Aberdeen Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Drops/Jumps · Views

Hartman Rocks is known for its sweeping landscape, high desert singletrack, and 360° views. This ride is no exception in that it features all of the best that Hartman Rocks has to offer from technical singletrack, flow sections, and the feeling of being in a very remote area.

The ride has longer climbs than in the traditional loops at Hartman's, but it also makes up for it with longer downhills as well. Traditionally, this is less frequently ridden than the busier main trailhead on the north side.

Start by driving out to the Bambi's parking/trailhead near the southeast side of Hartman Rocks off of Road 38.

Ride up Bambi's, then onto Road 3575 all the way out to where it connects with Road 3550 (Powerline Road). You'll see a sign for South Beaver Creek, go through a gate/cattle guard and start descending rapidly down the road. Don't ride too fast as you'll miss the turn off/sign for Skull Pass. Ride Skull Pass and enjoy the technical section near the end.

Near the end, stay right where it connects with a road and follow the pumping uphill back to Road 3550 (Powerline Road). Keep following Road 3550 (Powerline Road) downhill and back uphill. It will cross a creek in another half mile. Right after the creek, stay right on the main road. Head uphill after the creek and look for a sign on your left in a half mile for the start of Aberdeen Loop.

Now, you're on the main trail. From here, there are no bailout points. You are either turning around or riding the full loop. Keep in mind, the full loop is a bit over seven miles total. Aberdeen Loop West from here is mostly uphill and Aberdeen Loop East is mostly downhill.

After riding 3.4 miles on Aberdeen Loop West, the trail will dump you out to a road, take a left on this road. Stay on the road, follow the signs and stay left until you get to the trail sign and start of Aberdeen Loop East. There is a bit of an uphill at the start of the east side of the loop, but it's mostly a mix of fast downhill.

At the end of the Aberdeen Loop East, the trail will dump you out onto a primitive road. Take a left here and ride 1/4 of a mile to join back up with Road 3550 (Powerline Road). Take a right on Road 3550 (Powerline Road), cross the creek again, and climb the, at times, brutal uphill back out the way you came.

After making the arduous climb back out and across the cattle guard, you'll have the option to ride up Road 3575 and take a right on Outback to get some extra fun singletrack. If you're super tired, just ride Road 3575 and back down Bambi's to your car.

Named after one of the most important stone quarries in the state of Colorado during the late 1880s and 90s. It was the source of stones for the State Capitol building, the Denver Mint, and many other buildings and palatial homes. When a railroad spur was built to the site, Aberdeen flourished from 1889 to the turn of the century. Activity began to decline, the railroad tracks were removed, and the town's population moved elsewhere.