Keystone Mountain
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| The history of Summit County has created unparalleled opportunities
for mountain biking. The mountains behind Keystone are criss-crossed
with old traces carved by the miners in search of 'color'. Today these
make some of the most 'colorful' mountain biking routes to be found anywhere.
For the heart of it, head up the Snake River valley toward the old mining
village of Montezuma.
The Peru Creek Road penetrates old mining claims on dirt and boulders on its way above timberline into Horseshoe Basin. From there, the Argentine Pass road is a steep climb over the 12,000 foot spine of North America and down into Georgetown. Amazingly, this narrow trail was once a major passage into Summit County. Imagine the postman carrying the mail over this route, on skis! Behind Montezuma, in the Saints John area, along Deer Creek and up the Webster Pass, are numerous possibilities of all durations, distances, dangers, and difficulties. The loop up the Webster Pass road, along the Continental Divide and over Glacier Mtn to Saints John is worthy of any logbook. Several easier mountain biking experiences start immediately from
Keystone. The Oro Grande trail traverses the side of Tenderfoot
Mtn, with continuous vistas out over Lake Dillon. Frey Gulch provides
more elevation change. The relatively smooth ride up Keystone Gulch
can be extended up the slopes of Keystone Mtn or West Ridge. A favorite
is to take the gondola lifts to the top of the Keystone Mtn or North Peak
ski areas and head back to Keystone 2,300 ft below. (Truckers, check
your brakes.) Other Summit County rides take you over high passes, including the Boreas Pass Road, Wheeler Trail, and Georgia Pass. Put seven Continental Divide passes together and you're ready for the Revenge Mountain Bike Race, held in July. The NORBA-sanctioned Snake River Mountain Challenge comprises more conventional competitions. It preoccupies Keystone over the Labor Day weekend. First stop for serious mountain bikers is the Forest Service Information Center, 680 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne (CO 9 about a half mile north of I70). The friendly Forest Service folks have one-pagers describing trails throughout the area and are eager to make suggestions for all interests, skill levels, and weather conditions. Also get the free Summit County Bike Trail Guide. It has excellent
descriptions of the best backcountry rides in the high Rockies. RentalsYourbike is getting its frame straightened down in Flatland?Mountain bikes and cycling equipment are available for hourly or longer rental at several locations in Summit County. Try Mountain View Sports across the highway from Tenderfoot Lodge. |
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