Length: 27.9 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Aerobic: Moderate
Technical: Intermediate
Season: April through October
Total Ascent: 2120 ft
Max Elevation: 7765 ft
Min Elevation: 6670 ft
Route: From downtown Steamboat Springs, turn west on 13th Street and proceed on CR 33 (Twentymile Road). Take a left onto CR 43, where the dirt begins. Follow around the back of Emerald Mountain and eventually bear right onto CR 41. After steep descent to Hilton Gulch schoolhouse, turn left back onto pavement and continue down, merging with CR 35, then left on CR 14 (River Road), which leads back to town.
Highlights: Challenging ride through ranchlands with a little bit of dirt road adventure.
Note: Ride the loop in reverse for a challenging climb up Hilton Gulch.