Mountain States, Central
Nevada
I-80. B, MB, D, C. Nevada: exit 20. Park at Petro. Truckee River Bike Path. Head back to the light (intersection of Sparks blvd and E. Greg st.) and the trail starts in the field behind the light. (From TA go south on McCarren and the trail is along the river. Look for the guardrail and steer to the right of it.) The path follows the Truckee river and winds up downtown by the National Automobile Museum and the famous “Reno” sign. I think the path probably picks back up again somewhere around there, but I have not explored further. UPDATE: The trail indeed picks back up across the street on the other side of the river. It looks like a pedestrian mall, and it is, but it’s also the approved bike path. Pick your way through the walkers and gawkers until you get to keystone avenue. Keystone takes you straight to the Keystone Canyon trailhead (keystone avenue, once it crosses McCarren, and gets within spitting distance of Keystone Canyon becomes Leadership Parkway – that should get you fired up for your ride). Nice ride, with a few leg-burning offshoots.
You could easily stumble upon fine dining with all the casinos downtown. Wild River Grille though, offers daylight and is a nice alternative to casino dining. Mary Tebbs opened up her pipes and played her guitar for us. And did it well. I’m pretty sure there are others lined up on summer weekends.
MB, B, D. Nevada: exit 176. Winnemucca and Proud of It. Pleasant surprise. Doubly nice that the trailhead to Bloody Shins is on the edge of town. Hat trick that the wind was strongly at my back for the slight uphill ride. I knee-jerked onto the single-track hoping neon trail markers would materialize to guide me toward unsafe choices. Alas, no neon, no blood. (Sounds like a pandering political chant.) Apropos of nothing, the dust reminded me of the talcum powder like consistency of Eastern Washington volcanic ash circa early ‘80s. (What the hell’s that got to do with anything? Told you, nothing.) Anyway another expedition is required to Bloody up my Shins.
I-80. MB. exit 351. Welcoming committees generally don’t greet you via CB radio. And I suppose, technically, the brothels doing the welcoming aren’t officially designated representatives of Wells Nevada. Rhode Island and Nevada both have legalized prostitution; the former abashedly, the latter unabashedly. (The stuff you learn on talk radio.) Anyway, cheaper thrills can be had taking a bike ride on Bureau of Land Management Land. Follow the I-80 business loop through town. Follow Angel Lake road up the first big hill and BLM land begins after the houses. This isn’t what I’d call a biking destination, but the thrills are there if you work a little at it.
I-15. C, B, MB. Las Vegas! Nevada: exit 38 (West Tropicana Road exit). Park at Wild West Casino (Truck Stop). Drive past In-N-Out & then just past Wild West Casino & truck stop is on right (there’s also parking in Motel lot across from In-N-Out, but may want to check with motel desk in casino to be sure). Walk east across sidewalk south of Tropicana and assuming the trolls under the bridge let you pass (people literally perch under the poorly-lit bridge completely shielded from the nearby throngs of humanity; seriously ladies, buddy up, or taxi up) you’ll find yourself smack dab in the heart of the strip. Once past the trolls you’ll be in the glow of the Excalibur with New York, New York across the street and MGM down the block. You should probably know what to do from here.
Blue Diamond trails. The Blue Diamond Mine is roughly a half mile past the town of Blue Diamond. I loaded gypsum at the mine three miles uphill (10% grade maybe, guess based on recently driven 10% posted grades). It literally took less time (a lot less) to load than it did to travel back downhill.
