Rattlesnake Gulch: Risky Business

Eldorado Canyon is one of those must do’s if you ever plan to visit Boulder.  There’s only one way in and almost immediately you realize why this area has been such an attraction since the early 1900’s.  Towering cliffs along a rippling stream draws rock climbers from around the globe.  A swimming pool located within this little community is set up against those ridged peaks and offers a savory atmosphere for a little rest and relaxation.  Rattlesnake Gulch would serve up a strenuous yet captivating trail this weekend.

It was a typical Colorado summer day; mid 80’s at the base, sunny and the canyon was decorated in beautiful pine green.  This trail is a very popular hike on the weekends and I was the only mountain biker on the trail.  Rock climbers are scaling the walls of the canyon, families are dipping their feet in the creek and smiles abound.  My beloved wife and I would pay a visit this morning before my decision to ride.

I had tried this trail once before and with its steep incline I knew it would take a lot out of me.  I laid out my inhaler before I left home to make sure I wouldn't be caught breathless climbing up to 6700 feet and I didn't realize I forgot it until I unloaded my bike at the park.  Rather than going back home I chose to proceed but at a much slower pace.

The trail head is just off the access road and begins with a very easy and well groomed trail for a few meters.  Rattlesnake Gulch starts up in the opposite direction at what seems like a rather steep grade.   Once on the trail you’re immediately challenged by rocks of varying size and shape mixed in with fine loose dirt and roots.  This goes on for a few meters until you escape these obstacles for golf and tennis ball sized gravel.  Less than a quarter mile up the trail and staring down onto the parking area below looks like about 10 stories up which is an impressive height for such a short distance.

The most difficult part of this trail was not so much the steep grade but the trail itself.  A large part of this trail is loose and rocky and seems to be more so at the steepest points.  I’m having extreme difficulty keeping my front wheel on the ground and my rear wheel traction is almost nonexistent in many areas.

On platform pedals this afternoon, after clipping in on so many previous rides, I would discover an unusual sensation of losing my footing which made for quite an arduous climb up the trail.  The views however are getting better and better the higher I go.  Resting often so as not to lose my breath, I notice a train coming over a ridge and disappearing into the mountain.  This rail line is very popular during the winter when visitors from around the world catch the train out of Union Station in Downtown Denver and ride non-stop through the Rocky Mountains for a day of world class skiing at Winter Park in Grand County.

Hikers realize the path to the top can be tiring on your feet so they gladly step aside and allow me to pass.  Just over 1.2 miles into my ride I reach a trail junction and the start of a one mile loop.  At this junction lie the remains of Crags Hotel.  At the site you’ll find an interesting historical account of the once popular hotel.  The writings would help me imagine a time when the west was young.   I take the trail left onto even steeper rocky tread.  The pine trees become denser and the trail continues its loose rocky path.

At this point I start to wonder why I haven’t come across any other mountain bikers, a question that just might be answered next.  The trail gets pretty narrow at times and the steep and tall drop offs leave a rider clinging to the side of the mountain.  The loose rock and steep incline makes these sections muy peligroso.  One wrong move and you’re over the cliff with nothing but rock to break your fall.  Clipless pedals would not have been a good idea for me so I was thankful I made the switch to platform pedals before this ride.  Keep your eyes on the trail ahead of you, stay balanced from left to right and always be ready to ditch towards the mountain side.  Don't worry about the bike, it will handle the cliff a lot better than you would.  Despite the uneasy terrain, all I could think about was how much fun the descent would be.

The trail would peak at about the 1.6 mile mark and descend down to an overlook with spectacular views of the Continental Divide (mile 2.2).  From this overlook the trail would wind back down the other side of the loop to the trail head below.  Loose rock and steep grades require some downhill skill.  Control over your speed is critical so make sure your brakes are in good working order. 

It took me almost an hour to get to the overlook and 15 minutes to get down.  My Garmin Edge will illustrate the elevation gain and to some it may appear somewhat typical for a Boulder trail.  I would say that the trail is a whole lot steeper than the image may portray.  Couple the grade with a lack of traction and cascading cliffs and this trail makes for a fantastic challenge.  I would not recommend this trail for a rookie mountain biker but if you’re in the Boulder area and not exactly looking for a suffer fest then make a day hike out of it, you’ll enjoy the beautiful views and get a little exercise too and don't forget, it's very loose in areas so wear the appropriate footwear.

I decided to post a picture of a rock climber on this post because Eldorado Canyon is most celebrated for its rock climbing.  Eldorado Canyon is one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Boulder County with something for everyone, from the casual day hiker to those Colorado adrenaline junkies.

My ride is illustrated at connect.garmin.com/activity/212662669

Thank you for checking in and don’t be shy about leaving a message.  Click on the g+1 icon and share my blog with someone who might enjoy a little of the Colorado Dirt Life.

