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Ride Summary:
Nice single track ride that offers enough technical challenge for the hardcore but is still rideable for the intermediates.
Trail Description:
The Sourdough Trail is one of the nicest single-tracks in Boulder County. When many other trails in the area turn sandy toward the end of summer, the Sourdough is still hard-packed dirt because it's shaded and at high altitude. Begin by climbing rather steeply through a section of dense pine forest on switchbacking, occasionally rocky/technical trail. This is fairly slow going, as indicated by the three to four hour ride time for a 12 mile single-track. The route is well marked at every intersection. Cross a bridge and continue climbing. The top of the climb is at 10,500 feet; be prepared for variable conditions (there is snow early June and October). There are views toward the plains in the few places where there are breaks in the otherwise dense forest. From the top of the trail, switcback downhill on buffed single-track to the paved Brainard Lake road. Return as you came
How to get there:
From Canyon and Broadway in Boulder, drive west on Canyon (Hwy. 119) to Nederland and turn right on Highway 72 East toward Ward. Drive 7.5 miles and turn left on the C.U. Research Station road (FS 298). Continue 0.4 miles to the Sourdough trailhead and park off the road.
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| Posted by: bikergirl on 9/8/2007 |
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I wish I would have read the comments before I crossed the Brainard Lake road and continued on the Sourdough trail. I thought the previous miles were rocky but I take that back. I am not one to complain anytime I get to be in the woods, but this section was not that much fun- rock garden after rock garden. Much better to out and back as the ride describes. Recently moved to Boulder from Durango so I realize I have high standards.
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| Posted by: guyechka on 9/9/2006 |
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Any time I get a booboo from falling in a rock garden, then I know the trail must be good. I thought after riding for years on the east coast I would be completely prepared for the rocks. NO! The good news is that the trail is not that steep, at least the steeper sections are not long at all. It's just technical, which is fun (but can lead to low self-esteem after you get off and walk). Basically, it's a great trail, high up in the mountains, with good views.
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| Posted by: Joe Biker on 7/31/2006 |
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If you're into sick technicaldownhill, cross Brainard Lake rd. heading north and continue down Sourdough north. When you cross the bridge, stop and take a deep breath cause the *%$@# is going to fly. Bear right and follow the sign to South St. Vrain. Now you are in the thick of it. After about 3 miles of heaven (or hell) you'll eventually hit the Beaver Res. Rd. where you may want to have a car waiting. If you're a real sicko, turn left on the Rd. and follow it until you see the Sourdough trail head on the left or right. Go right for more downhill fun all the way to camp d. or go left for a brutal climb back to Brainard lake rd. If you're on a hardtail, forget it unless you've got buns of titanium and a love for pain. This route will rival most anything anywhere for technical riding. It is, however, 100% rideable and a hoot if you're of that ilk.
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| Posted by: Chet on 8/7/2005 |
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The Sourdough has seen an increasing amount of users over the past couple years as people look for more techinically challenging rides. The good news is that it is still very rocky and technical but the bad news is the local/regional/national bike clubs and our very own National Forest Service see this increased use as a reason to "maintain" the trail and eliminate some of the more technical sections so they are more "rideable" (this is not a couples trail - bring your girlfriend to Heil Ranch or stay home on your couch) and/or completely close certain trail sections altogether (such as the Wapiti trail, which despite a history as a well-reknowned xcountry ski trail and excellent biking and hiking trail has been closed as of Aug 2005 with NO NOTIFICATION TO OR INPUT FROM the user community, including me) in order to mitigate the perceived ecological impact. This area is heavily used to begin with and closing trails only forces more hikers/bikers/horses onto the existing trails, which i
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| Posted by: Todd A on 10/10/2004 |
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This trail eats it. don't waste your time. if you want
to spend time bouncing over rockbeds, drive a little
further into the mts and get a real alpine ride. too
many better trails as far as 'local' boulder trails go
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| Posted by: sensi on 4/20/2001 |
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Jah is the man!
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| Posted by: JAH on 4/13/2001 |
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The locals will love you if you burn a fattie with them
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| Posted by: Jon Ormsby on 6/29/2000 |
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Brutally rocky. It's not that steep, but the gradual climb out bounces you over rocks and roots, so it takes it's toll on your legs. Fortunately, the back is almost all downhill.Tom Barnhart's "Front Range Singletracks" lists the trail closer to 1000 feet elevation gain.
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