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Glassier - Buckhorn Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (43)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. …Carbondale
  5. Crown Trails
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“A fantastic lollipop in the mid-valley that mixes a little bike path with lots of flowy singletrack. ”

Matt L
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Map Key

15.4

Miles

24.7

KM

70%

Singletrack

7,279' 2,219 m

High

6,282' 1,915 m

Low

1,254' 382 m

Up

1,252' 382 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Please be aware of seasonal closures on the Crown and Rio Grande Trail. Trail cameras are in use and violations are reported. Rio Grande - Rock Bottom Ranch to Catherine Store segment is seasonally closed Dec. 1 – April 30. Glassier Open Space is seasonal closed from Dec. 1 – May 15.

Overview

A great loop that can be accessed from Catherine's Store Road or Hook Spur Lane that provides an easy climb, ample flow, and a fun descent. Rides well in either direction!

Description

This is a great ride that combines two fairly new trails in the mid-valley that make for a great after work excursion. The ride starts and ends from the Catherine's Store Parking Trailhead along the Rio Grande Trail. Alternatively this ride can be started from the Hook Spur Parking Trailhead along the Rio Grande near Willits Lane (to spend less time on the paved bike path).

From either location, expect a moderate climb up the Glassier OS Trail before a fun and flowy traverse across Buckhorn Traverse punctuated with a ripping descent down the lower half of Buckhorn. It's worth noting that this loop is completely rideable and fun in both directions. However, the Buckhorn Traverse flows better in the downvalley direction. In either direction you'll end your ride descending either Buckhorn or Glassier OS Trail and you'll be smiling all the way home.

History & Background

The Glassier OS Trail and lower Buckhorn were completed in 2016. They were connected by the Buckhorn Traverse in 2017.

Contacts

Local Club: Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association

Jan 9, 2024: Job Posting – 2024 Seasonal Trail Crew Members Wanted!

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Colorado River Valley Field Office

Shared By:

Matt L with improvements by Rob Stahl and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 43 votes

#1

in Crown Trails

#453

Overall
  4.3 from 43 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Crown Trails

#125

in Colorado

#453

Overall
4 Views Last Month
8,872 Since Oct 18, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
3%
67%
10%
18%
0%
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Photos

Get here early and you'll be blown away at beauty that is wild flowers!
May 13, 2014 near El Jebel, CO
Leaving Glassier Open Space, starting down Buckhorn Traverse on BLM land. Roaring Fork Valley floor is to the right.
Aug 2, 2017 near El Jebel, CO
Buckhorn Traverse soon after the Glassier trail connects.
Jun 3, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Start of trailhead from Buckhorn Traverse.
Aug 1, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
The view of the Roaring Fork Valley coming down the Buckhorn side.
Jun 13, 2019 near El Jebel, CO
Above Rock Bottom Ranch & the Roaring Fork valley, Basalt Mountain on the horizon.
Jun 1, 2016 near El Jebel, CO

3 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 46 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 26, 2024
Corrie Beauvineau
Mateo's conference
Oct 13, 2024
Jason Anderson
parked at hooks lane th 10.8mi — 2h 28m
Jul 5, 2024
Em t
Really steep switchbacks and then a nice flow down. I took crown royal and it kicked my ass. 15mi — 1h 30m
Jun 16, 2024
Peter Byrne
Sep 10, 2023
jen kammerer
Jun 10, 2023
Lauren Evans
15.4mi — 3h 12m
Oct 13, 2022
Irv Latta
Fantastic trail amongst the fall foliage. I went counter clockwise and the traverse and the descent were both incredible.
May 31, 2022
Al Carpenter

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