South Routt County is saturated with history and interesting geology offering recreation opportunities for everyone. Several buttes serve as landmarks reminding us of the volcanic past. The towns of Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Yampa and Toponas are rich in history. The saw mills, stockyards, livestock drives, coal mines and railroads are memories of the many cultures represented by South Routt's pioneers. Since several bike rides begin in the historical town of Yampa, take a quick tour on your mountain bike. Many of the buildings are signed indicating their past identities.
The Flat Tops Wilderness provides acres of interesting geology and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and backpacking. The Stagecoach Reservoir, near Oak Creek, is a state park and provides boating, fishing, camping and picnicking opportunities.
Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas along the Bear River Corridor. Three developed campgrounds are also available: Horseshoe, Cold Springs and Bear Lake Campgrounds. The Dunckley Pass area also provides camping options.
CROSHO LAKE LOOP (26 MILES)
TO GET THERE: From Steamboat Springs take Highway 131 south 32 miles to the town of Yampa Park in Yampa at the corner of Moffat and Main Streets (only paved road in town) near Montgomery's Store or the Antler's Cafe. The following trails begin in Yampa.
TOPO MAPS USED: Sand Point, Yampa
OPTION 1: Take County Road 17 (a paved road) at the north end of town for approximately 6 miles, heading northwest. Turn on gravel road #132 toward Dunckley Pass (this intersection is signed) and follow mostly uphill for approximately 5.5 miles. Cattle guard and turn left (south) on two track road. Continue mostly uphill following blue diamonds that mark this trail for cross-country ski use. There are some major drainage ditches on this road, please be careful. After about 1.5 miles, you will descend into the North Hunt Creek drainage. Turn left and follow along the creek on a jeep trail. Cross the creek and continue heading southwest for about 0.5 miles to Crosho Lake. This is an uphill ascent. You may come across logs along the trail requiring you to carry your bike across them. Once you reach Crosho Lake, turn left and head downhill on the dirt road for 4.5 miles; intersect with County Road 17; turn right and head back to Yampa.
ALLEN BASIN RESERVOIR (20 MILES)
TO GET THERE: Same as Option 1 above
TOPO MAPS USED: Sand Point, Yampa
OPTION 1: From Yampa take County Road 17 at the north end of town for 5 miles, heading northwest. Turn left on gravel road #15 (there is a sign for Crosho Lake). At the fork in the road stay right. Continue up this road for 4.5 miles to Crosho Lake. The trail begins south of the lake, heading south on trail #1181, which begins near the outhouse. The trail will cross the road and wind the aspens. Go through the gate, making sure it is closed behind you and continue downhill to Allen Basin Reservoir. The reservoir is adjacent to private land. Please respect private land boundaries. Realm the way you came; back to Crosho Lake and onto Y.
CROSHO LAKE/CHAPMAN LOOP (17 MILES)
TO GET THERE: From Yampa, take County Road 17 at the north end of town to the Crosho Lake turnoff (5 miles), turn left on gravel road #15. At the fork in the road stay right; continue for 4.5 miles to Crosho Lake. Parking is available near Crosho Lake.
TOPO MAPS USED: Sand Point, Yampa
OPTION 1: Begin the route by heading north along the east side of Crosho Lake. This is a narrow foot trail with brush growing to the trail sometimes making it difficult to ride. Go through a gate at the top of the hill and continue downhill to Hunt Creek. You may encounter some logs across the trail requiring you to carry your bike over them. Cross the creek and head west uphill on two track road for about a mile. At the intersection turn right and follow the road up a short steep incline and continue to the intersection with the Dunckley Pass Road (County Road #132). Turn left; continue 1.5 miles west to the Chapman Reservoir turnoff. Turn and continue uphill for 2 miles. There will be a sign for Long Run, a cross-country ski trail. Turn here and continue following the blue diamonds that mark this trail as a winter cross-country ski loop. This trail cuts through an old timber stand and at times may be hard to follow. The road continues along Hunt Creek, crosses Hunt Creek and connects with trail b, Crosho Lake.
OPTION 2: Follow trail description for Option 1 from Crosho Lake, crossing Hunt Creek and connecting with the Dunckley Road. To extend your trip, explore the Dunckley Pass area. Continue west for 3.5 miles on the Dunckley Pass Road. Turn left (south) at the Sheriff Reservoir turnoff (this road is signed). Follow this road about 4 miles south to Sheriff Reservoir. Follow road out the way you came in to connect with the Chapman Reservoir Loop and continue onto Crosho Lake. Route is 5 miles one-way.
TOPO MAPS USED: Dunckley, Sand Point
RAMS HORN LAKE (1 MILE ONE WAY)
TO GET THERE: From Yampa take County Road 7 southwest along the Bear River. The road turns to gravel in 6 miles; for another 5.5 miles to the base of the Yamcolo Reservoir. Parking is available at the base of the dam.
TOPO MAPS USED: Orno Peak
OPTION 1: This is a steep, rocky jeep trail that heads south up the hill from the parking area. Turn right at road marker and follow the road to Rams Horn Lake. You will find many miles of the results of timber sale activity in this area, providing rides and routes to explore on a mountain bike. Most of these routes are dead-ends. Return to parking area the way you came.
GARDNER PARK/HARPER RESERVOIR (4 MILES ONE WAY)
TO GET THERE: Same as Rams Horn Lake above
TOPO MAPS USED: Orno Peak
OPTION 1: From the parking area, head down the Bear River Road 1.5 miles to the Gardner Park turnoff (FDR #915). Take a right (south) heading up the din road to the reservoir. Continue up the hill to the intersection with FDR #910. Stay right and follow the road south 2 miles to Harper Reservoir. All roads in this area are open to mountain bikes and provide opportunities for exploring while enjoying beautiful views of the Flat Top Range.
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