The Colorowdies 2022 Mission Trip, to give back to the communities doing it right for bikes, took us to one of the most rugged and picturesque locations in Colorado. Home to the highest ski area in North America and the second highest town in Colorado, Silverton sits nestled off the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan mountains.
Partnering with Silverton Singletrack Society (SSS) and with high hopes to contribute volunteer hours and immense levels of stoke to the new Baker’s Park trails project, the Colorowdies Ambassador team embarked on a weekend adventure to the San Juans. The plan was to put McLeods to the ground and help build some of the initial 10 miles of trail. As trail projects and plans quake like aspen leaves in fall, the scope and location of the project changed at the last minute.
With the expected hiccups of a new trails project plan, at the last minute, BLM shifted gears by delaying approval of Baker’s Park but approved the work for a project proposed by SSS to armor the last steep runout of Boulder Gulch.
Boulder Gulch is located just outside of Silverton and is a local favorite. As we would experience later in the weekend, this trail requires a proper set of lungs and commitment. The expectations for a proper outcome were not high as this section of trail is heavily eroded and will likely be rerouted in the future. The goal was to buy some time and maintain the trail and its overall rowdy vibe. In other words, add a rock here, add a rock there, sprinkle some pine duff…and nope! The Colorowdies came with energy and determination to dig some dirt and move some rocks.
Riding this section of trail from top down has that controlled free fall vibe. Come in high, aim it left, a quick right, back left, and a final right to the run-out. Our work required adding four significant rocks as anchors and then connecting the anchors with chunky armoring. With a six hour deadline before afternoon storms begin to roll, we laid out a plan with SSS and got to work.
Moving big rocks down steep slopes is like moving a refrigerator down a set of basement stairs. At times you wonder, “if we just let it go, will it end up in the right spot?” Relying on solid teamwork and communication, we moved some monsters, got them set and began armoring between anchor points. As the dust finally settled, we were stoked at the way the project turned out! We didn’t build Machu Picchu in one day, but our work kept the steep and rugged character of the trail.
Above the armoring project, we also had a crew of trail ninjas that hikes 3 miles of trail clearing overgrown corridors, putting in drainage, and stabilizing scree field crossings. Armed with pruners, loppers, gloves, and an eye for the aesthetics, this crew improved the trail sight lines, water conveyance, and overall trail sustainability.
With long summer days and being energized from the trail work success, we still had daylight left for a ride off Engineer Mountain. The agenda: climb Pass Creek, traverse Engineer, pay respect to one of our founding members (Love you Trisha), and then have a ripping descent on Coal Creek.
Around the fire back at camp, plans were hatched for a Sunday ride at Boulder Gulch. With a big day ahead of us, our crew headed to bed with dreams of a 3.7k descent tomorrow. We awoke to a frosty morning and fog-filled valley. As the sun rose, the cloud cover quickly burned off and we began our shuttle to the trailhead.
To restate, Boulder Gulch requires a strong set of lungs and commitment to match. To gain that rewarding 3.7k of descending, we needed to climb the first 2k feet. Now, this isn’t a pedal climb. Instead, due to the steep nature (plus trail access agreement) of the terrain, this is a slap your bike on your back and hike up the side of a mountain climb.
We were rewarded with some heart pumping amazing views (and vert) the whole ascent; then the real fun began! Dropping into Boulder Gulch is a struggle; the views are unlike anything you’ve been on but the trail demands your full attention as you plummet 3.7k. The trail was rewarding the entire time as we transitioned through scree fields, high alpine foliage, and finished on the exit of the trail; all areas the crew worked on the day before.
Our 2022 Mission Trip at Boulder Gulch was a huge success! BLM, as well as our partners at Silverton Singletrack Society, were beyond stoked with the work that was accomplished and the relationships that were built. As we plan for our 2023 Mission Trip, we continue to look for those special locations that are building rowdy trails that continue to advance the progressive nature of mountain biking.
Thank you Silverton Singletrack Society and BLM! Give us a call when you’re ready to build Baker’s Park; we’ll be ready.