MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Colorado Trail: Copper Mountain to Searle Pass

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.6 (77)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Copper Mountain
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A spectacular segment of the Colorado trail in a breathtaking alpine setting topping out at 12,044'! ”

Chuck McQuade
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

19.3

Miles

31.1

KM

95%

Singletrack

11,999' 3,657 m

High

9,767' 2,977 m

Low

2,773' 845 m

Up

2,772' 845 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

Overview

The Colorado trail (CT) impresses yet again. This out and back ride with great rolling singletrack includes several playful bridge crossings to start off as you cross the Copper Mountain ski resort. Alongside Guller creek there are several creek crossings and a very continuous but manageable climb through treeline up to the alpine basin formed by Elk mountain and Sugarloaf peaks. Here you can expect snow fields and muddy conditions starting around 11,700' during early summer months.

This is a great summer ride as much time is spent at higher elevations to avoid the heat. With this in mind it's best not to attempt this ride in early summer before spring melt is complete. (Mid to Late June you'll likely encounter snowfields). A rain shell or extra layer is recommended, as you'll spend a good chunk of time above treeline.

Need to Know

A few good parking options exist:
1. The large dirt overflow parking lot for the Copper mountain ski area, which is just east of highway 91 and just south of the main entrance to Copper Mountain Resort.
2. A 1/4 mile further north of the lot is a Conoco gas station and an additional dirt parking lot.

Pay close attention to CT trail markers and supplied GPS tracks around mile 2.0 - as the trail crosses the several ski runs it becomes hard to follow. There is an intersection of two trails - don't be tempted to take the more traveled singletrack (a Copper Mountain downhill trail?) instead, the CT continues on a maintenance road cutting across several ski runs before returning to singletrack (marked on the map).

Once you reach treeline expect lingering snowfields and a muddy singletrack well into the early summer months. Please attempt to stay on the trail as the alpine vegetation is very sensitive.

Description

In the SE corner of the ski area overflow parking lot, look for a bridge crossing the Tenmile Creek and/or the Colorado Trail information sign. Rather than crossing the creek, the trail heads directly south keeping the creek on your left hand side. In a short distance it crosses over highway 91 and continues on great rolling singletrack with several bridge crossings and a few short downhill sections as it crosses the ski resort. There are a few times as you cross the resort that the trail merges with maintenance roads for short distances - continue on keeping your eye out for CT trail signs. (These spots are marked on the map).

The trail then begins to enter heavier treed sections via nice wide switchbacks. As you leave the ski area, the trail bends south and heads up Guller Creek, which you'll cross a few times. Some crossings may require dismounts depending on season and water level. You'll remain along Guller Creek for about 2.5 miles while you chew up about 1000' of elevation gain.

Next, you'll ride a few long switchbacks to climb your way out of treeline and into the lower basin below Elk Mountain. Once above treeline the trail tends back south, giving you your first view of Searle Pass. The pass is only approximately a mile away (500 vertical feet) at this time but, remember you're riding at 12000'. The trail will cross a few creeks draining from the upper basin - a couple of them likely will require dismounts. As you near the pass, the grade increases dramatically as does the technical riding. The trail passes through scree fields that will lead to challenging moments. Once you reach the pass, soak up the views before turning to enjoy the 3000 vertical feet of downhill!

The remainder of Colorado Trail Segment #8 continues for another 15 miles south of Searle Pass over Kokomo pass, eventually ending at Tennessee pass. The entire segment can be done as a shuttle ride, leaving a car at Tennessee pass. Or after completing the Copper Mountain to Searle Pass ride, one may consider riding from Tennessee pass up to Searle Pass as an out and back.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - White River National Forest Office

Shared By:

Chuck McQuade with improvements by Gus Robinson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 77 votes

#1

in Copper Mountain

#112

Overall
  4.6 from 77 votes
5 Star
66%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Copper Mountain

#34

in Colorado

#112

Overall
5 Views Last Month
36,616 Since Apr 7, 2013
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
11%
11%
77%
2%
Add a Photo

Photos

Starting the fun descent down the north side of Searle Pass.
Aug 1, 2017 near Copper…, CO
Looking South from Searle Pass
Jul 15, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
In Our Sights <br> Searle Pass seen up ahead, trail goes right over saddle point
Apr 7, 2013 near Brecken…, CO
The final crank up Searle Pass
Aug 22, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Above Janet's Cabin
Aug 22, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Top of the trail to Searle Pass—this direction leads to Copper Mtn.
Sep 18, 2017 near Copper…, CO

8 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 61 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 27, 2024
Anonymous
Nov 22, 2021
Ryan Mihm
Jul 30, 2021
Julie Clinton
Jul 10, 2021
Scott P.
Good ride. Trail in good condition. Popular spot so share the trail, mmk?! 19.6mi — 3h 16m
Sep 26, 2020
Melanie Zeller
7.5mi
Sep 4, 2020
brian anacker
Rode with JP. Rolling bike park traverse then sustained steep climb. At 11k started today feel alt sickness. Fast smash descent. Finish traverse anyng
Sep 2, 2020
C MAC
Copper Mtn-Kokomo RT. Amazing ride. If you have the time and the energy, it's worth it to ride to Kokomo pass. Adds 6 mile RT. 22.2mi — 3h 55m
Aug 22, 2020
Monty
Copper to Kokomo Pass with E 3.85k of gain 23.6mi — 4h 18m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started