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Teocalli Ridge Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.6 (158)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Crested Butte and Gunnison
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“A tough climb, great views, and a fun, long downhill ”

Adam Kagy
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Map Key

11.5

Miles

18.5

KM

60%

Singletrack

11,247' 3,428 m

High

9,135' 2,784 m

Low

2,149' 655 m

Up

2,146' 654 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Trail Maintenance for The Teocalli Ridge trail has been completed and is now open. 14 new switchbacks have been put in for the downhill.

Overview

Teocalli Ridge is another classic ride in the Brush Creek area. Ride out Brush Creek road (2 miles south of Crested Butte) per the usual route. Along the way, take in some incredible views up-valley and remind yourself why you enjoy this sport so much.

Need to Know

There are 2 creek crossings. 1 on the way up the doubletrack before you get to Teocalli Mountain Trail and the other the way out on Brush Creek Road. In early season (Late May/June) these may be high due to snow melt, use caution.

Description

Start by driving out Brush Creek Road (738) East from Colorado Highway 135. Once the road starts climbing there will be an intersection with West Brush Creek Road (738.2A). Take a right here and look for an informal parking area approx 1/5 of a mile on your right. Park here.

Start riding back west on the road and take West Brush Creek Road (738.2A). Once on West Brush Creek Road the climb starts to get steeper and climbs up and around the hillside. In approx 1/2 mile you'll come to another intersection, take a right here at the sign directing you toward The Teocalli Mountain Trail. Soak up the views in the next couple miles along the West Brush Creek drainage.

When the road ends you'll take a right to get on Teocalli Mountain Trail. This is where the climb gets tough. If you have legs of steel and the lungs everything will be rideable. When you get near the top of the ridge you'll take a right onto Teocalli Ridge Trail. After a short downhill you'll be in for some more climbing.

After awhile you'll come to a nice view point and stopping area, with great views of Teocalli Mountain, Castle Peak, Pearl Pass, and the Middle Brush Creek drainage on your left. This is a good place for lunch.

The trail continues along Teocalli Ridge and then begins a gradual downhill at first with fun roots/rocks. Eventually, the trail comes to several switchbacks reminiscent of the Deadman Gulch switchbacks. Be careful here as some of the switchbacks and the trail itself comes very close to the steep mountainside. A fall here is definitely not recommended. Since the new re-route/downhill changes by the forest service, the downhill is much more sustainable. Many of the very steep/technical spots have been taken out which makes this more of an intermediate trail now.

Eventually, the trail opens up into a fast flowy meadow and dumps you back out onto Brush Creek Road/Pearl Pass. Take a right here and follow the road back to the standard parking area.

Contacts

Local Club: Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association

Nov 20, 2023: 2023 CBCC Trail Care and Stewardship Crew End of Season Update

Land Manager: USFS - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison Nat. Forests

Shared By:

Adam Kagy
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 158 votes

#2

in Crested Butte and Gunnison

#70

Overall
  4.6 from 158 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Crested Butte and Gunn…

#19

in Colorado

#70

Overall
33 Views Last Month
47,915 Since Jun 7, 2013
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Photos

Teocalli Ridge is one of my favorite descents in the Butte–it's fast, flowing, technical, and scenic all at once.
Jan 20, 2017 near Crested…, CO
Awesome aerial footy shows the experience of this ride.
Jul 31, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Teocalli blanketed by a flash of gold - taken at the golden hour
Oct 3, 2018 near Crested…, CO
Another awesome banked switchback on the Teo descent!
Jul 26, 2017 near Crested…, CO
Even the long climb isn't bad with views like this.
Sep 25, 2017 near Crested…, CO
No brakes needed on the bottom section of Teocalli!
Sep 25, 2017 near Crested…, CO

9 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 70 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2024
Travis Taylor
Jul 11, 2024
Dave M
Some water crossings, a couple mud spots, bit overall great.
Jul 6, 2024
Chelsea Boushka
11.5mi — 4h 30m
Sep 27, 2023
Mark Pratt
Awesome ride and views
Sep 20, 2023
Sam Incardona
Sep 17, 2023
Jessica Laskowitz
Anniversary ride! 11.5mi
Jul 10, 2023
Brian Jacildo
Aug 3, 2022
Gunner Smith

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Stewarded by Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association
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