The week before I spent a 34 hour break in the area (if you’ve read this far you may have guessed). Anyway, I spent most of that morning researching where to ride, the rest of the morning and early into the afternoon getting to a taxi (in Summerlin), a scant 10 miles (and $20.00 more) to arrive seven miles short of my destination, and the rest of the afternoon riding back to the truckstop: 30 some miles roundtrip with slight detours. So, plan better than I did (probably catch the bus at Sahara & then a taxi to the town of Blue Diamond). Or, from the TA (exit 33) bobtail to the Chevron and ride your bike 3 miles to the town of Blue Diamond. OR, maybe since the trail itself doesn’t seem all that demanding, you could experiment with pedaling from the TA to Blue Diamond (about 13 miles slightly uphill to the trailhead). UPDATE:
13.6 miles to the town of Blue Diamond from the TA, still slightly uphill which you’ll appreciate coming back. The Blue Diamond trail system sports handsomely made trail signs. I like rocks, so I tried Hurl, the first split off to the right. I liked Landmine as well. Difficulty appears to be based on how menacing the signage (an obvious concept that took me awhile to grasp). Anyway, should you happen to venture into say a trail like Hurl unprepared for unexpected unpleasantness, say a flat, be reassured that after a bit of hiking back into the town of Blue Diamond that a bicycle shop springs up out of the parking lot like the most wishful figment of your heat-addled delusions. And they’re open on Sundays! McGies Blue Diamond Bike Outpost truly does exist and cheerfully dropped everything to fix my flat & more (he loosened a stiff chain link that was slipping every third rotation).
US-89
B, MB. Arizona: Park at big dirt turn-out just over the bridge. Rim Trail is not an internet hoax like I was beginning to suspect. I sampled several mountain biking sites and each one sent me to an opposite corner of the town. Eventually, I asked the kids (everybody’s a kid these days, must be getting on in years) behind the desk at the Page/Lake Powell RV campground and they steered me towards another dubious trailhead. I went up the hill, prospected a few jeep trails, and was about to conclude that the jeep trails were the “mountain bike” trails. But I made one last half-hearted stab and found a bona-fide trailhead, replete with no signage leading up to it. There are mile posts, etc once on the trail, so that was comforting. So, I recommend skipping the sightseeing (except from the bridge, of course) and head up the highway then take the second road on the left (N. Navajo Drive) . The trail bisects the road at the crosswalk – can’t miss.
Utah
I-15, 343. B, MB. Park at Flying J. Who the hell knows how far the Bonneville Lake Shoreline Trail stretches? I looked it up online, but this particular section wasn’t yet listed (I assure you it’s there). Anyway, the BLT (if the Forrest Service were to name it) roughly follows the ancient Bonneville Lake shoreline and runs in several other places, such as Salt Lake City (more on that later). It’s scenic, especially in the fall, and a nice ride. You do have to ride about a half hour through town to get there, but if you have the time you’ll be rewarded. So, to get there head east on highway there (UT-104) until it dumps out onto city streets, roughly 20th. Turn right on Wall (south), and left (east) on 24th. Follow up the hill and behind the school is the trailhead. (I’m sure there are several other entrances too.) UPDATE: There is a nice work-in-progress bike trail starting just after you get over the first overpass (just past the landfill). A fishing/skiing pond/lake is where to set your sights. The completed portions of the trail are gorgeous and sculpted around the river. I got off the trail and headed downtown to the Union Grill, in the Union Station (what were the odds). This I did on foot, and it pooped me out, but it can be done. I ordered salmon, which came with bread pudding. Ok, what the hell I’ll try it, I thought. Man, I didn’t know bread pudding could taste like that. It was beyond edible, it was delicious!
I-15, exit 4. B.Park at Flying J. Head north out of FJ a block or two, onto the dirt path under the billboard (coincidently depicting a bike-riding greeter to Utah, or St. George, or Utah’s National Parks, or something wholesome) and continue until the path meets the paved trail. The system is fairly extensive and for the most part flat. To the right the trail hugs the side of the hill where picturesque boulders tenuously balance above your head. Bring a camera for protection (my experience has always been that a ready camera staves off spectacular events; the corollary, of course, is ditch the camera if you want newsworthy). UPDATE: Turtle Wall Trail. If you can, park at the tiny little truck stop at exit 10. Head northwest on Bluff road (via St. George boulevard if coming from exit 10) and the trail parking lot is on the left just past the Snow Canyon Parkway. Slick rock trails wind around plenty of red rock boulders, cliffs, and the occasional desert tortoise. (The rocks are smooth, not slick: the moss covered rocks near the Great Smokey mountains are far slicker.)
