Leg 11 Directions

Leg 11 – "Grand Finale" (West Ridge)

North Fork of the Swan to Horseshoe Gulch

• Description: This leg starts climbing 1,000 feet nearly immediately, but the grade is constant and not-too-steep. Once atop the ridge, pick up some speed and cruise down switchbacks enjoying great views down into the Blue River Valley and across to the Tenmile Range. 
• Difficulty: Blue-square/Black-diamond
• Length: 9.5 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,400/1,900

Driving Directions to the Start of Leg 11

• 53 miles, 90 minutes from the start of Leg 10 at Jefferson Lake Road.
• From the Beaver Ponds Trailhead, head southish on Jefferson Lake Road (County-37) for about 3 miles.
• Turn left on County-54, Michigan Lake Road. (Don't turn right here - see below*.)
• After 2.0 miles, turn right on US-285 and go 15.9 miles.
• Turn right on CO-9 and go about 23 miles to Breckenridge. Continue on CO-9.
• About 3 or 4 miles north of Breckenridge, turn right on Tiger Road. (If you get to the Gold Hill Trailhead on the left, you've gone just a little too far. Don't turn on Tiger Run Road. That's different.)
• Go 5.7 miles on Tiger Road.
• Just before a one-lane bridge, turn left on FS-354a. (If you get to "Good Times" dogsled camp, you've gone 0.25 miles too far.) 
• Drive up FS-345a for 0.7 miles until the Colorado Trail crosses. There is a spot for one car to park on the right. If it's full, head up the road for another ~0.1 miles and find another pullout.
• *Absolutely do not follow Google Maps unless you are ready for some pretty serious offroad driving. It tells you to take Michigan Creek Road, which is rated a 3 on TrailDamage.com and basically means that you need a a Jeep wrangler or better.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the dirt road, start running northwest on the Colorado Trail singletrack.
• 2.9 – After cresting the big hill, continue straight on the Colorado Trail as another trail goes right.
• ~3.3 – At an unsigned intersection, take the left fork (downhill) as another trail goes to the right.
• ~6.0 – Emerge from the trees and bound down several broad switchbacks.
• 6.2 – Come to a three-way junction. Make a hard left to stay on the Colorado Trail. There is a single small signpost with a little "U-Turn" arrow.
• 8.8 – After coming down some switchbacks, turn left on doubletrack under some high-voltage power lines. Follow this rocky trail around a gate and over two bridges.
• 9.5 – Arrive at the Dredge Boat Trailhead. (There is a pond here.) Finish!!

Driving Directions to the End of the Race

• 3.9 miles, 15 mins from the start of Leg 11.
• Head back down FS-345a for 0.8 miles.
• Turn right on Tiger Road and go 3.2 miles. Turn right into the Dredge Boat Trailhead parking area (unsigned). There is a big pile of rocks here as well as a small pond with the ruins of an old dredge boat in it. 
• (If you miss the trailhead and find yourself back at CO-9, you've gone 2.6 miles too far.)

Running Map:

Driving Map to the Start of Leg 11:

Driving Map to the End of the Race:

Leg 9 Directions

Leg 9 – "Better Than Sex" (Kenosha 2)

Kenosha Pass to Beaver Ponds Picnic Area

• Description: This is THE classic autumn "apen hike" near Denver. Great views, great trail -lots of people.
• Difficulty: Blue Square
• Length: 6.1 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 950/1,000 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the Start of Leg 9

• 11.4 miles, 40 minutes from the start of Leg 8 at the Rock Creek Trailhead.
• From the Rock Creek Trailhead, head back out FS-133 towards County-56 (0.9 miles).
• Turn right on County-56 (Lost Park Road) and go 7.2 miles. 
• Turn right on US-285 and go 3.1 miles, up the hill towards Kenosha Pass.
• At Kenosha Pass, turn right on FS-126 (a dirt road) and go 0.2 miles.
• Park at the small trailhead near the toilets.

Running Directions


0.0 – From the Kenosha Pass East Trailhead, start running on the dirt road back towards the highway (US-285).

