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Ride Summary:
This trail offers everything; smooth singletrack descents, steep climbs, jeep roads to spin on and views.
Trail Description:
Follow the road towards Gothic up to the ridge coming from Snodgrass Mountain.
1.7 - turn left on to doubletrack;
2.7 - turn left on to singletrack;
5.2 - find intersection with Washington Gulch Road (dirt road). Take a right and the road turns into a jeep road getting steeper;
10.5 - intersection with the trail #403 (singletrack), follow the road left, enjoy the spectacular views!;
11.4 - intersection with Paradise Basin jeep trail on the right. The jeep trail continues straight to Yule Pass. Paradise Basin Trail may be interrupted with snow fields and the remains of avalanches for a good part of the summer. If so, you may have to carry your bike over this section. If there's no snow, it is a fast bombing run to Schofield Pass.
15.2 - at the Schofield Pass intersection with a jeep road, climb on the right and find the 401 trailhead sign on the left. The trail starts with very steep climbing smooth singletrack. Climbing soon gets easier and you'll reach a fun decent on narrow and smooth single track with fabulous scenic views all the way to Gothic.
20.3 - the trail intersects with a jeep road, descending another 0.5 mi. Look for a singletrack continuation of the trail on the left. Trail climbs again for a solid mile or so but is followed by a nice smooth descent.
24.1 - another intersection with a jeep road, turn left and continue descending. After about a mile you will hit the road to Gothic turn left. Proceed back to the Crested Butte parking lot about 6 miles. Road is frequently used, so watch for motorized vehicle traffic.
How to get there:
From Gunnison, CO. head North on HWY 135 for about 27 miles to Crested Butte. Park in Crested Butte parking lot right in the center of town. (it serves as a parking lot for skiers but in Summer time is for free).
Additional Notes:
The ride starts from downtown Crested Butte - get supplies here. Long and challenging but rewarding!
| Posted by: Tony on 5/9/2000 |
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An excellent varation to this ride is to take a right on trail #403 follow it up and around the base of Gothic Mt. down one of the best decents to Gothic road, take a left and make the climb up to the start of trail # 401 and continue.
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