Waterton Canyon

Description:

• A popular place for runners and families of bikers, Waterton Canyon, located southwest of downtown, offers a little something for all riding skill levels. The six mile dirt and gravel road traversing the canyon along the South Platte River is a gentle grade and offers beginners a chance to learn, families a chance to have some fun and a more experienced rider a chance to warm up for the real work ahead. Pick up the Carpenter Peak Trail and start climbing a narrow single-track filled with steep switchbacks. Once at the top of the peak, speed down through brush and dense forest into Stevens Gulch, which is a flat stretch with sandy areas, logs and creek crossings. At mile 10, you will reach an intersection. Turn left and head back toward the damn, via one more short climb. The final edgy decent down a windy drainage back to the road provides white-knuckle fun and poses obstacles for the most skilled riders. Watch out for the three-foot drop at about mile 11.5. Cruise down the easy road and call it a day.
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