0.3 – Turn right on US-285 for 100 feet. Turn left, crossing the road and pass through a gate. Find the Colorado Trail singletrack and start running uphill.

0.4 – Cross a dirt road (FS-849) and continue running on Colorado Trail singletrack.

1.3 – Come to a bench and a nice vista. Start a glorious descent!

3.14159 – Come to a dirt road and continue on singletrack on the other side.

4.5 – Cross wide, rutted dirt road. Continue on singletrack on the other side.

6.0 – Arrive at Jefferson Lake Road at the Beaver Ponds Picnic Area.

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Leg 8 Directions

Leg 8 – “100 Years of Solitude” (Kenosha 1)

Rock Creek Trailhead to Kenosha Pass

• Description: Beautiful singletrack and 100 mile views. Nuf said.
• Difficulty: Blue square
• Length: 6.4 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,150/900 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the Start of Leg 8

• 4.7 miles, 20 mins from the start of Leg 7 at the Long Gulch Trailhead.
• From the Long Gulch Trailhead, head back out the dirt road (0.1 miles)
• Turn right on County-56 (Lost Park Road) and go 3.6 miles.
• Turn right on FS-133 (Rock Creek Road). It may not be well signed heading this direction.
• After 0.9 miles, park at the Rock Creek Trailhead, where the Colorado Trail crosses.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the Rock Creek Trailhead, start running downhill on Colorado Trail singletrack.
• 0.5 – Cross a wooden bridge and continue on the Colorado Trail.
• 4.9 – Cross a little wooden plank bridge and continue on the Colorado Trail.
• 6.4 – Arrive at the Kenosha Pass Trailhead.

Running Map:

Driving Map: 

Leg 7 Directions

Leg 7 – "Cool Runnings" (Rock Creek)

Long Gulch Trailhead to Rock Creek Trailhead

• Description: Beautiful rolling terrain through forests, aspen groves, and meadows. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time!
• Difficulty: Blue Square
• Length: 8.0 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,150/1,300 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 7

• 9.0 miles, 35 mins from the start of Leg 6 at the North Fork Trailhead.
• From the North Fork Trailhead, drive back down the dirt road (3.9 miles).
• Turn right on County-56 (Lost Park Road) and go 4.9 miles.
• Turn right onto FS-817 towards the Long Gulch Trailhead.
• Arrive at the Long Gulch Trailhead in 0.1 miles.

Running directions

• 0.0 – From the Long Gulch Trailhead, follow the singletrack for 100' and turn left at a sign pointing you towards the "Colorado Trail".
• 0.15 – Turn left at a four-way intersection on the Colorado Trail. A sign indicates "Kenosha Pass, 14 miles". Don't worry, you're not going that far on this leg.
• 0.4 – Enter Lost Creek Wilderness, passing a wooden sign.
• 6.6 – Leave the Lost Creek Wilderness, passing another wooden sign on the left.
• 7.4 – Cross a creek and come to a dirt road. Continue left on doubletrack (still on the Colorado Trail) as the "Ben Tyler Trail" goes right.
• 7.5 – Turn right on the Colorado Trail singletrack, leaving the doubletrack.
• 7.6 – Pass around a red gate.
• 8.0 – Arrive at the Rock Creek Trailhead.

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Leg 6 photo

The terrain on Leg 6.

Leg 10 Directions

Leg 10 – “Tangled Up in Blue" (Georgia Pass)

Jefferson Lake Road to North Fork of the Swan

• Description: Long, tough, and breathtakingly gorgeous, this is the best leg in the relay.
• Difficulty: Double Diamond
• Length: 13.3 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 2,200/2,050 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the Start of Leg 10

