MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	18 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 7/8/10 by fatkidwithasthma Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 14 miles	Global Rank: #2
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 142	Wishlist: 206
Avg. Speed: 6.22 mph	Avg. Time: 2hr 17min

 

Kessel Run in Fruita

 

Rampart Reservoir in Woodland Park

 

Mount Herman Trail in Monument

 

Prime Cut in Fruita

 

  
reviewed by kuala_tahan on July 14, 2010

Absolutely killer trail. Nice big climb at first (1500 feet or so, at altitude), but not unmanageable or required to walk, both on road and singletrack. Beautiful views the whole way up. Up top, amazing panoramic views. Then the fun starts. Ridiculously screaming singletrack for about 7 miles down. Took me I think 20 minutes to get down 7 miles. Wide open on the side of the mountain at first, then starts getting nice and tight (literal, singletrack, super tight) through brush whipping against your legs, then through a beautiful aspen grove. Always going way too fast to appreciate any of it, but an amazing trail. Nothing technical at all, just FAST. Thought this was the best singletrack I had ever ridden until the next day in CB, when I rode Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman.

Similar Trail: Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman

  
reviewed by fatkidwithasthma on July 8, 2010

Was just in CB this weekend. Trail 401 is awesome, with awe inspiring views, awesome climb at the beginning ( long climb if you start at the parking area and pedal up the pass to the trail head), amazing downhills with some great exposure. Officially one of the top trails I have ever ridden. Not really technical, but worth every second just for the views. It is not currently closed, but a 100 ft. section of the road up to the trail head is covered with snow. We were able to drive it in a Subaru WRX wagon.....so as long as you have AWD you should be okay. The initial climb the trail head at the top of the pass has a pretty significant section with a lot of downed trees from winter storms. You will have to hike a bike through a good bit of the first 3/4 mile. If you are ever in Crested Butte......you have to ride this trail. If you don't, well you are definitely missing out on an amazing experience. Cheers!!! overall- not a super technical trail, but the altitude and climbs will kick you in the gut if you aren't ready for it.

Similar Trail: Monarch Crest trail

  
reviewed by Goo on April 28, 2010

@ziraga, trail 401 is high up the mountains, and i imagine it is still impassable due to snow. But i don't know for sure what the issue is with the "closed" rating

  
reviewed by ziraga on April 27, 2010

is it closed? wtf?

  
reviewed by Shermerhorn on September 16, 2009

Loved it on 9/8/09, though how is it no one else has mentioned the cows? I thought one was a bear out of the corner of my eye since I was still way up there...then later a bull just wouldn't get off the trail even when I asked nicely. See pics.

  
reviewed by chgolf64 on August 10, 2009

By far the sickest trail in CO, the uphill is rough because of altitude, but the downhill is out of this world! We hitchhiked to the top the second day just to ride again.

  
reviewed by shizants on August 10, 2009

it's hard to find a more scenic ride

* Review edited 8/10/2009

  
reviewed by rwbuff78 on August 3, 2009

wildflower tunnels at 20mph great ride. if i was going to die next week, i would want to ride it again before i go

  
reviewed by AboveTheRidge on July 22, 2009

A buddy and I just got back from riding 401 on 7/17. Trail was spectacular, BEST I've ever ridden. The ride up Gothic Rd was slow, but not hard. The next 15-20 minutes uphill on the trail after reaching Schofield pass weren't too bad either. For an East Coaster, the elevation got to me a bit, but the trail was phenomenal and worth every crank to get there. Will add to the plethora of photos once I get them resized. Trail is very clean with only one or two hairy switchbacks where the trail seems to drop off the side. Relax with a beer at Eldos in downtown CB once done!

