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After a much appreciated rest day in Buena Vista it was time to move on. Hagerman Pass was the only expected area of possible difficulty but I was unable to confirm Weston and Hagerman Passes were open before leaving Buena Vista. COVID continued to throw some curve balls into the mix as finding open camping areas became more difficult as I approached Steamboat Springs.
Be prepared for varying types of roads in Section 4. Just outside Buena Vista, the route follows sandy two-track through an OHV area. Heading north, riders will traverse three major alpine passes on your way to the high desert landscape of Gypsum. Weston Pass is the first and has no major obstacles.
Food, lodging and fuel are available in Leadville, a historic mining town and one-time front runner for Colorado state capital. Hagerman Pass is typical of Colorado’s backcountry, offering stunning views of the rugged alpine tundra. After descending into the Fryingpan River valley for a short stint on black top, the route heads north again over Crooked Creek Pass. Lime Creek Park has a few primitive camp sites at the base of a steep limestone canyon.
Alternatively, ride to the other side of the pass and pay for spot at Sylvan Lake State Park. Narrow logging and hunting roads will bring you from Sylvan to Gypsum through dense pine and aspen forest.
Section 5 begins on a mellow dirt road that runs past the town’s namesake gypsum mine north of town. Low sage and black dirt offer a unique contrast to the alpine settings experienced in previous sections. Wilderness and private land limit off-road options through this part of the state, so a small section of paved riding is necessary to link the best dirt sections together.
Keep an eye out for State Bridge along the Colorado River and Highway 131. This funky venue offers camping in teepees and yurts, and live music events. North of State Bridge you’ll encounter mellow dirt roads with a few shallow water crossings. Camping is very limited once you cross over Highway 134 near Gore Pass, so riders looking to pitch a tent should keep their eyes peeled between State Bridge and the historic stagecoach stop just south of the highway.
The small section of road below the dam at Stagecoach Reservoir is particularly stunning in the early morning or late evening when the sun bounces off the river winding next to the road.
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Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
24 сен 2024