• 9.5 miles, 25 mins from the start of Leg 9 at Kenosha Pass.
• From the Kenosha Pass East Trailhead, head back towards US-285 on the dirt road.
• Turn left on US-285 and go 4.3 miles.
• At the town of Jefferson, turn right on County-35 (Michigan Creek Road) and go 2.0 miles.
• Turn right on County-37 (Jefferson Lake Road) and go 3.1 miles. You will need to pay about $5 to get into this recreation area. Sorry about that. 
• Park at a small parking area on the left for the Beaver Ponds Picnic Area.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the Beaver Ponds parking area, head back out the road towards the town of Jefferson. In about 200 feet, turn right on the Colorado Trail singletrack at a large sign.
• 0.16 miles – Continue straight on the Colorado Trail after crossing a narrow wooden bridge.
• 0.28 – Turn right to stay on the Colorado Trail towards Jefferson Campground.
• 0.37 – (Tricky turn!) Turn left on the Colorado Trail as a wide trail continues straight to Jefferson Campground.
• 1.93 – Continue on the Colorado Trail passing a wooden sign that points you towards “Georgia Pass”
• 5.2 – Continue straight on the Colorado Trail as the West Jefferson Trail goes right.
• 5.7 – Continue straight on the Colorado Trail crossing a dirt road.
• 6.1 – Cross another dirt road and continue on the Colorado Trail.
• 9.0 – Continue on the Colorado Trail, crossing a dirt road with a rust metal sign (“No Motor Vehicles”).
• 9.38 – Cross an old dirt road and continue straight on the Colorado Trail.
• 10.7 – Cross a stream on a wooden bridge.
• 10.73 – Head right on a dirt road (Middle Fork of Swan River Road) for 20 feet and turn left on the Colorado Trail.
• 13.1 – Stay right on the Colorado Trail, passing a campground on the left.
• 13.2 – Turn left on a dirt road.
• 13.3 – FINISH! Arrive at the North Fork of Swan River Road. 

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Leg 6 Directions

Leg 6 – "Breakfast of Champions" (North Fork)

North Fork Trailhead to Long Gulch Trailhead

• Description: Gentle singletrack with sublime views. Be sure not to miss the turn to the finish!
• Difficulty: Blue square
• Length: 7.6 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 750/850 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 6

• 50 miles and about 2 hours from the start of Leg 5
• From the Rolling Creek Trailhead, drive back out to Wellington Lake Road (0.3 miles). 
• Turn left on Wellington Lake Road and go 8.0 miles into the town of Bailey. 
• In Bailey, turn left on US-285 and go 22 miles, driving over Kenosha Pass. 
• Just as the road is leveling out on the west side of the pass, turn left on County-56 (Lost Park Road). (If you get to the town of Jefferson, you've gone a mile too far.) 
• Go 14.7 miles on Lost Park Road. 
• Turn left on FS-134 following signs to "North Fork Trailhead". Slowly drive 3.9 miles up FS-134 trying not to bottom your car out. 
• Arrive at the end of the road, which is the North Fork Trailhead.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the North Fork Trailhead, cross the little wooden bridge and turn left on the Colorado Trail. Enjoy excellent singletrack.
• 5.3 – Pass within a few feet of a large, multi-colored rock outcropping.
• 5.5 – Go through a metal gate, leaving it (closed/open) as you found it.
• 7.4 – Turn left towards the Long Gulch Trailhead at a sign that says "Long Gulch Trailhead, Suggested Horse Route".
• 7.6 – Arrive at the Long Gulch Trailhead!

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Shinglemill photo

The new Leg 1, the Shinglemill Trail. Get psyched!

Leg 5 Directions

Leg 5 – Lost Creek Wilderness

Rolling Creek Trailhead to North Fork Trailhead

• Description: An epic run through the Lost Creek Wilderness. Big elevation gain!
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Length: 8.4 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 2,400/550 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 5

• 6 miles, 25 minutes from the start of Leg 4
• From the Buffalo Trailhead, turn left on FS543F and head back out to FS-550. 
• Turn left on FS-550 (Redskin Creek Road) and go 0.3 miles. Turn right to stay on FS-550 (Redskin Creek Road) as FS-543 (Buffalo Creek Road) goes left. 
• After 2.2 miles, bear left to stay on FS-550 as FS-553 goes right. 
• After 1.9 miles, turn left on Wellington Lake Road (Country-68) and go 1.1 miles. 
• At a sign for the Colorado Trail, turn right on FS-543H. 
• Follow this bumpy road uphill for 0.3 miles to reach the Rolling Creek Trailhead.

