- Created: May 20, 2021 7:14 pm
- Updated: May 21, 2021 6:40 pm
- Distance Instructions
- Distance 10.000 miles
- Time 57 min
- Speed 10 mph
- Min altitude 5,702.100 ft
- Peak 7,372.047 ft
- Climb 2,086.614 ft
- Descent 2,073.491 ft
The South Canyon trail network, located in a valley about four miles west of Glenwood Springs, hosts 10 miles of fun flowy singletrack and some nice views. If making trips to the landfill gives you the blues, it's time to hit some flow trails for a "spring cleaning" cruise!
This eclectic valley is also home to the South Canyon landfill, an archery range, a shooting range, a natural hot spring and a coal seam fire that has been smoldering for over 100 years. On occasion, one might even see a few wisps of coal smoke rising from a gray vegetation-free acre or two on the upper east side of the valley.
Given the variety of activities and wildlife that call South Canyon their home, one might assume that the mountain bike experience might be diminished to some extent. But surprisingly there is very little interaction with other users. At one point, the Tramway Trail crosses the road leading into the landfill, but that's just about it. In fact, if one's Saturday involves a trip to the landfill for some real spring cleaning, we recommend bringing the bike along for a quick flow fix!
The "Spring Cleaning" route starts at the archery range parking lot located across the street from the start of the Tramway Trail. After crossing a bridge, climb the two-way Tramway all the way to the Coal Camp entrance and continue up to the upper Coal Camp loop. There are a couple of junctions with the downhill-only Lightning Bug trail that should be avoided on the climb. Look for the Tramway signs and continue the climb.
The Tramway climb finishes in a small flat area that might be a great place to have a picnic. Cross the clearing and start heading up the Coal Camp trail. After a nice climb though a pine forest, the route turns right onto the upper Coal Camp loop. At the top of Coal Camp, a rough flow trail begins and so does the flow fun. Beware of other riders climbing through the pine forest as you descend. Once down at the lower Coal Camp loop, enjoy a sweet flow section that's a true delight.
Back at the clearing, look for the Lightning Bug drop in and continue the one-way flow party.
Just before crossing the road/entrance to the landfill, the trail becomes two directional and remains two-way all the way down Tramway and the archery range parking lot.
Anyone into flow riding will love this ride. A great way to spice up a day of annual spring cleaning!
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The South Canyon trail network, located in a valley about four miles west of Glenwood Springs, hosts 10 miles of fun flowy singletrack and some nice views. If making trips to the landfill gives you the blues, it’s time to hit some flow trails for a “spring cleaning” cruise!
This eclectic valley is also home to the South Canyon landfill, an archery range, a shooting range, a natural hot spring and a coal seam fire that has been smoldering for over 100 years. On occasion, one might even see a few wisps of coal smoke rising from a gray vegetation-free acre or two on the upper east side of the valley.
Given the variety of activities and wildlife that call South Canyon their home, one might assume that the mountain bike experience might be diminished to some extent. But surprisingly there is very little interaction with other users. At one point, the Tramway Trail crosses the road leading into the landfill, but that’s just about it. In fact, if one’s Saturday involves a trip to the landfill for some real spring cleaning, we recommend bringing the bike along for a quick flow fix!
The “Spring Cleaning” route starts at the archery range parking lot located across the street from the start of the Tramway Trail. After crossing a bridge, climb the two-way Tramway all the way to the Coal Camp entrance and continue up to the upper Coal Camp loop. There are a couple of junctions with the downhill-only Lightning Bug trail that should be avoided on the climb. Look for the Tramway signs and continue the climb.
The Tramway climb finishes in a small flat area that might be a great place to have a picnic. Cross the clearing and start heading up the Coal Camp trail. After a nice climb though a pine forest, the route turns right onto the upper Coal Camp loop. At the top of Coal Camp, a rough flow trail begins and so does the flow fun. Beware of other riders climbing through the pine forest as you descend. Once down at the lower Coal Camp loop, enjoy a sweet flow section that’s a true delight.
Back at the clearing, look for the Lightning Bug drop in and continue the one-way flow party.
Just before crossing the road/entrance to the landfill, the trail becomes two directional and remains two-way all the way down Tramway and the archery range parking lot.
Anyone into flow riding will love this ride. A great way to spice up a day of annual spring cleaning!