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A long rewarding trail that contours along steep scenic canyons before a big fast technical descent.


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Map Key

11.0

Miles

17.8

KM

Singletrack

8,755' 2,668 m

High

6,718' 2,048 m

Low

871' 265 m

Up

2,908' 886 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Need to Know

Trail is severely overgrown, over 50 plus tree crossings on the trail. Do not ride unless you bring a chainsaw!

Description

Mansfield Ditch Trail is a long, scenic trail that contours along some surprisingly beautiful canyons. The trail begins with a fast downhill section as you pass by the old Spring Cow Camp cabin. There are great photo opportunities at the cabin.

A small creek crossing (to your right) brings you to the start of a long, smooth contouring section of trail that follows the historic ditch alignment. The scenery on this section of trail is amazing, but keep your eyes wide open as the trail is often overgrown, hiding the rocks and stumps that can ruin your day.

To stay on the trail, be sure to make a hard left down a steep segment of trail to regain the lower elevation ditch portion of the trail. The trail finally ends with a fast, technical downhill to the New Castle Buford Road. This final section is arguably the best downhill trail in the area. While the trail is not particularly technical, it is rarely ridden, and often overgrown. The overall length means that beginner and intermediate riders should choose wisely before committing to this trail.

Many will ride this trail as part of the New Castle Buford Rd. to Mansfield Ditch Loop Ride. The length of the trail makes it a fine candidate for a shuttle ride too, skipping the long road climb included in the loop.

Check out the newly improved Cherry Creek #2256 to Mansfield #2291 Singletrack Connector to create a shorter loop or ride these trails in new ways.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Pritchard with improvements by brad bugara

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 12 votes

#11777

Overall
  3.7 from 12 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Trail Rankings

#1,154

in Colorado

#11,777

Overall
5 Views Last Month
4,177 Since Nov 10, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
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Photos

The ride offers great variety from evergreen forests to high-desert terrain near the end.
Feb 18, 2021 near Silt, CO
Deep Creek
Nov 25, 2015 near New Castle, CO
Calhoun Basin
Nov 25, 2015 near Silt, CO
Typical tread along the Mansfield Ditch Trail
Aug 20, 2017 near Silt, CO
Looking back at the Traverse before the final descent.
Nov 25, 2015 near New Castle, CO
The Spring Cow Camp cabin.
Nov 25, 2015 near Silt, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 45 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2022
Manik Johnson
Would do again. Rode 8/14 afternoon. It's got some fun DH sections, cruiser flat sections. It was fairly overgrown, but manageable. Some fallen trees 11mi — 2h 15m
Sep 14, 2020
Taz Brown
more grown up in middle than anywhere.
Jun 18, 2020
Jay Austin
trail riding well, overgrowth is getting there
Jun 2, 2019
Paul Goodman
Snowy start with lots of downed trees but the snot rockets crushed it anyway!!!
Jul 9, 2017
adam cornely
a few downed trees
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