Running Directions

0.0 – START! From the Rolling Creek Trailhead, bear right onto the Colorado Trail. (Don’t take the Rolling Creek Trail!)

0.7 – Bear left as the singletrack becomes doubletrack.

1.5 – Enter Lost Creek Wilderness (as indicated by a sign on the right).

2.9 – Continue straight on the Colorado Trail as “Payne Creek Trail #637” goes right.

5.1 – Turn left at a sign for the Colorado Trail as a large pile of sticks and logs blocks the doubletrack.

7.5 – Exit the Lost Creek Wilderness (as indicated by a wooden sign on the left).

8.4 – After about 5 minutes of running through open meadows, turn left and cross a small footbridge, arriving at the North Fork Trailhead. Camp!

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Leg 4 Directions

Leg 4 – Shooting Range

Buffalo Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead

• Description: 1,500 feet of climbing make this leg a little tougher than the previous ones.
• Difficulty: Blue square
• Length: 5.1 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 1,500/450 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 4

• 1.2 miles, 5 minutes from the start of Leg 3
• From the Tramway pullout, continue heading west on FS-550 and go 1.1 miles. 
• Turn left on FS-543F towards Meadows Group Campground. 
• In about 500’, turn right into the Buffalo Trailhead. There is an outhouse here and a big sign with details about the Colorado Trail.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – START! From the Buffalo Trailhead, start running on the singletrack towards the Colorado Trail (signed “Colorado Trail 0.1 mile”).
• 0.2 – Turn right at a three-way intersection with the Colorado Trail. (There is a weird fence with a small staircase here. Don't go through the fence, stay right.)
• 0.4 – Cross a dirt road (FS-543).
• 0.7 – Turn left to stay on the Colorado Trail as Redskin Creek Trail goes right.
• 2.2 – Cross a dirt road (FS-550c).
• 4.8 – Cross Wellington Lake Road (County-68, FS-543) and continue on the dirt road on the other side, following signs for the Colorado Trail.
• 5.1 – FINISH! Arrive at the Rolling Creek Trailhead at the end of the road. 

Running Map:

Driving Map: 

Leg 3 Directions

Leg 3 – Green Mountain

Tramway pullout to Buffalo Trailhead

• Description: More excellent running on smooth trail through forest. Steady climb up to a high point then a descent. A few tricky turns!
• Difficulty: Blue Square
• Length: 5.4 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 900/950 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 3

• 2.4 miles, 9 minutes from the start of Leg 2
• From the Shinglemill Trailhead, continue west on FS-550 for 2.4 miles. 
• When the road makes a sharp right turn, park in a pullout on the right. The Tramway Creek Trail crosses the road here and is signed on both sides. The trail is an old dirt road, so it's pretty wide.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – Retrace the steps of the previous runner, running uphill (south) on the Tramway Creek Trail.
• 0.3 - Continue straight past a sign for "Tramway Trail, to Colorado Trail".
• 0.8 – Turn right on the Colorado Trail at a sign.
• 1.4 – At a Y-intersection, turn left on the Green Mountain Trail.
• 4.6 – As you come to a dirt road, turn right towards the Colorado Trail. Do NOT run on the road through the Meadows Campground (unless you want to cheat very effectively).
• 4.9 – At a three-way intersection, turn left on the Colorado Trail.
• 5.1 – At an unsigned 3-way junction, turn right, crossing over a (probably dry) creek bed, as a minor trail continues straight. 
• 5.2 – Cross a dirt road and continue on the Colorado Trail on the other side.
• 5.3 – Just after climbing over a fence on a weird staircase thing, turn right at a T-intersection, leaving the Colorado Trail.
• 5.4 – Arrive at the Buffalo Trailhead. 

Running Map:

Driving Map:

Leg 2 Directions

Leg 2 – Tramway Creek

Shinglemill Trailhead to Tramway Pullout

• Description: Fun running through the forest
• Difficulty: Green Circle
• Length: 4.6 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 750/1,000 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 2

• 6 miles, 15 minutes from the start of Leg 1
• From the start of the relay, head back to the town of Buffalo Creek (0.3 miles). 
• Turn right on County-126 and go 4.0 miles. 
• Turn right on FS-550 and go 1.6 miles. Park in the Shinglemill Trailhead on the right.

