much happier with it. There are so many better rides closer to civilization that I don't see why this is so popular. But I ride a hardtail. I sure am glad I at least have a Thudbuster seatpost, but I still had to be standing on all the downhills, and I had to be very quick. You will not be relaxing any time on your bike.
reviewed by jeff82 on August 21, 2006
Not the greatest trail... Rocky as hell and lots of up. Some good scenery though.
reviewed by dauw on August 14, 2006
Rocky climb first 1.5 miles. Rest is mostly up. Return is mostly down. Just don't bust on a rock or root - it'll hurt. A good view midride.
reviewed by dirtcoach on December 4, 2005
If you like rocks then this is it, nothing real big but big enough if you are not going fast will stop you in a hurry as one of my friends has found out the last time at creek crossing. When climbing the grade is somewhat gentle roller coaster up and down but mostly up, remember there are some ups on the way back but mostly big ring hammer time, ending all to soon. I plan on doing much more of the Indian Peak area rides linked together since this is a rather short ride about 75-90min at a very comfortable pace or when I take a friend along.
Similar Trail: Other in Indian Peak Area
reviewed by worldventure_rider on October 3, 2005
Rode this trail from CO 116 trailhead to Brainard Lake Rd. Some maps do not label CO 116 and there's no sign at the junction with Hwy 72 so look for the CU Research Station sign. This trail is a good work out because of altitude. You'll be panting due to the climb combined with extra energy to navigate constant rocky trail. I never found the "sweet singletrack"; lots of rocks and roots but very rideable; just keep focused or you'll catch a front wheel and greet the rocks up close. Trail has everal short spots where 99 out of 100 will carry their bike; see how far you can get! Nice forest setting with shade that makes for cool ride in summer. About 2.5 mi (?) from CO 116 trailhead someone made a small bike "playground" out of old junk; about 20 yards to the left when you see rusted junk and a jump by the trail.
reviewed by petersbike on September 14, 2005
Initially, I was disapointed believe the loose rocky shale like beginnining of the trail was going to last forever. Was I wrong . First of all the loose rock was'nt even that bad, but after ~ 2 miles you cross a little rock garden and the awesome singletrack begins. ride this for another 4 miles and you will cross Brainard lake road. You can continue on the Sourdough or turn back and enjoy the downhill. If you keep riding north be aware it becomes progressively rockier and more technical as you join St Vrain. There are a few options for you as you ride. Can check in Nederland at the bike shop that is in a train car for info.
reviewed by JJonas on September 8, 2005
I rode this trail on Labor Day...Don't be mislead by the description to think that there aren't any technical sections on this trail (at least for us mere mortals). For the first section of the trail (from the CU research station THD to Brainard Lake Rd) the description holds true. But once you cross the road and start dropping towards South Saint Vrain Ck, there is a dramatic change in the trail. Lots of big rock in the trail, but it's almost all well secured. Some sections I walk, but it's still a fun challenge to see how much you can ride through before you've got to get off the bike. I like to ride it as a lollipop...From the CU research station THD, pass the road, continue on the Sourdough trail to Wapiti tr., loop Wapiti, up S. St. Vrain tr. to Brainard Lake, down the rd back to Sourdough, and finish back at the THD.
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