MB. I-80, exit 122B, or 118. 122B (FJ), or 118 (Loves). Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
UPDATE: Well, looks like I never got around to writing this up in the first place. The good news (religious pun not initially intended) is you’ll get a good amount of sightseeing in before you reach the trailhead; the state capital, the Mormon capital, Temple Square, assorted LDS buildings, sculptures, parks, etc. Most unique sight of all: large gatherings of men in three piece suits waiting for the bus. So, to get there: out of loves turn east onto North Temple and head for the hills (the giant “U” on the side of the hill to be exact). North Temple turns into 2nd, (but construction forces you to detour a few blocks south, then east thru the Gateway mall arch, north thru mall, and work your way back onto 2nd). Take 2nd then north on Virginia (or cut thru the cemetery onto 11th) then east on Popperton Park Way until you reach the bike path. Bonneville Shoreline Trail is to the left when the dirt road splits.
B, MB. Utah: exit 146 park at Bell’s Silver Creek Junction (Sinclair). Park City proper is less than 10 miles from the truck stop, but much closer (about 2 miles) is the Round Valley Trail system, described by other websites as a nice warm-up for the world
renowned destination trails. I suppose so, if you’re a sexually frustrated teenager, or vacationing there for the week. And on that day, I was neither. What I’m trying to say is that Round Valley is a great ride and a good workout. They also have some nice playground toys to ride on. Warning signs note, however, that failure to use proper skills could result in disfiguration, inability to procreate, embarrassment, and splinters. No pain, no maim. So, to get there: head south on US 40 (wide enough shoulder, but there is a merging onramp that requires your extreme attention) take the first exit and follow Silver Summit Parkway until you see the trailhead, about 2 ¼ miles. To get to Park City, take a right there on Trailside Drive and follow that to Old Ranch Road. Follow Old Ranch to State Route 224 and on to Park City (or take short cut bike path which ends up on 224 also).
MB. US Highway 191, exit Moab. Park on the street. Slickrock Bike Trail. The granddaddy of all bike trails! This is where it all began. From the BLM’s Sand Flats Bike Trails brochure: “ This 10.5-mile loop crosses a scenic and rugged expanse of rolling Navajo Sandstone, the remnant of an ancient desert environment of wind blown sand dunes.” There is also a 1.7 mile practice loop which seems to me just as intense. During summer months the afternoon temps are hot enough to melt your fillings. Therefore, they strongly suggest riding early morning, or evening. And bring water. During winter months ice creeps in – hit a patch of that and goodbye yellow brick road (whatever that means). The BLM brochure says normal riding season is from mid Feb thru Nov. You can get there by bike from downtown, but I strongly recommend saving your energy for the trail and taking a shuttle (it’s 3 miles from town, 2 of which is steeply uphill). If you plan on riding early morning, I would call ahead to schedule a ride as I had trouble waking anybody (and thus know the details of riding up from downtown). The info center at Center & Main streets has maps and shuttle service phone numbers. The shuttles cost $10 each way: Acme 435-260-2533; Coyote 435-259-8656; Road Runner 435-259-9402. Last time I was there I noticed the bike shop closest to the grocery store had shower amenities (I want to say $5.00, but I know it wasn’t more than $10.00). Oh, and make sure your brakes are in good working order.
US-89
B. Utah: Park at rest area. Big Rock Candy Mountain. There are 20 miles of a gorgeous paved biking trail along the river that leads, purportedly, to Butch Cassidy’s boyhood home. (Butch was a pre-television American Idol, for warped reasons maybe, but at least he didn’t sing.)