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the Shinglemill Trailhead, cross the dirt road and start running on the Shinglemill Trail that heads towards the Colorado Trail.
• 0.2 – At a three-way intersection, turn right on the Colorado Trail.
• 1.1 – Keep right on the Colorado Trail as an unmarked singletrack goes left.
• 3.8 – Turn right on the Tramway Creek Trail and blast downhill.
• 4.6 – Arrive at FS-550 at the Tramway Creek Pullout. Finish!!

Running Map:

Interactive Driving Map:

Leg 1 Directions

Leg 1 – Shinglemill

Town of Buffalo Creek to the Shinglemill Trailhead

• Description: After a nice warmup on a gentle dirt road, this leg climbs steadily on the Shinglemill Trail, which offers excellent views. (The trees were conveniently removed by the 1996 Buffalo Creek Fire.)
• Difficulty: Blue Square
• Length: 6.1 miles
• Elevation (+/-): 1150/200 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 1

• 60 miles, 90 minutes from Boulder
• From Boulder, head south on CO-93 towards Golden and go about 20 miles. 
• As you're leaving golden, whip a right onto CO-470 towards Colorado Springs. Go about 6 miles on CO-470, passing the town of Morrison. 
• Take the exit on the right for US-285. Sail down 285 for 21 miles, attempting to avoid speeding tickets. 
• At Pine Junction, turn left on Pine Valley Road (County-126). Pass through the town of Pine (another speed-trap) and arrive in the town of Buffalo Creek after 10 miles. 
• 200 feet before the Forest Service Work Center, turn right on Buffalo Creek Road (there is a sign saying "road closed" or some nonsense like that). 
• Go 0.3 miles and park in a trailhead on the left. There is an outhouse here and a sign that says "Parking By North Fork Fire and Rescue".

Running Directions

• 0.0 – From the trailhead, continue running up Buffalo Creek Road.
• 0.6 – Pass "Sandy Wash Trail" on the right.
• 0.7 – Pass to the right of a large metal gate and continue up the road.
• 1.3 – Pass around another gate with a "Road Closed" sign.
• 1.4 – Pass "Sandy Wash Trail" on the right. Again...
• 1.7(?) – Pass another metal gate. A sign reads "beware of falling snags". (Not 100% sure that the mileage is correct for this turn.)
• 2.9 – Turn left on the Shinglemill Trail. Enjoy some beautiful singletrack.
• 4.8 – Continue on the Shinglemill Trail as the Morrison Creek Trail goes right.
• 6.2 – Arrive at the Shinglemill Trailhead! Finish!

Running Map:

Interactive Driving Map: 

Old Leg 3 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 3 – “Fiesta en mis pantalones (Buffalo Creek, part 1)”

Deckers Road to Shinglemill Trailhead

Difficulty: Green Circle

Length: 3.5 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 500/450 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 3

14 miles, 45 minutes from the start of Leg 2.

Head northwest on Platte River Road (Country-97). (In other words, you want to start driving with the Platte River on your left.) Go 10.9 miles. Turn left on Deckers Road (County-126) and go 3.2 miles. Park at the intersection of Spring Creek Trail and County-126. (Don’t confuse Spring Creek Road and Spring Creek Trail, both of which are dirt roads.)

Running Directions

0.0 – START! Cross Spring Creek Trail (a road) and continue on sweet Colorado Trail singletrack.

0.2 – Cross Spring Creek Road and continue on the Colorado Trail.

0.3 – Cross Deckers Road (County-126) and continue on the Colorado Trail, which is now an old dirt road.

0.5 – Bear left to stay on the Colorado Trail as another trail goes right.

1.4 – Bear right on the Colorado Trail as you pass the Little Scraggy Trailhead parking area on the left.

~2 miles – Cross a dirt road (FS-550).

3.3 – TRICKY TURN! Turn right on the Shinglemill Trail.

