Cottonwood Pass to Red Hill

Rundown:
What is red, white and dusty all over? It must certainly be Cottonwood Pass Rd to Red Hill. This great ride is a pleasant outing if you’re down in Gypsum.

Distance:
16.6 miles

Difficulty Level:
Medium

Vail Velo Members Rating:
Elevation Profile:


Season:
Spring - Fall

How to Get There:
Drive Interstate 70 west to Exit 140 Gypsum. Go straight through the roundabout to Valley Rd. Turn right and drive 0.30 miles to the Gypsum Town Hall. Parking is available here.

Description:
From the Gypsum Town Hall ride 1.65 miles down Valley Rd to Cottonwood Pass Rd. The route passes Cotton Ranch and Chatfield Corners along the way. Turn right on Cottonwood Pass Rd and ride 1.65 miles where the paved road turns to dirt. Continue uphill for another 4.0 miles and look for a doubletrack on the right as the road tops out. Turn right and ride for 2.43 miles to an intersection. Stay right here and start heading in a northerly direction. The next intersection will come at 1.88 miles – continue straight. Riders get breathtaking views of the mountain ranges in Eagle County in traversing this high plateau. The next 2.75 miles is rolling terrain and riders eventually come to the lookout tower above Gypsum. From the tower the road descends quickly down Red Hill. Beware of sandy, rutted and rocky sections. The route ends at a water tower off of Strohm Circle. Ride down Strohm Circle to Beacon Rd and stay right. Ride 0.5 miles on Beacon Rd to 2nd St and turn right again. From 2nd St, ride south to Vicksburg Ln and turn left. Ride to Valley Rd and turn left to return to the Gypsum Town Hall.



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