South Fooses Creek Trail

South Fooses Creek is an amazing descent that starts in the high alpine terrain of the Sawatch Mountains and quickly drops into the dense pine forest below. The steep and loose entrance of the trail can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it mellows out below in the trees. Most of the trail twists and turns through the forest, with the occasional high-speed meadow section. The upper and middle portions are fairly technical with roots, rocks and stream crossings. Near the end, the trail has a mellower grade. Riders can either pedal hard to maintain speed to play around on rollers and rocks, or take it easy and spin through to the end.

The technical root sections of this trail are amazing. The last time I rode South Fooses Creek, one of my friends had a bit too much fun on one of these sections and tore his tire. As he sat changing and pumping his tube I walked my bike back up to ride the same root section over and over again, trying to go faster and get in the air a bit more. I think it was the most fun I’ve ever had waiting for a friend to fix a flat!

Pro Tips

Recommended season(s): Summer through early fall.

—Tasha Heilweil