Turkey Springs Outer Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Wildflowers adorn this scenic loop through well-managed forest throughout the spring, summer and fall. Elk, mule deer, and turkey abound along relatively easy singletrack. Brockover Mesa's minor slope gains little elevation for a trail in this region, leaving energy to explore long distances on smooth, wandering trails that are very beginner-friendly.

For more Pagosa Springs trail info check out PagosaTrails.net or "Pagosa Trails" on Facebook. Expect frequent encounters with hikers and runners near the trailheads, and with cows farther out. There are many fence crossings, but they are all bike friendly - as in, you don't even have to get off the bike!

Starting at the main trailhead on Country Road 600, start riding on the doubletrack. At an intersection with the Turkey Springs trail, turn right. This trail wanders through pine forest, touches occasional exposed rock surface, spirits a meadow here and there, and brushes the aspens. Pretty much everything is downhill from this trail. Keep an eye out for Gopher to join from the left.

Gopher rolls off past Brockover Road making a fun and fast descent along a tributary and into Peterson Gulch on singletrack that ranges from long swooping turns to tight skirts around stumps and between bushes. Just as one begins to feel guilty for all that downhill and starts to wonder how much climbing they'll have to do next, the trail quickly departs the canyon with a surprising, short but steep, technical section. Then, it's quickly back to meandering singletrack atop the mesa through Pine forest to join up with Lower Rim Trail.

Lower Rim skirts the west side of Martinez Cr. Canyon and features more rocky and steep sections than what has been encountered so far. Such remains the ride as a very brief jaunt on Creek. After a right turn, you'll quickly come to another right turn which keeps you on Upper Rim, back to the starting point of the ride. There are some minor climbs near this end of the ride, but fret not, for it is short-lived and the price to be paid for all the fun downhill in the canyons! Besides, the views over the canyon are worth it.

Take Upper Rim to join with Newt Jack. Two minor rocky sections at the beginning may have you thinking twice if you're a beginner, but don't get discouraged! Just hike a bike for 10 feet and don't worry about it again for 15 solid miles!

Newt Jack is probably the least desirable of the trails encountered on the loop, with its rocky, former two-track character. That said, it is short lived and crosses a nice little creek setting.

Leave the rocks and erosion behind and quickly forget them on the superb, smooth singletrack of Catamount (313). At an intersection with Park Ave, turn right to stay on Catamount. Arrive back at an intersection with Turkey Springs and turn right, re-tracing your tracks back to the trailhead.

These trails were unofficial until 2012 when the local forest service mapped, signed, and sanctioned them as part of its Turkey Springs Management Plan. Now enjoy well-maintained singletrack with nearly limitless opportunities.