Thanks again and Happy Trails-AR

Hall Ranch: Pop Rocks

Pop Rocks were first offered to the public in 1975 by General Foods Corporation and is one of those rare treats that are also fun to eat.  Candy bites that really look like little pebbles in your hand and burst with flavor on your tongue.  Today Pop Rocks are a fizzy reminder of 70's pop culture.  Hall Ranch in no way reminds me of bubbly candy or tight denim flare bell bottoms but it is a trail with one of the most difficult boulder gardens in Boulder County and so worthy of the title.

The trail head is just outside of Lyons, a quaint little town and gateway to some of the most beautiful scenery in our state.  The Lyons areas first inhabitants were the Ute and Arapahoe tribes although many other Nations would wander through the area to hunt.  E.S. Lyons and his wife arrived in 1880 on the advice of his doctor.  Apparently Colorado was known for its healing nature and healthy lifestyle even back then.

Hall Ranch, and more specifically Lower Bitterbrush, reminds me a lot of Moab Utah with its mild elevation climbs and abundant sandstone terrain.  It was a calm summer day with only a slight trace of a breeze.  The sky was clear and the sun was bright.  Having been on the trail before, I knew I would need some extra head protection so I thought my full face helmet would be the better option.

Hall Ranch has 3 sections each with its own appeal.  On my very first attempt I only made it halfway through section 2 before accepting my defeat.  The middle section continues to push back like the neighborhood bully.  On this one particular ride the lower Bitterbrush Trail would embarrass me almost as much as being seen in a pair of Sergio Valente designer jeans.  I was absolutely determined to complete all 3 sections.  It was my very first ride on my new clipless pedals and nothing would stop me this time.  Blissfully arrogant I headed out.

The first section I would categorize as a green.  The trail is well groomed, hard packed with an occasional rock section to keep it interesting.  The trail will ascend and descend gradually but watch your speed as the switchbacks seem to come out of nowhere.  The trail meanders through brush and sparse pine set up against sandstone hills.  With its porous surface a mountain bike can climb some unbelievable terrain and some riders can even climb some sandstone at almost 90 degrees.  It certainly takes some of that skill to get through section 2.

Section 2 begins at a service road crossing.  The trail drops down at about a 45 degree angle before an abrupt about face.  From here it is a pretty steady climb and the sandstone boulders start to make their appearance.  Balance is critical and platform pedals are recommended for a novice rider; you really need some good balance here and the rock garden will seem long if you’re a first timer.  The sandstone actually makes it a bit easier to negotiate however the obstacles can be jagged and abundant with tree roots mixed in.  The boulders seem to get bigger as you make your way up and in some areas the trail may be a bit difficult to identify if not for the skid marks.  

At about the 1 mile mark the path is almost unrideable unless you’re a very experienced rider.  Identifying a passable line will be difficult if not impossible for a novice rider.  I would consider myself at least an intermediate rider and this part of the trail would force me to my feet.  Carrying a bike over these sections would be a chore in itself.  I wouldn’t get a chance to remount for at least another 30 yards.  Once over the most difficult sections, I would remount and on to the next section.  There are a couple of areas to stop and take in the view and most like me welcome the rest.  Lower Bitterbrush will emerge onto a plateau overlooking open space and a bench awaits you for some well needed rest.  Lower Bitterbrush will drop down for another 100 yards but today I would call this my turnaround point.  I clip in and start my way down.   

Downhill always seems a bit easier although balance and weight distribution is a lot more important.  I would manage to stay on the bike through some of the sections I couldn’t make on my way up so I’m feeling a bit bolder now.  I’ve got good control of the hydraulic brakes so far until I come off a rock section that meets with a level part of the trail.  The rock is about a foot and a half tall, just enough to get a tire over with another smaller rock just far enough in front to fit your tire in between.  Going slowly I point my front tire over the first rock rolling just over it until my wheel comes to rest nice and snug between both rocks.  The problem now is my momentum pulls my weight forward but my front wheel is locked between these two rocks; can you guess what happens next?

Like slow motion, I begin to drift over the handlebars.  My feet are clipped into my pedals so there’s no way to catch my balance.  If I were watching from the side I would probably describe it as a somersault with a bike attached to my feet.

At the point when I hit the ground, my bike flies into the rocks and this is when my feet break free from the pedals.  Once on the ground my calf muscles pull simultaneously and the pain is so intense I can’t get myself up.  I grab my two feet and try and stretch the muscles to see if they will loosen up.  I must have been on the ground for 15 minutes and surprisingly no one else passed.

I finally get myself off the ground and stretch my legs a bit.  I grab the bike and everything seems intact.  Once my mind is off my leg pain three other areas compete for my attention.  My right palm feels like I slammed it against a brick wall and I can’t grip my handlebar.  My right bicep starts to swell with a huge bruise and it hurts when I breathe.  I’m not even half way through this section and I can’t seem to ride with both hands.  I decide to walk the bike until I feel the trail is level enough to ride at which point I hop on the bike again and head for the parking lot.  With one hand I finally make it to the car.

