North Trail
Rundown:
North Trail offers a mix of gradual climbs and steep descents and can be used as an out-and-back ride or a long loop.
Distance:
7 miles
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Vail Velo Members Rating:
Elevation Profile:
Season:
June 15 - April 15
(Closed April 16 - June 14)
Directions:
Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 173 West Vail. Take the roundabout east past Safeway and City Market to Red Sandstone Rd. Turn left and drive 0.35 miles to the Red Sandstone trailhead.
Description: This version of the North Trail begins at the Red Sandstone trailhead on Red Sandstone Rd. From the trailhead, ride west above Vail up countless switchbacks. After 2.0 miles riders reach an intersection with Buffehr Creek trail. Stay left and continue down a loose and rocky descent. Reaching the bottom, cross Buffehr Creek and traverse around some beaver ponds to an intersection. Follow the signs to continue on the North Trail. The trail begins to climb again with more switchbacks and great views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. Eventually the trail will start to contour and the ride becomes quite enjoyable as it passes through lush aspen groves. In the height of summer, the wildflowers through this section are very impressive. The trail will start to descend towards the Davos trailhead. Stay on the main trail and ride to an intersection with the Davos Hill Climb. Turn right and ride the dirt road (FS 781) 0.42 miles to a gate. Go through the gate to access the last singletrack section of the ride. Descend through the trees to the Trappers Run trailhead. From here, ride the North Frontage Road all the way back to Red Sandstone Rd and the start of the ride.
View North Trail in a larger map
North Trail offers a mix of gradual climbs and steep descents and can be used as an out-and-back ride or a long loop.
Distance:
7 miles
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Vail Velo Members Rating:
Elevation Profile:
Season:
June 15 - April 15
(Closed April 16 - June 14)
Directions:
Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 173 West Vail. Take the roundabout east past Safeway and City Market to Red Sandstone Rd. Turn left and drive 0.35 miles to the Red Sandstone trailhead.
Description: This version of the North Trail begins at the Red Sandstone trailhead on Red Sandstone Rd. From the trailhead, ride west above Vail up countless switchbacks. After 2.0 miles riders reach an intersection with Buffehr Creek trail. Stay left and continue down a loose and rocky descent. Reaching the bottom, cross Buffehr Creek and traverse around some beaver ponds to an intersection. Follow the signs to continue on the North Trail. The trail begins to climb again with more switchbacks and great views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. Eventually the trail will start to contour and the ride becomes quite enjoyable as it passes through lush aspen groves. In the height of summer, the wildflowers through this section are very impressive. The trail will start to descend towards the Davos trailhead. Stay on the main trail and ride to an intersection with the Davos Hill Climb. Turn right and ride the dirt road (FS 781) 0.42 miles to a gate. Go through the gate to access the last singletrack section of the ride. Descend through the trees to the Trappers Run trailhead. From here, ride the North Frontage Road all the way back to Red Sandstone Rd and the start of the ride.
View North Trail in a larger map
Comment
-
Comment by Jamie Malin on June 15, 2009 at 4:31pm -
North Trail opened today and is in great shape! One tree down 1/4 mile after the creek crossing on the descent of the Buffehr to Davos section
© 2012 Created by Arn Menconi.
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