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401 Trail Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (462)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Crested Butte and Gunnison
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“The Crested Butte mega classic! High alpine meadows with unbeatable views. ”

Chuck McQuade
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Map Key

14.1

Miles

22.7

KM

60%

Singletrack

11,335' 3,455 m

High

9,584' 2,921 m

Low

2,249' 686 m

Up

2,222' 677 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

The definition of alpine mountain biking. The loop provides endless views of Colorado's breathtaking Elk range, winding its way around alpine lakes, through aspen groves, while immersing riders in shoulder high skunk cabbage. This ride ranks among the best of its style, and the among best in the area.

Description

The loop begins with an easy 5 mile climb up the Gothic road to Schofield Pass. At approximately mile 4 it is not uncommon to come across "The Plug" an almost permanent snowfield across the road. A quick hike-a-bike will place you in view of Emerald Lake with a short distance remaining until the famed 401 singletrack begins.

At the top of Schofield Pass, the famed singletrack of the 401 Trail veers right starting with a tough and consistent climb for 1.3 miles through dense trees. Near the top, the grades gets easier, the trees open up, and the views behind you are stellar. The climb isn't really all that hard - nothing technically - but your lungs will keep reminding you are at 11,000 feet above sea level.

Then the payoff begins. The unsurpassed 360 degree alpine views of the Elk mountains, followed by the first of the steady downhill. After descending a few hundred feet, the trail flows fast and gently downhill with stunning views in front of you and flowers all around in mid-summer. For much of the top part of the descent you're hugging the hillside, with a steep drop to the right, which can mess with your equilibrium. There are a few very skinny sections that are easy but have very bad fall potential. Take your time and savor it!

You'll intersect with the Bellview hiking trail and take a right. This section has several switchbacks and has begun to get a little rutted out, but it's generally fast and flowy with great traction all the way. When conditions are good, the middle section of the 401 descent is about as fun as mountain biking gets.

Once down to Rustler's Gulch, take a breather because the climbing begins again. This point also provides an exit back to Gothic road if the weather turns for the worse. Otherwise continue your tour through the Ruster's Gulch camping area, and follow the 401 trail into the meadow above the campsites.

The trail climbs for about a mile and is technically a bit harder than earlier sections, though still fine for fit intermediate riders. You'll pass thorugh a drainage with lots of rockfall, and most people walk their bikes a few feet to get through it.

One final descent takes you to the outskirts of Gothic. Please respect the trail signs here and avoid private property.

Contacts

Local Club: Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association

Nov 20, 2023: 2023 CBCC Trail Care and Stewardship Crew End of Season Update

Land Manager: USFS - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison Nat. Forests

Shared By:

Chuck McQuade with improvements by Tim Salizzoni
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 462 votes

#1

in Crested Butte and Gunnison

#10

Overall
  4.6 from 462 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Crested Butte and Gunn…

#4

in Colorado

#10

Overall
174 Views Last Month
158,255 Since Apr 4, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
2%
29%
23%
46%
0%
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Photos

401 is known as one of the premiere mountain bike trails for a reason.
Jul 22, 2014 near Crested…, CO
On the way to 401 Trail - Emerald Lake is a must stopover!!
Oct 6, 2016 near Crested…, CO
Bars-deep in wildflowers on Crested Butte's 401 Trail.
Jul 28, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Wildflowers galore on Crested Butte's famous 401 Trail
Aug 7, 2020 near Crested…, CO
It is the blur of color from the wildflowers. Don't let the views distract you too much. Most scenic ride I have ever done!
Oct 12, 2016 near Crested…, CO
Once you get into the aspens, 401 starts getting interesting and fun!
Sep 26, 2019 near Crested…, CO

24 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 33 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 8, 2024
tooTALLtim
Outstanding views, bumpy trails! With Jasmyn
Oct 6, 2024
Raputa Thebeauta
Oct 5, 2024
Paul Smith
Perfect conditions. Some brutal climbs. Lots of flowy singletrack. Views are unmatched. Not very technical 14mi — 2h 00m
Sep 19, 2024
Robert Faessler
Climb is a grind if you don't ride this often. Just be prepared.... that's all. There is also a washout on the upper DH section not mentioned.. FYI. — 2h 30m
Sep 10, 2024
Katie Novak
Aug 28, 2024
Sheyi Adenouga
I had a blast on the trail. Almost didn't go bcos of some of the negative vibes. 14.1mi — 17h 00m
Aug 28, 2024
Sean Hoffman
Great ride! Steep climbs at the beginning but amazing views! Saw a moose at the top of the 2nd climb. Very close to the trail!
Aug 19, 2024
Maud Dery
Considered by many to be one of the finest bike rides Colorado has to offer, the 401 loop offers up some of the best in alpine mountain biking.

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Stewarded by Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association
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