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Shortest way to ride the downhill-only trail, Hard Money!


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Your Difficulty:
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5.5

Miles

8.9

KM

95%

Singletrack

9,198' 2,804 m

High

8,193' 2,497 m

Low

1,012' 309 m

Up

1,013' 309 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Drops/Jumps

Overview

Shaded mellow climb to the top of the bike-only, downhill-only rowdy, bermy, jumpy Hard Money trail.

Description

Want the fastest way to the goods? The intermediate-advanced, bike-only, downhill-only rowdy, bermy, jumpy Hard Money? Well, here you go!

From the Historic Gilpin Tramway, make the first right onto Millsite Trail. This two-mile singletrack through the pines is one of the nicest ways to climb nearly 700 ft. The tread is very accommodating and there are few technical challenges, but it is designated as an intermediate trail. While it is only an average grade of 6.4%, there are some punchy sections and climbing corners that will add to your workout. If the altitude is hurting you, there's a great overlook at 1.6 miles in to catch your breath.

The top of Millsite hooks up with Easy Money. Take the left fork on Easy Money to continue the climb, then cross the service road and keep going. Keep heading up Easy Money, up and up and up. You'll have the option of two additional switchbacks if you want to see the summit of Maryland Mountain, otherwise take the left onto Hard Money.

Now here are the goods. Hang onto your saddle for two miles of you-won't-stop-grinning downhill fun. At the bottom, take a left on Historic Gilpin Tramway for another lap or to get back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wendy Sweet

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 36 votes

#465

Overall
  4.6 from 36 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
6%
Recommended Route Rankings

#129

in Colorado

#465

Overall
48 Views Last Month
6,450 Since May 20, 2021
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
17%
77%
6%

Photos

#followcamfriday Nate Hills and Dacre Dunn check out Hard Money
May 26, 2021 near Central…, CO
Sweeping turns below sweeping views
Nov 27, 2021 near Central…, CO
#followcamfriday Nate Hills and Dacre Dunn check out the goods
May 26, 2021 near Central…, CO
Ledge feature on Powder Keg.
Sep 15, 2022 near Central…, CO
All jump features are optional
May 26, 2021 near Central…, CO
Getting air on an optional jump line.
May 26, 2021 near Central…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 17, 2025
Aaron Sisk
Some snow patches on the way up, nothing major, all can be ridden through, there is no snow on the descent, all the gap jumps are clear 5.9mi
Oct 13, 2024
Tim Tonk
Also did Fast Money. Hard Money considerably harder and dirtier than the last time I did it. Surprised it has a blue/black rating the TH.
Sep 7, 2024
Anonymous
Sep 4, 2024
Christopher Howe
Jun 5, 2024
Forrest Botdorf
May 20, 2024
Reed Greisen
Sep 18, 2023
John Needles
5.4mi — 1h 20m
Aug 8, 2023
Phil Gibbs
Rode with Taine. Shell and Piper hiked the summit.
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