Hall Ranch will take some work to complete but when you finally make it through, it's DYN-O-MITE.  If you're a casual mountain bike rider you won't like section 2.  If you like a challenge, you won't be disappointed but be prepared and use good judgment.  As difficult as this trail may sound, believe it or not I've seen riders on unicycles on this trail but I have yet to see one make it without stopping.   You've heard this from me before but never attempt a difficult trail on pedals you’re not used to.  Knee and elbow pads would be a good idea too for the inexperienced rider.  If you come across a section, of any trail, that looks precarious to you, then it is.  Dismount and try it another day.

There is a much smoother way up if you take the service road and from the bench area you can finish down Lower Bitterbrush then hop on to Antelope Trail and Nelson Loop, these two trails will make a fantastic afternoon with great rolling single-track.  The trails are mostly hard packed, few obstacles, a bit more climbing and great stops along the way including the old Nelson Ranch House.

Catch the reenactment at connect.garmin.com/activity/204582795

Thanks as always and Happy Trails.

AR

Caribou Flats: Sticks and Stones

This was the weekend for big nobbies.  Snow comes early up in the mountains and down here on the Front Range we can’t put summer riding off for very long.  This time of year I thought Caribou Flats would offer some prime riding conditions so I packed up the YZ and headed up Boulder Canyon to the town of Nederland.

Nederland is rich in mining history dating back to the mid-19th century.  Caribou Flats just outside the city limits is littered with abandoned silver and tungsten mines.  By 1890 the mines at Caribou were no longer productive and Nederland soon became a ghost town.  Since then, there have been booms and busts but none more popular than the 1960’s boom when Nederland became the ultimate destination for “hippies” looking to escape the more developed Boulder.

My ride would begin at the Sourdough trail head along the very bumpy Dirt road of Hwy 116. Despite the road conditions, this ride up to the trail head was picture perfect.  The road winds through some of the prettiest forest Colorado has to offer, also a great experience from a car or SUV.  Pine forest to my left and to my right, a cool breeze flowing through the trees fills your lungs with fresh air and the scent of damp dirt adds to the ambiance.  In 3rd gear I ride leisurely up to trail 505.

The trail drops down into the forest on very rocky tread.  With sensitive throttle and clutch control I make it past this first obstacle.  In hindsight full padding would have been a good idea.  The trail clears a bit and rolls with ease; damp, blankets of shade, cool air and the occasional water puddle.  I soon come to a stream crossing and before I make my attempt I wait for a couple of 4-wheel drive vehicles to pass so that I can judge the depth.  The last thing I want to do is fall over in the ice cold water.

The water is about 2 feet deep so I give it a go in 2nd gear to keep my rear wheel from spinning.  Once across I’m greeted with mud holes and slippery rock.  The next couple of miles would be a mud fest.  There were many water holes, some as long as 20 yards and all concealing their depth and tread.  I would need to keep my front end light and brace for the rocks lying underneath the muddy water.

There was a section that was completely obscured with shade with a sliver of light shining through just enough to reveal sharp boulders extending up from beneath the murky water. With no way around I considered retreat for a few minutes because I couldn’t imagine this was going to be pleasant.  Downed Blue Spruce pine poked out of the forest like swords daring you to pass.  As I sat there staring at my two choices; a huge water hole or deep soggy mud I went for the water hole but it didn’t end there.  The next section would include more water holes, downed pine trees, roots and a small boulder section.

Now through I would meet with another trail head with two additional options.  The first would be a steady climb on fairly easy tread.  As I come up out of the woods the forest opens up to a spectacular view of Bald Mountain (picture).  This trail would dead end so I made my way back and tried my other option.  The first section of this trail was such a treat but just as I was getting comfortable the boulders made an abrupt appearance and would stretch another mile or two up to tree line.  Once on top I head down the other side on more rocky tread.  Mostly downhill I knew it would be much more difficult on the way back. After a couple of miles of this abuse and a brief fuel check I would turn back.  With more throttle I would need to be much more alert for pine tree branches sticking out into the trail or become an ornament for Vlad.

Climbing on rocky tread is very tricky, you have to keep a steady speed while keeping your weight on the back wheel and at the same time your eyes are focused two or three bike lengths ahead to locate the best line.  The bike is bouncing, sometimes uncontrollably, my hands are straining to maintain grip, obstacles at every turn and no level landscape for rest.

