Colorado Trail - Searle Pass
Rundown:
The Colorado Trail over Searle and Kokomo Passes is an epic ride that has it all - technical rocky sections, stream crossings, deep forests, moss-covered roots and high alpine meadows.
Distance:
14.8 miles
Difficulty Level:
Difficult
Vail Velo Members Rating:
Elevation Profile:
Season:
Summer - Fall
How to Get There:
Parking for Copper Mountain: Drive east on Interstate 70 to Exit 195 Copper Mountain. Turn right on Copper Road and drive through the Village. Parking is available at either the Chapel or Beeler lots. Ride to the base of the mountain to start the ride.
If this ride is done as a point to point a second car will be needed at Camp Hale.
Parking for Camp Hale: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 171 (Minturn). Go south on U.S. Highway 24 about 18 miles to Camp Hale.
Description:
Join the Colorado Trail at the base of Copper Mountain under the American Eagle chairlift. The route ascends the ski area and will intersect with other trails along the way. Be attentive as the route travels from Union Creek to Guller Creek. After crossing Guller Creek, the trail climbs about 4.5 miles to Searle Pass. The trail will become rocky and steep in sections and may require pushing the bike. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and try to imagine the 10th Mountain Division training for WWII in this area. Riders can choose to turn around at Searle Pass and return to Copper Mountain or carry on to Camp Hale via Kokomo Pass.
As the Colorado Trail continues, ride another 3.0 miles to Kokomo Pass. From this point, the route descends 4.5 miles along Cataract Creek into the Camp Hale area. Turn right as the trail exits onto FS 714. Ride this road out to the parking area.
View Colorado Trail - Searle Pass in a larger map
The Colorado Trail over Searle and Kokomo Passes is an epic ride that has it all - technical rocky sections, stream crossings, deep forests, moss-covered roots and high alpine meadows.
Distance:
14.8 miles
Difficulty Level:
Difficult
Vail Velo Members Rating:
Elevation Profile:
Season:
Summer - Fall
How to Get There:
Parking for Copper Mountain: Drive east on Interstate 70 to Exit 195 Copper Mountain. Turn right on Copper Road and drive through the Village. Parking is available at either the Chapel or Beeler lots. Ride to the base of the mountain to start the ride.
If this ride is done as a point to point a second car will be needed at Camp Hale.
Parking for Camp Hale: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 171 (Minturn). Go south on U.S. Highway 24 about 18 miles to Camp Hale.
Description:
Join the Colorado Trail at the base of Copper Mountain under the American Eagle chairlift. The route ascends the ski area and will intersect with other trails along the way. Be attentive as the route travels from Union Creek to Guller Creek. After crossing Guller Creek, the trail climbs about 4.5 miles to Searle Pass. The trail will become rocky and steep in sections and may require pushing the bike. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and try to imagine the 10th Mountain Division training for WWII in this area. Riders can choose to turn around at Searle Pass and return to Copper Mountain or carry on to Camp Hale via Kokomo Pass.
As the Colorado Trail continues, ride another 3.0 miles to Kokomo Pass. From this point, the route descends 4.5 miles along Cataract Creek into the Camp Hale area. Turn right as the trail exits onto FS 714. Ride this road out to the parking area.
View Colorado Trail - Searle Pass in a larger map
Comment
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Comment by Melanie Wong on July 7, 2009 at 5:36pm -
killer initial climb, awesome views... yes, watch out for that snow.
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