I-15, exit 4. B.Park at Flying J. Head north out of FJ a block or two, onto the dirt path under the billboard (coincidently depicting a bike-riding greeter to Utah, or St. George, or Utah’s National Parks, or something wholesome) and continue until the path meets the paved trail. The system is fairly extensive and for the most part flat. To the right the trail hugs the side of the hill where picturesque boulders tenuously balance above your head. Bring a camera for protection (my experience has always been that a ready camera staves off spectacular events; the corollary, of course, is ditch the camera if you want newsworthy). UPDATE: Turtle Wall Trail. If you can, park at the tiny little truck stop at exit 10. Head northwest on Bluff road (via St. George boulevard if coming from exit 10) and the trail parking lot is on the left just past the Snow Canyon Parkway. Slick rock trails wind around plenty of red rock boulders, cliffs, and the occasional desert tortoise. (The rocks are smooth, not slick: the moss covered rocks near the Great Smokey mountains are far slicker.)
MB. I-80, exit 122B, or 118. 122B (FJ), or 118 (Loves). Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
UPDATE: Well, looks like I never got around to writing this up in the first place. The good news (religious pun not initially intended) is you’ll get a good amount of sightseeing in before you reach the trailhead; the state capital, the Mormon capital, Temple Square, assorted LDS buildings, sculptures, parks, etc. Most unique sight of all: large gatherings of men in three piece suits waiting for the bus. So, to get there: out of loves turn east onto North Temple and head for the hills (the giant “U” on the side of the hill to be exact). North Temple turns into 2nd, (but construction forces you to detour a few blocks south, then east thru the Gateway mall arch, north thru mall, and work your way back onto 2nd). Take 2nd then north on Virginia (or cut thru the cemetery onto 11th) then east on Popperton Park Way until you reach the bike path. Bonneville Shoreline Trail is to the left when the dirt road splits.
B, MB. Utah: exit 146 park at Bell’s Silver Creek Junction (Sinclair). Park City proper is less than 10 miles from the truck stop, but much closer (about 2 miles) is the Round Valley Trail system, described by other websites as a nice warm-up for the world
renowned destination trails. I suppose so, if you’re a sexually frustrated teenager, or vacationing there for the week. And on that day, I was neither. What I’m trying to say is that Round Valley is a great ride and a good workout. They also have some nice playground toys to ride on. Warning signs note, however, that failure to use proper skills could result in disfiguration, inability to procreate, embarrassment, and splinters. No pain, no maim. So, to get there: head south on US 40 (wide enough shoulder, but there is a merging onramp that requires your extreme attention) take the first exit and follow Silver Summit Parkway until you see the trailhead, about 2 ¼ miles. To get to Park City, take a right there on Trailside Drive and follow that to Old Ranch Road. Follow Old Ranch to State Route 224 and on to Park City (or take short cut bike path which ends up on 224 also).
MB. US Highway 191, exit Moab. Park on the street. Slickrock Bike Trail. The granddaddy of all bike trails! This is where it all began. From the BLM’s Sand Flats Bike Trails brochure: “ This 10.5-mile loop crosses a scenic and rugged expanse of rolling Navajo Sandstone, the remnant of an ancient desert environment of wind blown sand dunes.” There is also a 1.7 mile practice loop which seems to me just as intense. During summer months the afternoon temps are hot enough to melt your fillings. Therefore, they strongly suggest riding early morning, or evening. And bring water. During winter months ice creeps in – hit a patch of that and goodbye yellow brick road (whatever that means). The BLM brochure says normal riding season is from mid Feb thru Nov. You can get there by bike from downtown, but I strongly recommend saving your energy for the trail and taking a shuttle (it’s 3 miles from town, 2 of which is steeply uphill). If you plan on riding early morning, I would call ahead to schedule a ride as I had trouble waking anybody (and thus know the details of riding up from downtown). The info center at Center & Main streets has maps and shuttle service phone numbers. The shuttles cost $10 each way: Acme 435-260-2533; Coyote 435-259-8656; Road Runner 435-259-9402. Last time I was there I noticed the bike shop closest to the grocery store had shower amenities (I want to say $5.00, but I know it wasn’t more than $10.00). Oh, and make sure your brakes are in good working order.