3.5 – FINISH! Arrive at the Shinglemill parking lot.

Old Leg 6 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 6 – “Night on Bald Mountain”

Rolling Creek Trailhead to Lost Park Campground

Difficulty: Black Diamond

Length: 10.4 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 2,500/900 vertical feet

Driving directions to the start of Leg 6

6 miles, 25 minutes from the start of Leg 5

From the Buffalo Trailhead, turn left on FS543F and head back out to FS-550. Turn left on FS-550 (Redskin Creek Road) and go 0.3 miles. Turn right to stay on FS-550 (Redskin Creek Road) as FS-543 (Buffalo Creek Road) goes left. After 2.2 miles, bear left to stay on FS-550 as FS-553 goes right. After 1.9 miles, turn left on Wellington Lake Road (Country-68) and go 1.1 miles. At a sign for the Colorado Trail, turn right on FS-543H. Follow this somewhat rough road uphill for 0.3 miles to reach the Rolling Creek Trailhead.

Running Directions

0.0 – START! From the Rolling Creek Trailhead, bear right onto the Colorado Trail. (Don’t take the Rolling Creek Trail!)

0.7 – Bear left as the singletrack becomes doubletrack.

1.5 – Enter Lost Creek Wilderness (as indicated by a sign on the right).

2.9 – Continue straight on the Colorado Trail as “Payne Creek Trail #637” goes right.

5.1 – Turn left at a sign for the Colorado Trail as a large pile of sticks and logs blocks the doubletrack.

7.5 – Exit the Lost Creek Wilderness (as indicated by a wooden sign on the left).

8.2 – After about 5 minutes of running through open meadows, turn left and cross a small footbridge, leaving the Colorado Trail. 100’ after crossing the bridge, turn left on grassy, faint singletrack on the Brookside/McGurdy Trail towards Lost Park CG. Don’t miss this turn.

10.3 – FINISH! Arrive at the Lost Park Campground. Turn right or left and look for your friends on the campground loop. 

Old Leg 5 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 5 – “Ewok Forest (Buffalo Creek, part 3)”

Buffalo Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead

Difficulty: Blue square

Length: 5.1 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 1,500/500 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 5

3.6 miles, 15 minutes from the start of Leg 4

From the Shinglemill Trailhead, head west of FS-550 (Redskin Creek Road) and go 3.5 miles. Turn left on FS-543F towards Meadows Group Campground. In about 500’, turn right into the Buffalo Trailhead. There is an outhouse here and a big sign with details about the Colorado Trail.

Running Directions

0.0 – START! From the Buffalo Trailhead, start running on the singletrack towards the Colorado Trail (signed “Colorado Trail 0.1 mile”).

0.2 – Turn right at a three-way intersection with the Colorado Trail. (There is a weird fence with a small staircase here.)

0.4 – Cross a dirt road (FS-543).

0.7 – Turn left to stay on the Colorado Trail as Redskin Creek Trail goes right.

2.2 – Cross a dirt road (FS-550c).

4.8 – Cross Wellington Lake Road (County-68, FS-543) and continue on the dirt road on the other side, following signs for the Colorado Trail.

5.1 – FINISH! Arrive at the Rolling Creek Trailhead at the end of the road. 

Old Leg 4 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 4 – “Cool Runnings (Buffalo Creek, part 2)”

Shinglemill Trailhead to Buffalo Trailhead

Difficulty: Blue Square

Length: 6.3 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 1,000/1,300 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 4

2.7 miles, 10 minutes from the start of Leg 3.

Head South on Deckers Road (County-126) and go 1.2 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 550 (aka FS-550, aka Redskin Creek Road) and go 1.6 miles. Turn right into the Shinglemill Trailhead, a small parking lot. (I’m not sure if there is a big sign for the trailhead, but the Shinglemill Trail is signed on both sides of the road.)

Running Directions

0.0 – START! From the Shinglemill Trailhead, cross the dirt road and follow the Shinglemill Trail singletrack uphill towards the Colorado Trail.

0.2 – At a three-way intersection, turn right on the Colorado Trail.

