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A fun, flowy 6-mile singletrack loop on Methodist Mountain.


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Map Key

5.9

Miles

9.5

KM

100%

Singletrack

7,898' 2,407 m

High

7,638' 2,328 m

Low

450' 137 m

Up

450' 137 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Family Friendly It's a smooth, easy trail.

Overview

This clockwise loop connects fun, flowy "new school" Spartan trails via a few miles of the Little Rainbow trail. This is one of the most beginner-friendly mountain bike rides in Salida.

Description

Park at (or ride to) the new Spartan Connector Parking lot along CR110. Ride the new Spartan Connector trail, then turn left (east) onto Spartan East after crossing CR110; this gently rolling trail is just over 1.6 miles long.
At the intersection with Little Rainbow turn right (west), onto Little Rainbow. This 2-mile section of Little Rainbow will have some longer climbs, a few can be a bit of a grind. Pass the Skull trail, continue on Little Rainbow. When you get to the trailhead/parking lot, look for the Spartan West trail sign, slightly up and across from the trail kiosk.
Start on Spartan West. After a short initial section, cross the road (CR110) and continue. This next section is all gentle ups and downs. Enjoy the awesome views to the west of the Sawatch mountains to the west of Salida. Soon you'll approach a cell tower and cross a dirt road. After a small rise, the trail continues to flow further down, crossing several arroyos, until it flattens out when you get back to the intersection with the Spartan Connector trail. Turn left, use the Spartan Connector back to the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Marcel S with improvements by N G

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 34 votes

#505

Overall
  4.6 from 34 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#136

in Colorado

#505

Overall
78 Views Last Month
8,489 Since Feb 7, 2019
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

6%
50%
44%
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Photos

Happy dog on Spartan West.
Apr 15, 2024 near Salida, CO
Little Rainbow on an early winter day
Oct 10, 2017 near Salida, CO
Little Rainbow shortly after a spring winter storm.
May 1, 2016 near Salida, CO
Views along the upper section of the new Spartan West trail
May 25, 2018 near Salida, CO
View from Spartan West.
Apr 15, 2024 near Salida, CO
Great trail for night riding and family rides.
Jul 23, 2019 near Salida, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 24, 2025
Mayla Sumner
Some muddy spots but 99% dry! — 1h 15m
Feb 10, 2025
Trent Hillier
Jul 5, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Jun 16, 2024
Colin Stead
8h 20m
Apr 29, 2024
Trent Hillier
Oct 8, 2023
Lindsey Watts
5.9mi — 1h 00m
Oct 2, 2023
Campbell Layman
Fun as hell 5.9mi
Aug 13, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
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