Turret Ghost Town Out-and-Back

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

This out-and-back ride to the ghost town of Turret is a longtime classic Salida route. While most of this route is smooth enough to be navigable on a gravel bike, the combination of stellar views of the Sawatch Range and the unique destination with its well-preserved historic buildings make this an intriguing ride for those who've already pedaled all the singletrack in the region.

Begin from F-Street Bridge by pedaling out along the railroad tracks and taking a right turn on CR 175 / Ute Trail. Climb Ute Trail past the Cottonwood / Beasway Trail trailhead, and shortly after, take a left onto CR 185.

After a short pedal along CR 185, you'll be looking for a right turn toward CR 184. However, there's an interesting split in the road here providing two options. So, pass the first left onto CR 184 so that you can ride past the flooded marble quarry—itself a true oddity for the Arkansas Hills. Take a left shortly after the marble quarry for a short, steep climb, and then a right onto CR 184.

Once on 184, the views of the Sawatch Range and the valley below really open up. Enjoy these panoramic vistas!

Soon, 184 begins descending quickly to the town of Turret.

Spend some time in Turret pedaling or walking around and enjoying the well-preserved historic buildings. Be sure to respect the private landowners.

Once done, retrace your steps back up the hill on 184, but stay straight/right to take a short, rocky descent down to CR 185.

For a more aggressive singletrack finish to the ride, instead of following Ute Trail back down to Salida, you can opt to descend the Cottonwood trail instead (via Beasway Trail and Rumba Trail ).

This route ends at the ghost town of Turret.