1.1 – Keep right on the Colorado Trail as an unmarked singletrack goes left.

2.8 – Bear left on the Colorado Trail as the Tramway Trail goes right.

4.3 – Stay right on the Colorado Trail as the Green Mountain Trail goes left.

5.7 – Bear right on the Colorado Trail as the Green Mountain Trail re-joins on the left. (Note, the Colorado Trail is not well signed at this intersection. Look for the white twin-peaked blaze on a tree about 50’ down the Co Trail.)

5.9 – Cross a dirt road and continue on the Colorado Trail.

6.1 – After climbing over a fence on a weird staircase thing, turn right at a T-intersection, leaving the Colorado Trail.

6.3 – FINISH! Arrive at the Buffalo Trailhead.

Old Leg 2 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 2 – “Top of the World”

South Platte River to Deckers Road

Difficulty: Black Diamond

Length: 9.7 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 2,600/1,200 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 2

10 miles, ~30 mins from the start of Leg 1.

From Indian Creek Campground, head back out to County-67 (0.2 miles). Turn right (west) on Country-67 and go 3.0 miles. Turn right on Pine Creek Road and travel 3.1 miles on a narrow dirt road. Try not to fall off the steep hill. Turn right on Platte River Road (County-97) and go 3.8 miles. Park in a large gravel pullout on the left. There is a large footbridge across the river here, as well as an outhouse.

Running Directions

0.0 – START! Cross the wide bridge. On the other side, turn right. Keep turning right and pass under the bridge. Go a few hundred feet and quickly come to a Y-junction. Turn right on the Colorado Trail.

4.6 – Pass two old wooden signs that mark the trail with arrows. “ß” then “à”.

5.8 – Cross a dirt road and continue on the Colorado Trail singletrack. A sign to the right informs you that you are crossing Raleigh Peak Rd near the intersection with Lion Creek Tr.

9.7 – FINISH! Arrive at the intersection of Deckers Road (County Road 126) and Spring Creek Trail. This is the end of Leg 2 and the start of Leg 3. 

Old Leg 1 Directions

Old Directions!

Leg 1 – “Battle of Helm’s Deep (extended director’s edition)”

Indian Creek Campground to the South Platte River

Difficulty: Black Diamond

Length: 12.2 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 2,000/3,300 vertical feet

Driving Directions to the start of Leg 1

The start of the race is about 20 minutes from Sedelia, CO. Sedelia is about 60 miles and 1.5 hours drive from Boulder.

To reach Sedelia from Boulder, drive south on US‑36 for 20 miles. Take the I-25 Exit and head south on I-25 for 9.4 miles. Take Exit 207B and merge onto US-85 South. Stay on US-85 South for about 20 miles until you reach Sedelia. Once in Sedelia, turn right on CO-67 and go 10.3 miles. Turn right at the sign for the Indian Creek campground and bear left, heading downhill. The Indian Creek Trail begins at the bottom of the hill.

Running Directions

0.0 – START! At the end of the campground road, bear right onto the Indian Creek Trail (Trail #800) singletrack.

0.8 – Cross bear creek (may be dry). There is a small sign facing the other direction.

2.2 – Tricky intersection #1! After climbing a steep hill, come to a three-way junction. Turn left, uphill on a trail signed “Indian Creek Trail #800”.

3.7 – Tricky intersection #2! After a steep downhill, come to a T-intersection. Turn left, following signs towards the Colorado Trail.

4.0 – Arrive at the Colorado Trail near a bench labeled “Lenny’s Rest”. Turn left. From now on the course follows the Colorado Trail (Trail #1776).

5.9 – Ascend “The Waterfall”, a 100’ section of rocky streambed that they call a trail.

6.2 – Come to a metal sign on the left that reads “Closed to Motor Vehicles”. Continue on the Colorado Trail.

6.8 – Pass two more metal signs the read “Closed to Motor Vehicles”.

9.7ish – Begin descending steep switchbacks.

12.0 – FINISH! Arrive at the end of Leg 1 at the South Platte River.

Course map with a few waypoints

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Tracks: