Overview
A great new link-up at Buffalo Creek. This ride has it all: beautiful forests, interesting rock formations, some slick rock (with some technical options) and an incredible winding flow section. All this and it is 100% singletrack.
Description
The easiest way to reach this trail is from the Little Scraggy parking lot on FS Road 550, just west of County Road 126. Note that this is a fee parking area ($7). Free parking options are also available nearby.
This trail has been in progress for a couple of years, thanks in part to COMBA and many others. The loop was just completed (June 2016) and it was worth the wait!
From the Little Scraggy parking lot, the loop begins just across FS Road 550 (marked). Ride this one clockwise! The trail winds through forest with some nice rock features (even a little slickrock).
At the first junction (5.1 miles), take the right fork (the left leads to the Kelsey Campground) and begin a gentle climb west. At 6.8 miles, you’ll reach the beginning of an incredible flow section. This section winds downhill with bermed corners, good visibility and incredible views.
Toward the end of the new section, you get great views of Little Scraggy Dome, a cool (though rarely used) rock climbing area. The next junction (presently unmarked) at 9.2 miles is with the Colorado Trail. To complete the loop, turn right and follow the Colorado Trail back to the Little Scraggy parking lot.
Turn left to continue on the Colorado Trail and to other Buffalo Creek adventures. Of course, you can start this loop from the main BC parking lot on Forest Road 543. A nice option is to climb Nice Kitty and Buffalo Burn to the Little Scraggy parking lot, do the loop and descend Shingle Mill Trail back to the main Buffalo Creek lot.
History & Background
This ride lies outside the parts of Buffalo Creek that were burned in a series of forest fires. The ride completely circles Little Scraggy Peak, which is dotted with towering granite rock formations.
