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Dakota Ridge Trail

Difficult Difficult
 4.3 (88)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Morrison
  5. Matthews/Winters Park
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“A technical, rocky, fast trail. ”

Matt Thoele
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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.5

KM
Singletrack

6,618' 2,017 m

High

6,155' 1,876 m

Low

271' 82 m

Up

506' 154 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Description

No matter how long you've been riding mountain bikes, Dakota Ridge will test the best of your technical skills. Running along the ridge between Red Rocks Amphitheater and Green Mountain, the trail can be ridden in either direction.

The western access point is at Hogback Road and I-70, while eastern access is from Hogback Road. across from the entrance to Red Rocks park.

Climbing steeply from the Hogback Road, this doubletrack turns left and changes to singletrack near the top of the climb.

The singletrack then contours its way up to the ridge with incredible views of the red sandstone formations along the southern Front Range.

Once the trail reaches the ridge it becomes extremely technical. The route is entirely rock, jutting out of the ground at various angles. Often times the surface is covered in a light dusting of sand. Settle in and work your slow speed balance while picking the best line.

As you traverse the ridge south the trail begins to descend. Be prepared for the rocks to change to wooden stepdowns. Stay back on your saddle and enjoy the ride - it's spicy!

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: Jefferson County, CO - Open Space Dept.

Shared By:

Matt Thoele
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 88 votes

#1

in Matthews/Winters Park

#44

Overall
  4.3 from 88 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
9%
1 Star
3%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Matthews/Winters Park

#19

in Colorado

#44

Overall
93 Views Last Month
32,803 Since May 2, 2013
Difficult Difficult
0%
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66%
34%
Add a Photo

Photos

Smashing rocks on Dakota Ridge with Yeti employee Matt Fisher.
Feb 17, 2017 near Morrison, CO
Ride Dakota Ridge with world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in the background. What a view!
Mar 2, 2017 near Morrison, CO
Just past the Zoro intersection are the stairs. Typically ridden up but are fun to ride down!
Sep 26, 2016 near Morrison, CO
The original drop on Dakota ridge. Many more have been added with the recent trail expansion
Dec 8, 2017 near Morrison, CO
The "Push" drop.
Mar 18, 2016 near Morrison, CO
Have fun on the descent!
Mar 5, 2017 near Morrison, CO

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 40 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 26, 2024
Mark Sett
Aug 2, 2023
Private User
Jun 25, 2023
Piyapol Kongsomboonvech
It is a very technical terrain. Going up from stegosaurus parking lot is probably the easy way, going down… that's the hard part 2.1mi — 11h 45m
May 8, 2023
Fehim Hasecic
Apr 12, 2023
Tim Bruno
2.1mi
Jan 15, 2023
Darrian Schade
Jan 10, 2023
Darrian Schade
Dec 18, 2022
John Needles

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