Need Durango / Crested Butte Info

Headed to Durango and Crested Butte area to ride for about 10 days or so, I'm leaving about the first of September. We're pretty much XC riders, not into lift serviced stuff or "freeriding" type stuff. Just looking for the best singletrack in the best and most scenic locations. I could use some info:

- free camping in both areas, preferably near some riding?
- best guide books for the areas?
- absolute "must do" rides?

All info is appreciated. We pretty much have no plans except to head down that way and find something to ride.

Durango:
* Hermosa Creek Trail is a must do. Camping very near it, all over the place.
* Never did Molas Pass to Cascade Creek, but that is a spectacular area, and I really want to do it. Don't miss it. Also, lots of camping on Molas Pass or up Lime Creek across the highway from Casccade Creek.
* If weather is bad up high, go up horse gulch (Head east on 3rd st, just past 8th Ave) and then do Telegraph to Sidewinder, from here you can do either Carbon Junction to the road (nice downhill), or do Crites Connect and the Anasazi Descent (also a nice downhill), there are maps at just about every intersection. Great lower elevation, deserty riding. No camping near here, the TH leaves from town.

Crested Butte:
Only been once, rode the 401 and Doctor's Park, and can recommend both VERY highly. Camping past Gothic near the 401 TH. I'm sure there's camping near Doctors Park too...

Okay, goldenboy should probably be answering this, but I'll do what I can...

In CB you can camp in designated sights on the dirt roads. Just about every dirt road allows camping, some are marked on maps, others are not. If you are riding Doctor's Park you may find it better to camp in one of the several sites by Spring Creek or Taylor Reservoir.

401 is the most popular trail in CB. It is fun, but can be terribly crowded on weekends. I rode it last Tuesday however and didn't see a sole except the two folks I was riding with. Doctor's Park is really fun. Reno/Flagg/Bear is another popular ride. There are tons of great rides in CB. You don't really need a guide, but a map is good. Find Crested Butte (CB) Sports at the base of the mountain (ski area). There is lots of construction around there now but don't let it scare you off. Go in there, talk to the boys there (they love cookies BTW). Buy the Latitude 40 map of the area from them. Tell them Miss Cake sent you- they'll understand. Ask them the status of the trails and what they recommend. Look for the list of rides and ride times (this is goldenboy's list). Go from there! :)

Also, not far from there is the Monarch Crest trail on Monarch Pass. If you are going between Durango and CB you might want to hit Monarch Crest on the way between them.

You can check out my TR to take a look at some of the trails there
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=58271

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtnbikerskierchick

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Also, not far from there is the Monarch Crest trail on Monarch Pass. If you are going between Durango and CB you might want to hit Monarch Crest on the way between them.

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http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=58271

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I wasn't the best in geography, but how do you go over monarch going between cb & durango?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by icanseeformiles(andmiles)

I wasn't the best in geography, but how do you go over monarch going between cb & durango?

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I thought the same thing. :)

I didn't say you need to go OVER it, but it's general location is between them, DUH ;)

If you want to go over Monarch, take 160 over Wolf Creek, 285 north to 50. You're at Monarch. It's a bit longer than taking 550 to 50, but you hit Monarch on the way and it's really only about an hour and a half extra of drive time. You could take 550 to 50 and go on the other side of Monarch (west), but since you want to ride on the east side it's better to go 285 to 50. It's worth hitting Monarch if you're in the area, since it is one of the major classic rides in Colorado.