US-89
B. Utah: Park at rest area. Big Rock Candy Mountain. There are 20 miles of a gorgeous paved biking trail along the river that leads, purportedly, to Butch Cassidy’s boyhood home. (Butch was a pre-television American Idol, for warped reasons maybe, but at least he didn’t sing.)
Wyoming
B. I80, exit 6. Park at Pilot. Bear River State Park. Paved and gravel bike paths. Some mountain biking exists if you head south towards the river. The bushes are a bit thick, but if you wear your helmet and keep your head down the disfiguring scratches should be minimal.
B, H. Wyoming: exit 310. Park at Pilot, or Petro. Across the street from Pilot to the east is the Laramie River Greenway.
MB, X. I-80, exit 323. Park at the rest area. Pole Mountain, Medicine Bow National Forest. Stopping here violates my most ironclad rule: don’t tempt fate – get out of Wyoming while I still can. However, blizzard activity falls way off in the summer. But, what about the wind!!? Pay no attention to the wind; once you get into the trees it goes away for the most part. Anywho, this is one of my favorites with several trails and a nice mixture of ups & downs. Go east (right) out of the parking lot and the trailhead is just over the hill. Update: About tempting fate: instead of fighting the snow, ski on it (well, x-country anyway). Plenty to explore.
B, C. US-20, exit Thermopolis. Park at Shell Southside Travel Center (south of town). Hot Springs State Park is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs. I imagine the 104° pools feel pretty awesome come wintertime in Wyoming. Or, even on an average Wyoming day. Coincidentally, 104° was the average temperature in my cab that week. So, I skipped the dip. But, should you dip, there are a few options, including the free public state bathhouse. Dry, the park is still worth the trip. Interesting things grow in the water weeping from the ground. Roads loop around Buffalo ranges and make for nice cruising.
H. I-80, exit 401? Park at the rest area. Pine Bluffs. Nice hiking paths and trails. One leads around the bluff to the University of Wyoming archeological museum/dig (only open during summer, though).
Colorado
MB. Colorado: exit 19 (or, much better, exit 15 & park on the on-ramp just after you cross the scales). Kokopelli’s Trail is a 142 mile trek starting from just behind the west bound weigh station to Slick Rock trail in Moab, Utah (see below: US 191 Moab, Utah). Kokopelli is the magical being whose flute playing lures bicyclists over breath-taking cliffs, and into the Colorado River. Or, the party line is he’s a magical being associated with the Hopi Indians, and “recognized by many Native American groups of the Colorado Plateau.” At any rate, the area is magical. The trails weave among the spectacular red rocks, and atop cliffs overlooking the Colorado River. You’ll wear out your finger taking pictures. Oh, in case you need bike work done there are a couple of bike shops in downtown Fruita (on aspen, a block north of I-70). I needed emergency repairs, took it to Single Tracks Bike Shop and the owner fixed me up while I waited!
B, MB, D? I-70, exit 114. Park at the Tomahawk truck stop, or at one of the nearby rest areas. Lots to do here. The Shell truck stop is petite, but luckily Glenwood Canyon & Glenwood Springs are easily accessible from the rest areas. Scout Trail is hundreds of years old, established by hot springs bound Ute Indians. Ride through town and follow the signs to find the trailhead, which is at the end of 8th avenue. For a more gentle ride, the trail along the Colorado river passes through the handful of rest areas along canyon. Odds are pretty high that there are some fine dining choices here as well.
I-70. X, H. Colorado: exit 196? Gore Range National Forest trailhead. Can’t get much closer than this place. Don’t go very far though: sight of the ski lifts you may zap your momentum.
