Basics
- Length:
- 25 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 4 - 5 hours
- Season:
- March - November
Description
Pine Valley Ranch, part of the Jefferson County Open Space, features a good selection of mountain bike friendly trails with one larger combination loop that is sure to give a workout to even the strongest legs. Originally homesteaded as a cattle ranch, 820-acre Pine Valley Ranch was added to the park system in the mid-1980s to recreationalists delight.
The most popular loop in the Pine Valley Ranch system clocks in at almost 25 miles with over 2000 feet of elevation gain. Going west on the dirt road from the main parking area and across the creek, the trail begins on the left. The loop combines the popular Homestead, Gashouse, Skipper and Buck Gulch Trails into an epic ride not soon to be forgotten.
An additional area known as Buffalo Gulch can be accessed from Pine Valley Ranch by riding up the Buck Gulch Trail. This trail system climbs over 1000 feet in 2.5 miles and features smooth singletrack through some sections of burned out forest.
The trails of Pine Valley Ranch that are open to bikes are a combination of singletrack and dirt roadways. Please note that some trails in the system are for hiking only. It is a great idea when coming to Pine Valley Ranch to bring a detailed map to ease navigation as the maze of trails can become confusing at times.
Details
Length:
Can add additional trails for longer length.
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Time can be lengthened by adding trails along way
Season:
Additional Details:
While riding any trail system it is a great idea to include a repair kit and first aid kit. The Pine Valley Ranch complex can get fairly remote at its farthest reaches and does have potential to become and epic in the event of a flat or injury so bring additional water, food and clothing as well. Pine Valley Ranch trails are multi-use and hikers and horseback riders may be seen along the way. Please be considerate on the trails and understand right of way protocol.
