Gold and mining in the Hahns Peak basin first attracted settlers to this area in the 1860s. Some of the roads built to haul their treasures still remain, providing mountain bikers with plenty of areas to explore. The historic Wyoming Trail and the Elkhorn Stock Driveway were once used by ranchers and cowboys to transport their herds of cattle and sheep. Today, they are an important part of the Forest trails system.
Hahns Peak is the predominant peak of the area. The views from the top are incredible. A fire lookout was built and operated atop the peak until the early 1970s. Near the base of Hahns Peak lies historic Hahns Peak Village. Nearby Steamboat Lake State Park offers camping, boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
The National Forest offers opportunities for camping in both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping around the Hahns Peak/Steamboat Lake area.
CRANE PARK/ELKHORN MOUNTAIN LOOP (14.5 MILES)
OVERVIEW: There are three variations to this ride. Portions of these routes are steep and rocky requiring technical riding skills, possibly hiking your bike in places.
TOPO MAPS USED: Elkhorn Mountain
TO GET THERE: Take County Road 129 about 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs to Steamboat Lake State Park. From the lake continue north to Columbine. Continue north approximately 0.5 miles to the road intersection with FDR 550. Take a right and continue on FDR 550 for about 8 miles to the intersection with FDR 503. Continue north on Road 550 past the cattle guard for about 3 miles. You will cross over Whiskey Creek; FDR 550 takes off to the left. Park off the road here and begin the route.
OPTION 1: Head north on FDR 550 for about 0.75 miles to the intersection with FDR 508, a gravel road. Turn left and follow the road about 1.5 miles where it turns into a 4WD dirt road and climbs for about 2 miles. This road passes the Elkhorn Mine connect Road #477 and continues to head northwest to connect with Trail #1149 (Elkhorn Stock Driveway). Turn left and continue south on Trail #1149. You will descend steeply to cross the Middle Fork of the Little Snake River. Be careful when making crossings. Continue on trail to the intersection with FDR #502. Take a left and continue northeast to the intersection with #55. Turn left again and follow for 2.5 miles back to the parking area. This loop is approximately 14.5 miles.
OPTION 2: Take FDR 555 (4WD dirt road) west for about 2.5 miles where it connects with Trail #1149 (Elkhorn Stock Drive). Head south on this unimproved dirt road. You will descend steeply to cross the Middle Fork of the Lake Snake River. The trail will intersect with FDR 502. Continue northeast to connect with FDR 550. Turn left and continue north on #550 for approximately 2 miles to return to the parking area. This loop is approximately 10.5 miles.
OPTION 3: Take FDR 555. Walk for about 2.5 miles until it connects with Trail #1149. Head north for approximately 2.25 miles and turn right (east) onto 4WD Road #477. Continue east on #477 for about 4 miles passing Elkhorn Mountain and the Elkhorn (#477 lures info 11508). You will intersect with Road #550. Turn right on this gravel road and head south approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area. This loop is approximately 9.5 miles.
CIRCLE BAR BASIN LOOP (6.6 miles)
TOPO MAPS USED: Elkhorn Mountain Hahns Peak
TO GET THERE: Take County Road 129 north of Steamboat Springs past Columbine to FDR #550 and turn right. Continue approximately 1.5 miles to the intersection with Trail #1149 and park here.
OPTION 1: Head north on trail #1149 through Circle Bar Basin. You will pass through some timber sale areas that have been cut. Continue on the trail until the junction with FDR #503, turn right. Go approximately three tenths of a mile to intersect with Road #501; turn right. Head southeast on FDR #501 to intersect with FDR #550; turn right again. Follow #550 about two miles back up the trailhead.
HAHNS PEAK LAKE/NIPPLE PEAK LOOP (21 MILES)
TOPO MAPS USED: Shield Mountain, Elkhorn Mountain, Meaden Peak Hahns Peak
TO GET THERE: Take County Road #129 past Steamboat Lake heading towards Columbine. Turn left at the entrance to Hahn Lake (FDR 486). This intersection is signed for Hahns Peak Lake Campground. Before reaching the campground you will see the intersection with FDR #487 which is gated. Park here and begin the trail.
OPTION 1: This trail has some steep climbs and descents on rocky sandy soils which may require technical riding skills. You have to hike your bike in some areas. From the parking area, head west on gravel road #487 about 2 miles where trail #1156 begins. Ride west on the trail about 3 miles to the intersection with Nipple Peak Trail #1147 and head north. After about a mile, the trail forks and takes off to the left. Do not take the left fork, but continue north on trail #1147. In another mile the trail will begin to head east. Follow the trail for approximately 7 miles where it will turn into a 4WD road leading to Summit Creek Guard Station. Continue south on County Road 129 back to the Hahns Peak Lake turnoff and then onto the parking area.
OPTION 2: For a shorter loop, begin from the parking area heading west on gravel road #487 about 2 miles where trail #115 begins. Take a right on trail #1156 and follow northeast for approximately 2.5 miles where the trail intersects with FDR #488, a gray road. Turn right and continue down #488 to intersect with County Road 129. Turn right and follow to the Hahns Peak Lake turnoff. Continue west on FDR 486 to parking area. This loop is approximately 10 miles.
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