CT 3-2-1

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

The route uses the first three segments of the Colorado Trail, in reverse. Its traverses some great landscape is and is an excellent opportunity to get out bikepacking for a night or maybe two.

If you're looking for an interesting introduction to bikepacking or just want to get out for a couple of nights, the "downhill" version of combining the first three segments of the Colorado Trail makes a nice option. If you have someone drop you off instead of leaving a car, you don't even have to worry about retrieving a car!

Starting at the west end of Buffalo Creek, you'll start off at Wellington Road and head through Buff Creek towards Little Scraggy Trail via CT - Segment 3: Little Scraggy to FS-560 Wellington Lake Road. This generally rolling downhill section is an epic section of trail. If you're feeling it, you can even add on other loops in in the Buff Creek system! The trail is a mix of sweet sweet dirt, and kitty litter gravel that will have you sliding around corners. If you're not used to it, make sure to ease into the style of riding this trail demands.

This section of trail has some really nice options for camping, so you don't have to work too hard to find a nice spot—just do your research beforehand.

From the Little Scraggy trailhead alternative parking, cross the road and jump onto CT - Segment 2: South Platte River to Little Scraggy (remember, you're tackling this in reverse, so the names are in reverse). The first 6 or so miles you'll tackle are relatively flat and make for easy cruising. The Buffalo Creek Fire shows its remains as you traverse through now-open meadows with the ghostly reminders of burnt trees. The wildflowers can be beautiful through here though. With about 5 miles left in the section, you'll welcome the fast flow of the gravelly trail that suddenly points downward.

As you start CT - Segment 1: Waterton Canyon to South Platte River, you'll face a bit of a stout climb over a few miles. Relax, get into it, and remember, there is more descending to come! The way down is pretty fun and cruisy with not much technical stuff to get in your way. It won't be long before you hit the dirt road and can ease all the way back to town. Shortly after joining the road, you'll pass Strontia Springs Dam in Waterton Canyon. It's an impressive sight. From there, you'll follow the banks of the South Platte River all the way back to the parking area and your waiting car.

The nice thing about ending in town is that after a couple of long days of riding is that you can grab a celebratory meal right after you finish!