Skip to main content

Local Trail Conditions

February 2nd - As of today we've received reports that the S-mountain trails are *mostly* dry and ride ready! Any north facing or heavily shaded area will likely see some snow patches, but should be rideable. It's safe to assume that since Methodist is north facing it will continue to hold snow, but would be great for fatbiking in the morning. It's advisable to ride the trails early in the day before they thaw and become muddy. If you do find yourself  encountering mud PLEASE turn around so you don't damage the trail.

The upper elevation Methodist Mountain trails  (Pot O' Gold,  Gutz) and the trails above Powerline Road (Sol Train East/West, Sun Up) are under a seasonal trail closure to protect wildlife until April 15th. In addition, the upper singletrack known as Beasway that starts off CR 175 to begin the Cottonwood Ride is closed until March 15th.

Our Monarch Crest shuttles are closed for the season.

RED – The trail is not rideable or riding it may be damaging.
ORANGE – Not recommended to ride the trail; or ride it in the morning if mud is an issue.
GREEN – Get out there and ride it.

EBIKES: KNOW BEFORE YOU COME: In the Salida area E-Mountain Bikes are only allowed on designated motorized trails, as most of our trails are managed by either BLM or FS. There is no single track on S-mtn and lower Methodist open to E-mtbs currently. Roads, yes. Single track, no. Please adhere to the current rules set by the land managers (BLM and FS). As far as single track is concerned only the Rainbow trail (the real deal, not Little or Double Rainbow), Greens Creek, Agate Creek, and the Monarch Crest from Monarch Pass to Marshall Pass are 'motorized' single track open to moto's and thus e-bikes, near Salida. 

NOTE: trail conditions listed below are based on first hand knowledge, hearsay, rumor or plain old guessing. We are not responsible for your actual experience out there. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly, trees fall down, etc.

Trail Etiquette:

  • Do not ride when trails are muddy - turn around and pick a different activity for the day
  • Hikers/Walkers/Horses have the right of way
  • When on bikes UPHILL riders have the right of way
  • DO NOT ride off trail to pass other users. Just stop, lean to the side and let the other user pass.
  • Dogs need to be on leash or voice controlled. Please move your dogs off the trail when encountering other users. 
  • Clean up after your dog. Do not leave poop bags on the trail please. There is no poop bag fairy.
  • Please don't ride e-mountain bikes on non-motorized trails. See above notes.

Say hi, be nice, we're all out here having fun

Please NOTE & RESPECT the Seasonal Wildlife Closures:

December 1-April 15 – Gutz, Sol Train, Sun Up, Pot-O-Gold. Rainbow Trail, Greens Creek.
December 15 – March 15 – Beasway (upper Cottonwood, to do the whole Cottonwood ride).

Arkansas Hills / S-Mtn Trail System:

  • Frontside – dry
  • Lil’ Rattler – dry
  • Pepper trails - dry
  • Burnpile- dry
  • Rusty Lung –  dry 
  • Backbone –  dry
  • Tenderfoot - dry
  • Sweet Dreams – dry
  • Dream On- dry
  • Rise and Shine- dry
  • Chicken Dinner - dry
  • Sand Dunes - dry
  • Prospector- some snow
  • North Backbone- some snow
  • Pauli – some Snow
  • The Dude Abides & El Duderino –some Snow
  • Unkle Nazty – some Snow
  • Hooligan –some snow
  • Cottonwood Gulch Trail (lower Cottonwood out and back) – Some Snow
  • Beasway/Rumba (upper Cottonwood) – Seasonal closure, no riding of Cottonwood loop.
  • Aspen Ridge – snow

Methodist Mountain Trail System:

  • Little Rainbow Trail – some snow
  • Racetrack – some snow
  • Lost and Dead Bird- some snow
  • Spartan West/Spartan East- some snow
  • Solstice Trail- some snow
  • Sun Up – Seasonal closure above power line.
  • Sol Trains – Seasonal closure above power line.
  • Double Rainbow Trail – snow
  • Pot-O-Gold – Seasonal closure
  • Gutz – Seasonal closure

Rainbow Trail:  

  • Bear Creek to CR 108 – snow
  • Columbine Trail – snow
  • CR 108 to Pot-O-Gold/Sand Gulch rd – snow
  • Silver Creek Road/Rainbow Trail Loop – snow

Monarch Crest and Children of the Crest

  • Monarch Crest Trail – snow
  • Marshall Pass – Poncha Creek Road loop – snow
  • Agate Creek Trail –snow
  • Starvation Creek – snow
  • Marshall Pass – Silver Creek Trail Loop – snow
  • Greens Creek – snow
  • Fooses Creek – snow
  • Silver Creek- snow

Colorado Trail:

  • Raspberry Gulch Out-and-Back – snow
  • Mt Princeton to Cottonwood (BV) – snow
  • South Fooses Creek – snow
  • Blanks Cabin to Chalk – snow
  • Blanks to US 50 – snow

Distant cousin of the Crest:

  • Canyon Creek – snow


Buena Vista Area:

  • Bridge to Bridge/Barbara Whipple/Camp Elevation/Broken Boyfriend – snow
  • Midland Trail, Fistful of Dollars/Few Dollars More/Django/Sausage Links/Bacon Bits. – snow
  • Unchained – snow
  • Vitamin B – snow
  • Continental Divide Trail, Alpine Tunnel to Tincup Pass Road – snow
  • St Elmo – Tin Cup Pass –snow

Please NOTE & RESPECT the Seasonal Wildlife Closures:

December 1-April 15 – Gutz, Sol Train, Sun Up, Pot-O-Gold. BV - Unchained
December 15 – March 15 – Beasway (upper Cottonwood, to do the whole Cottonwood ride).