B. I-70, exit 278. Sand Creek Greenway (Denver area). Park at TA, or Sapp Brothers. From TA: Right (south) out of parking lot onto Quebec street, over overpass, cross onto pedestrian bridge and path is off to the side. Gentle, packed gravel trail with some access to stretches of single-track along the creek. Spring seems to be the perfect season for frightening the rabbits and boring the prairie dogs; at least those were the reactions I garnered. UPDATE: Bike trails are everywhere throughout the Denver area (as you have probably noticed yourself). Flying J in Aurora (exit 285) is a few blocks from a trail. Dodging traffic is much less of an issue at Flying J than at TA. Head south on airport boulevard and if you reach the stoplight you went too far. FINAL UPDATE (until the next one): Safest, sanest, most convenient parking is at Sapp Brothers. The Sand Creek Greenway is on the other side of Sapp’s fence, northeast corner. Follow the path north, turn left (west) at the T, and ride the South Platte River Greenway west to get to Denver.
I-70. B, MB, D. Colorado: exit 266. Denver Downtown, Dakota Ridge & Red Rocks Mountain Biking Tails (yes, same Red Rocks as the amphitheater). Park at TA (Wheat Ridge). Bus stop across the street will take you downtown – malls, dining, etc. According to Google it’s 8.5 miles from TA to Dakota Ridge Trail. What you want to aim for is Zorro Trail which connects to Dakota Ridge and can be seen from the highway. Best to take a smart phone and do some googling. Golden, believe it or not, is a beer town and is a nice little bike ride away via Clear Creek Trail. Head west on W. 44th, left on Youngfield and immediately before RV Four Seasons (1/2 mile max) is the trailhead. Near Golden is Chimney Gulch Trail that looks like it takes you to Apex Park – but those are still on my to do list.
B, MB, D? I-70, exit 114. Park at the Tomahawk truck stop, or at one of the nearby rest areas. Lots to do here. The Shell truck stop is petite, but luckily Glenwood Canyon & Glenwood Springs are easily accessible from the rest areas. Scout Trail is hundreds of years old, established by hot springs bound Ute Indians. Ride through town and follow the signs to find the trailhead, which is at the end of 8th avenue. For a more gentle ride, the trail along the Colorado river passes through the handful of rest areas along canyon. Odds are pretty high that there are some fine dining choices here as well.
I-70. X, H. Colorado: exit 196? Gore Range National Forest trailhead. Can’t get much closer than this place. Don’t go very far though: sight of the ski lifts you may zap your momentum.
B. I-70, exit 278. Sand Creek Greenway (Denver area). Park at TA, or Sapp Brothers. From TA: Right (south) out of parking lot onto Quebec street, over overpass, cross onto pedestrian bridge and path is off to the side. Gentle, packed gravel trail with some access to stretches of single-track along the creek. Spring seems to be the perfect season for frightening the rabbits and boring the prairie dogs; at least those were the reactions I garnered. UPDATE: Bike trails are everywhere throughout the Denver area (as you have probably noticed yourself). Flying J in Aurora (exit 285) is a few blocks from a trail. Dodging traffic is much less of an issue at Flying J than at TA. Head south on airport boulevard and if you reach the stoplight you went too far. FINAL UPDATE (until the next one): Safest, sanest, most convenient parking is at Sapp Brothers. The Sand Creek Greenway is on the other side of Sapp’s fence, northeast corner. Follow the path north, turn left (west) at the T, and ride the South Platte River Greenway west to get to Denver.
I-70. B, MB, D. Colorado: exit 266. Denver Downtown, Dakota Ridge & Red Rocks Mountain Biking Tails (yes, same Red Rocks as the amphitheater). Park at TA (Wheat Ridge). Bus stop across the street will take you downtown – malls, dining, etc. According to Google it’s 8.5 miles from TA to Dakota Ridge Trail. What you want to aim for is Zorro Trail which connects to Dakota Ridge and can be seen from the highway. Best to take a smart phone and do some googling. Golden, believe it or not, is a beer town and is a nice little bike ride away via Clear Creek Trail. Head west on W. 44th, left on Youngfield and immediately before RV Four Seasons (1/2 mile max) is the trailhead. Near Golden is Chimney Gulch Trail that looks like it takes you to Apex Park – but those are still on my to do list.
