Poudre Canyon mountain biking?

pbowman · 06-08-2006

we will be in the canyon for the weekend, and wondered if anyone can recommend a couple mountain bike rides to consider. i have read about Hewletts Gulch and Youngs Gulch (on mtbr.com), and was hoping to find some other options. my wife is a beginner mountain biker, and Hewletts sounds about right for her skill level while Youngs may be a little too difficult for her. is there any other beginner single track around? she also likes to ride two track and forest service roads, are there any remote areas with low car traffic that would be an option? we are willing to drive higher in the canyon, up to and past Rustic, if there are some options up there.

i have only boated up to upper mish, so i don't know the canyon all that well. if there are other options, please let me know how to find the trailhead. thanks in advance.

phillip

FLOWTORCH · 06-08-2006

Poudre's seems to be the place to be lately.....so hot right now. I prefer Dadd Gulch, just east of rustic. Just south of the highway pert near the put in for Lower Rustic/G-pa's gorge. Lots of singletrack, easy climbing, fun, long downhill...nice

RockPaddler · 06-08-2006

If your not too set on staying in the canyon, I suggest heading down towards Fort Collins and hit up Lory State Park. You will need to pay a small fee to park, but the expansive riding is worth it. There are many miles of trail for all levels, it just depends on how long you can go. Hewletts Gulch is also really nice. The beginning is fun and rolly, but it you head up and do the entire loop, you might find yourself facing a long loose downhill. Personally I love it, but a beginner might be a little intimidated. Just a word of caution. Enjoy!