My trip back would be equally challenging.  Back over tree line, lightning is always a concern but skies are clear today.  At this time, campers are settling in from their day hikes and the campfires begin to flare.  There’s something about campfires that just seems to complete the whole mountain experience.  Most will gather firewood from around their campsite while others will bring their own.  The scented smoke from hidden campsites fills the air and I slow to add another impression to my ride today.  After a full day of skills testing I was exhausted both physically and mentally.

If you’re not the two wheel type, you can try these trails on an ATV.  Riders of all ages were out today and although some sections should only be attempted by experienced riders there are still plenty of miles for riders of all skill levels.  For those with high clearance vehicles, pack up your buddies and give these trails a try, you’re sure to make your own memories.

Hiking our back country trails can certainly be an unbelievable experience but there’s nothing like covering ground on two wheels.  Catch this latest adventure at Caribou Flats 

Thanks for checking in and Happy Trails.

AR

Marshall Mesa: Cantata Vespere

On Saturday nights you can catch late night horror stories on AM radio and my favorite are those narrated by Vincent Price.  Vincent Price was a master of imagery and with his voice he could trigger the mind to visualize what it could not see.   I was excited about the challenge to describe my experience from a perspective of sound rather than sight.  My first solo night ride on a trail I'd never ridden, Marshall Mesa in Boulder Colorado, I would discover a whole different experience in the dark.

It was 9:00pm Saturday night and a harvest moon was the only light on the trail.  I had spent the previous 2 hours scouring for a light bright enough to expose the unseen.  As darkness descends, a faint breeze blows as I prepare the Genius for my journey.  There’s no way of knowing what I may encounter; the tiny feet of a frightened rabbit or the white tooth fang of a rattlesnake.  I didn’t want to think about it but with warning signs posted at some of our trail heads, I couldn’t rule out the possibility I could cross paths with a Colorado Mountain Lion.  Nervous as I was, all I could think about was what an exhilarating experience this was sure to be.

I found a light with 150 max lumens which under this moon would be plenty.  For this ride there was no question, I should prepare for losing my direction.  I would take my Garmin Etrex, as well as my Garmin Edge, because I knew if I got lost I would need a map that I could read in the dark and the Etrex would be the perfect tool.  I also packed a flash light and my Cat Eye headlamp for the strobe.

Tonight there are no other trail goers, it’s dark and it looks like I’ll be the only one on the trail.  I fire up the lamps and I head for the trail.  The trail head is not far off a two lane highway and I can hear the sparse evening traffic.  There are scattered lights in the distance so I don’t feel completely isolated.  I’m familiar with the area so I had some clue about the terrain; some tree cover, rocky in sections, mild ascents and descents and large open spaces set up against the Boulder Flatirons.  I also knew that there would be plenty of nocturnal creatures out searching for their next meal or trying to avoid other predators-the thought was starting to give me pause.

I start out and the first obstacles are sandstone rock beds.  Normally nothing difficult but with limited visibility I had to exercise caution.  Its cool this evening and thin cloud cover begins to surround the orange moon like thin brush strokes over a canvas.   The trail winds downward and as I let off the brakes I start to forget about what lurks in the darkness.  The air rushes around my ears and as the trail turns upward, my speed slows and the open space starts to come alive.

Insects fill the darkness with a cacophony of unusual sounds.  Lizards and toads scatter from the trail as I approach and my light catches glimpses of bats on their night time feast.  The Great Horned Owl is known to call this area home and as I slow I scan the night for the chance to spot this magnificent bird of prey.  Off to my right I can hear something in the bushes and although I’m starting to ponder my choice to ride solo this evening I continue.

I come to a community ditch which takes me back towards the highway and once across I take what appears to be a service road down into open space in the direction of Eldorado Canyon.  Now an hour into my ride, with every pedal stroke I stray further and further from the main road and even though I increase the lumens from 65 to 110 it doesn’t help to illuminate the area around me.  The temperature is dropping slowly and I decide to stop for a moment to decide if I should continue or turn around.  Up ahead I can see faint lighting from a house or cabin.  Eldorado Canyon erupts with jagged rock walls and dense forest and although I foresee delights we mountain bikers only dream of, I decide to turn around.  I’m alone and if this path does lead me into the forest the risk of losing my way increases. 

 

I decide to switch into a high gear to shorten the ride back.  Once back onto the trail I take an alternate route to the trail head.  A bit rockier with sharper turns and with my senses on high alert I make great time until I notice some shaking.  I stop to find out what’s making the bike wobble when I discover my front wheel quick release has come loose.  A quick adjustment and I’m off.  On this trail the trees are taller and as I make my way the moon provides an unbelievable backdrop behind a silhouette of pine trees. 

      

I would have liked to have made this an all night ride but it became perfectly clear why most guides will tell you never to ride a trail at night alone; too many things can go wrong.   My colleagues will claim it takes a bit of courage to go out alone in the dark and even though I would not recommend it, a little fear will elevate your senses for a truly magnificent experience.

Happy Trails!

Alan Romero