A GORP Content Partner
Adapted from
Mountain Bikers
Guide to Colorado
by Linda Gong
and Gregg Bromka
Biking Telluride
Sneffels Range Loop
Circling the Sneffels Range unveils the grandeur and glory of the San Juan Mountains. From lofty perches, a chaotic sea of Mount Fuji-type peaks, vertical walls of stone, and deep glacial valleys compose the scene. Within a single day, and often within an hour's time, the route ventures from barren ridgelines beneath deep blue, open skies to the serene confines of dense forests. Trickling creeks that cascade from lingering snow fields thread alpine meadows, then coalesce into roaring streams that rip down gullies before meandering through low, broad valleys.
Not only is this a scenic route, passing through one of Colorado's most pristine and rugged mountain assemblages, it is a historic route that connects the old mining districts of Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway.
The entire route is a grandiose, 70-mile loop that follows mostly good four-wheel-drive roads. On the north side of the Sneffels Range, the route follows sections of double- and single-track of varying technical difficulty. A few streams must be crossed on this section, but none flow dangerously swift or deep even during high runoff.
The loop can be completed by expert riders in a single
day -- a very long, tiring day. But, to fully experience the pristine Sneffels Range and San Juan Mountains, make this a multi-day ride with overnight stays in Ouray and Ridgway. Even then, the route is still moderate to difficult. Although overall technical difficulty is low to moderate, good cardiovascular ability and acclimation to high altitude are prerequisites. In a nutshell, if you are novice-level in technical ability you are more likely to find segments of this trail enjoyable than if you are novice-level in cardiovascular terms.
[The Sneffels Range Loop description was submitted
by Joe Ryan and Mike Turrin, Telluride, Colorado.-G. B.]
General Information
General location: The Sneffels Range is the unmistakable massif directly north of Telluride. This route circumnavigates the entire range, connecting the towns of Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway, Colorado.Elevation charge: Telluride sits at a whopping 8,744ft., where the air is thin. The ride begins with a leg-burning, lung-searing ascent to Imogene Pass (13,114ft.), a 4,500-foot climb in less than 8 miles. The big payoff is an unbelievable, 12-mile descent through Camp Bird to Ouray (7,700ft.). Then it's back up again. A long, steep climb out of the Uncompahgre River Valley rises up to, then traverses through, Blaine Basin, which reaches over 10,800ft.. The route then connects with the Dallas Divide Trail, which hovers near 9,600ft. Descending the West Fork of Dallas Creek, the tail dips below 8,000ft. near Ridgway. Still more climbing awaits with a long-winded pull to Last Dollar Divide (10,660ft.). Finally, a 2,000ft. descent returns to Telluride, closing the loop. Total vertical gain exceeds 11,000ft.; total elevation change exceeds 22,000ft.. Whew!
Season: Riding the Sneffels Range Loop is limited by a short cycling season. Winter's snow lingers well into May and June and commences again by mid- October. This leaves 3 months of practical cycling. Remember, you will be topping mountain passes between 10,000ft. and 13,000ft., so even midsummer afternoon temperatures are relatively cool and very often cold. Dress accordingly.
Services: Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway offer full visitor services. Water is plentiful along the route in the many alpine streams; however, purifying all surface waters before drinking is strongly recommended since ranching is common here.
Hazards: Perhaps the greatest hazard associated with this ride is lack of preparedness. In this rugged, alpine setting, weather can range from glorious to unforgiving, from gleaming, sunny mornings to afternoon skies choked with hellish thunderclouds. At the ride's highest elevations well above treeline, shelter is minimal to nonexistent. Carry adequate clothing (including raingear), food, and water, plus emergency supplies and a first-aid kit.
Technical difficulty is generally low on dirt toads and moderate along double- and single-track segments (Dallas Divide Trail). Those visiting from lower elevations should allow a few days to acclimate to the oxygen-deficient air prior to embarking.
Although the route is quite evident when following dirt toads, sections of the Dallas Divide Trail are inaccurately marked on maps. Carrying the appropriate topographic maps and possessing the knowledge to interpret them is strongly recommended.
Rescue index: Emergency help is at most 15 moles away, which means several hours by bike. Motor vehicles are common on the dirt roads provide access to sections of the Dallas Divide Trail, the most remote portion of the ride. Telluride and Ouray each have medical clinics, but Ridgway does not.
Land status: Uncompahgre National Forest. All roads outside of the national forest boundary are public access.
Maps: USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles: Gray Head, Ironton, Mount Sneffels, Ouray, Sams, and Telluride, Colorado. Uncompahgre National Forest Travel Map.
Finding the trail: The Sneffels Range Loop begins in Telluride. Follow Oak Street to Tomboy road. This is the way to Imogene Pass. The Sneffels Range Loop can be started from Ouray and Ridgway as well.
Sources of additional information: What was initially a hut-to-hut system developed for back country ski touring in the Sneffels Range has been expanded to a 215-miles system of huts and mountain bike trails linking Telluride with Moab, Utah, during the summer. The route offers the incredible diversity of both Telluride's alpine terrain and Moab's slickrock, canyon country. The system allows bikers the luxury of a week-long mountain bike tour with the comfort of huts at night, while traveling with minimal gear during the day.
Uncompahgre National Forest
Ouray Ranger District
2505 South Townsend
Montrose, CO 81401
(303) 728-6935
The hut-to-hut idea has been an established means of exploring the back-country by ski touring, but an extended route like this one is new and exciting for mountain bikes. The San Juan Hut System attempts to provide simplicity and comfort in the backcountry without diminishing the beauty and uniqueness of open space.
Notes on the trail: The route is quite evident, with the appropriate maps. The only portion that is not signed and often inaccurately located on maps is the Dallas Divide Trail, which wraps around the north slope of the Sneffels Range. Heading north out of Ouray on the pave highway, look for a trail braking through the red cliffs and entering Corbett Creek Canyon. This route will turn north and climb steeply over the mountain's flank, then turn west and pass through Moonshine Park en route to the Dallas Divide Trail.
If you are not inclined to bite off the entire loop, consider 2 single-day variations. Option One: To obtain the breathtaking views of the Sneffels Range and the San Juan Mountains without the grueling assault on Imogene Pass, pedal the Last Dollar Road, located northwest of Telluride, to Last Dollar Mountain. The maintained dirt toad offers moderate climbs with little technical difficulty and spectacular angles of mountains and valleys. If you car-top your bikes to the pass, then saddle up and coast downhill back to Telluride, you'll get an excellent overview of the region; this alternate route is well-suited for novice cyclists. Or, shuttle a support vehicle to Dallas Divide on CO 62 east of Ridgway for a memorable trip across Hastings Mesa backdropped by ht Sneffels Range and the Wilson Mountains.
Option Two: For outstanding mountain biking along jeep roads, double-track, and single-track that weave through mixed aspen and pine forests and lush meadows, head for the Dallas Divide Trail on the north side of the Range. Several dirt toads lead south and up to the trail from CO 62. Consider a long loop incorporating the West Fork of Dallas Creek and Miller Mesa Road with the option of bailing out down the East Fork of Dallas Creek midway along the trail.
A final Note: If your legs quiver and head throbs just at the thought of tackling Imogene Pass, here is a bit of
motivation -- a carrot in front of the horse, of you will. What goes up must come down. And when you descend into Ouray, you will find numerous private, natural hot springs in which to soak your weary muscles and revitalize your soul.
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