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Bear Creek to Methodist Mountain
2 reviews
3.5 of 5
If you want to work on your climbing skills this is the trail for you. The three miles up Bear Creek make for a serious grind. Then the Rainbow trail gives a good interval workout. The downhill single track on the Rainbow trail is fast and fun, but unfortunately any loss in elevation is made up two times over going up the other side of the draw. A great measuring stick to see if you can enter the Banana Belt Classic in September.
Approximately two miles east of the Salida city limits on U.S. 50, turn right or south onto CR 101. From U.S. 50 up Bear Creek to the Rainbow Trail. Continue another 2.4 miles on Fremont CR 49 to the cattle guard, the national forest boundary. At this point, the road becomes a single lane 4 wd road, FDR 101.3. Slightly more than 2.5 miles up the 4 wd road, ford Bear Creek. Look for a single-track trail, FST 1336, on your right and continue generally west.
The trail crosses two 4 wd roads, at 0.3 and 3 miles after starting single track. The single track ends after passing a trail register on the left (south) side of the trail. Continue on the 4 wd road (CR 108).
Summary: Everyone wants to do the Crest ... and they quickly leave town. That's a shame. This trail has it all ... a killer climb, singletrack for miles, terrific views and options to lengthen if desired. A must-do ride while in Salida.
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Review Date June 12, 2003
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a year
Reviewed by: Top Cat
, from Arvada
Summary: The climb at the start of the loop as described is much like any Front Range climb - maybe 2000 ft by the time you top out. The scenery definitely enhances the climb as you follow the creek for most of it. Go early in the season while the creek is flowing and the temps aren't too hot. We went in May and it was already nearly uncomfortably warm. The Rainbow Trail singletrack is decent, but was very loose, dry and dusty - I suspect from the motorcycle use that this trail sees as well. We encountered maybe 5 motorcyclists total on the 6 miles of singletrack - not bad, but always a bummer if you're a dedicated non-motorized recreator like me. Not the best ride in the Arkansas River Valley, but worth doing nonetheless, especially since you can end the ride by coasting into Salida where excellent microbrews await you at Amica's.
Recommended Route: As described at the top. The other direction would make for a hellacious loose climb.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Monarch Crest
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