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IMBA urges mountain bikers to protect and enhance the legendary trail system of Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado. The Forest Service and BLM are in the process of designating all trails as either open or closed to bicycle use. This is your opportunity to ensure bike access to a fun, sustainable singletrack network.
IMBA asks mountain bikers to support proposals from the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) and Gunnison Trails that would enhance this spectaular riding destination by creating better loop options and more all-day epics.
Take Action!
Tell the Forest Service and BLM you value mountain biking in Crested Butte and Gunnison. Individualized comments are most effective: Use IMBA's simple template and customize your letter with your own thoughts.
Your support directly benefits well-known trails like 401, 403, Teocalli Ridge and more!
Proposals for Better Riding
Green Lake Trail - Under the Forest Service Proposed Alternative, this trail would be closed to mountain bikers, open only to hiker/equestrian users. This trail is one of very few trails that can be acccessed right from town. It is both a world class climb and an amazing downhill, with great views of high mountain lakes and vistas over the picturesque town of Crested Butte, and it has been enjoyed by mountain bikers for years. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers.
Carbon Creek Trail - Under the Forest Service Proposed Alternative, this trail would be closed to mountain bikers, open only to hiker/equestrian users. This is an excellent mountain biking trail near town, yet with the feel of a wilderness experience. It's rocky, it's tough, and it's more technical than the more famous trails of Crested Butte. Carbon Creek Trail, along with the Green Lake Trail, is an integral part of a trail network that offers several loop options for varying distances. Included in this network is the proposed trail from Crested Butte to Gunnison. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers.
Teocalli Ridge Trail - Under the Forest Service Alternative #3, which is under consideration by the Forest Service, this trail would become decommissioned and closed to all trail users. Teocalli Ridge is a world-renowned mountain biking trail. It has been featured in several mountain biking magazines, recently for its breathtaking uphill, and more often for its hair-raising descent. This trail is a true Crested Butte legendary ride. CBMBA would like to see the Forest Service manage this trail according to their Alternative #4, which keeps this important trail open to mountain bikers.
Snodgrass to #403 Trail (proposed) - CBMBA has proposed this new trail which links the ever popular Snodgrass Trail to one of Crested Butte's most infamous downhills, the #403 trail. Currently a rider must spin for miles up a steep, dusty road to reach the #403 trail, or shuttle a car to each end of this popular descent. CBMBA proposes building this new singletrack trail to allow mountain bikers to enjoy a better riding experience and to reduce vehicle traffic in the Crested Butte valley. CBMBA would like to see the Snodgrass to #403 Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative.
Mt. Crested Butte to Gothic Trail (proposed) - CBMBA has proposed this new trail which links the town of Mt. Crested Butte to the town of Gothic which is the start or finish to the #403 trail, Deer Creek Trail, and the extremely popular #401 trail. The road to the town of Gothic, where the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab is located, sees an incredible amount of vehicle traffic due to the many recreational opportunities that exist near this town, including the trails mentioned above. Creating this new trail would greatly reduce the vehicle traffic on this road. CBMBA would like to see the Mt. Crested Butte to Gothic Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative.
Crested Butte to Gunnison Trail (proposed) - Gunnison Trails has proposed this new trail linking the world famous singletrack trails of Crested Butte to the undiscovered but unequaled trails of Gunnison. This trail would become the new standard for epic rides in the nation. Not only would this trail provide an excellent single track experience for locals and visitors alike, it would help ensure healthy tourism for the Gunnison Valley for years to come. CBMBA would like to see the Crested Butte to Gunnison Trail, which is currently on the Forest Service Alternative #4, be included on the Forest Service Proposed Alternative. |
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Amazing vistas and epic singletrack define the Crested Butte-Gunnison area. Photo: David Ochs.
Three Things You Can Do
1. Take Action!
2. Help save trails like these around the country by donating to the IMBA Legal Advocacy Fund.
3. Tell your friends to take action!
Epic Areas at Stake
This planning process will shape one of the country's most famous trail systems for the next 15-20 years. Rides like 401, 403, Hartman Rocks, Teocalli Ridge and more have made Crested Butte-Gunnison a destination--let's keep it that way. | |
