CDT: Hopewell to Lagunitas (CDT Section 30)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked

The most accessible end of the trail is at Hopewell Lake Campground and makes a nice out-and back. Lagunitas Campground is 28 miles down a dirt road navigable by passenger cars.

This section of the CDT heads north from Hopewell Lake, providing a mostly singletrack experience with a few two-track connectors in between.

After crossing Highway 64, it goes through a gate (with no road) and climbs into the forest. Look for the CDT signs and keep an eye out for faded climbing turns that should come back with enough wheels on the ground.

At mile 1.3, the trail follows two-track for about 3.5 miles until it splits north heading toward Jawbone tank (and bisects the Tony Marquez Loop). From there, it's an adventurous path through wide-open meadows, aspen forests, and creek valleys.

The highlight of this ride is the ridgeline above San Antonio Creek, roughly 13 miles from Hopewell Lake. As the trail follows the cliff-line, it provides excellent elk-spotting in the valley below. But, your eyes will be glued on the rock-steps and narrow tread with just enough threat of consequences to keep things interesting.

Typically ridden as an out-and-back from Hopewell Lake or Lagunitas, or part of a 4-day bike-pack from Cumbres Pass, Colorado to Canjilon Creek (Highway 84 - west of Abiquiu, New Mexico).