* Review edited 7/22/2009

  
reviewed by versplatch on July 9, 2009

Did 401 a couple of weeks ago. Hike a bike over snow from the top of Schofield to the top clearing, perfect after that. Scenery and dh is top notch. Such a great ride.

  
reviewed by krystyly on August 18, 2007

Don't be fooled...this trail can be a real challenge for beginners like myself, but it was sooo worth it. The scenery was out of this world and in the end it was pretty rewarding, This trail really has anything you could ask for...flowery meadows, plush forests, lakes, streams, Aspen Glens, challenging climbs, and some great downhill. You can't not love it!!

  
reviewed by utedude on July 26, 2007

I am simply speechless! Wow! That was by far the best trail I have ever done! It is a thrill ride, scenery show, and overall just pure singletrack. Wildflowers surround you bracing your fall down the thousand foot drop to your right! Crested Butte is south and the marroon bells wilderness northeast withe the rest of the beautiful elk mountains occupying the seemingly endless range of incredible scenery. Now to the trail: extremely well maintained, strenuous climbs, just the right balance of fast flying and technical sections, diverse landscape and a great aerobic workout. Overall, I would highly recommend this trail to a rider with any experience at al as it is the best I have ever done!

Similar Trail: Falcon trail, Rampart Reservoir

  
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 5, 2007

This is the best mtn biking trail in the known universe. If you like the idea of descending at more than 25 mph through a meadow of wildflowers that grow as high as your shoulders with sanguine red mountains as your backdrop, this is the place to do it. You'll need to be in moderately good shape even though the uphill is maybe not as bad as some say. It's probably more a matter of the altitude, so do make sure you acclimate if you're not used to being in the high country and take the time to learn a little about altitude sickness.

Similar Trail: There's nothing else like it.

  
reviewed by BobinConifer on May 13, 2007

There are many reasons this trail regularly gets ranked as the best trail in Colorado. The scenery is mind blowing, there is some decent exposure for thrillseekers, the wildflowers are historic and the single track is like butter. I've ridden this trail probably a dozen times and the only complaint I have is sharing Gothic Road with sight seeing Texans. If you have the legs and lungs a great alternative is to drive up Washington Gulch (the turn-off is between Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte) and ride 410 between Mt. Blady and Gothic Mountain. This is a pretty short, boney mostly downhill ride that adds a lot more singletrack to the trip. Once your on 401, be sure to do the extension (at Rustlers Gulch) there's a short climb before getting to the rest of the great single track. Another alternative is to add a scenic mile or two at the top of Schofield Pass (instead of taking the right onto the singletrack at te trailhead) just continue straight for another few miles along the dirt road. You'll drop down into Schofield Park and ride through the old ghost town before getting to a perfectly photogenic waterfall.

Similar Trail: Dyke Trail

  
reviewed by beckijhn on August 4, 2006

The uphill was killer (this is my first year - ouch) We parked at Gothic and rode up the pass and then up the singletrack. The downhill was awesome - the views terrific! We took the second loop (approx 5 miles, 3 or so of those were UP and the downhill was mostly road. I want to do this one again this year, without the additional loop - bailing at the first parking lot and going back down to Gothic.

  
reviewed by rocketbracket on July 28, 2006

pretty smooth trail with amazing scenery like snow covered peaks, waterfalls, alpine lake . not technical at all . i give it 8 for the views since i'm from florida . you'll climb slowly pass 10,000 ft and then about mile down to the parking. 401 trail is short, maybe few miles, but i believe if you can hook up with some locals at the parking lot they can sure link it with other trails to make the whole experience last longer.

  
reviewed by trek7k on August 2, 2005

Good catch bonked, I'm not sure why this only had a 5! I initially reviewed this and I meant to give it a 10, everything is better now ;)

Similar Trail: Monarch Crest.

  
reviewed by bonkedagain on August 2, 2005

Whoa! How did this get bumped to a rating of 5?! This really is a nice ride, especially during wildflower season. This is not a technical ride, so go elsewhere if that is what you want, but if you just like getting on the bike and enjoying a nice trail with awesome views then this is a great place to go.

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