biking

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The Whole Squirrelchilada

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Big Climb / Technical Descent

39 miles

Bike

This route is two massive climbs followed by very steep, sustained, and technical descents on very rough trail. That about sums it up. We can’t recommend it. Yet here it is.

NOTE: Lots of climbing and very technical descending. Bring snacks and enough water/filtration. This route is advanced and shared for reference only. Ride at your own risk and walk sections as necessary. Check route conditions and follow standard traffic laws and trail protocols.

Getting there: Park at the Pueblo Mountain Park. Head down to Pine Drive (the road you came into the Park from) and head uphill (west). The road will turn to dirt….then climb and climb and climb and climb.

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Gnarhart Loop

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Big Climb / Technical Descent

21 miles

Bike

This route is a big climb and a big descent. That about sums it up. Expect to suffer some climbing the gravel west to Highway 165. You get a fantastic downhill break while headed north on 165. Turn onto the dirt road for USFS Davenport Campground, and follow it to its end. The Squirrel Creek trail begins at the end of the road. Get rowdy on the mixed descent, then finish off by riding the Carhart trail. Expect exposed singletrack and some swoopy turns on Carhart.

NOTE: It’s a big climb up 78/12 mile highway. Bring snacks and enough water.

Getting there: Park at the Pueblo Mountain Park. Head down to Pine Drive (the road you came into the Park from) and head uphill (west). The road will turn to dirt….then climb and climb and climb and climb.

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Carhart Trail

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Intermediate route

1.8 miles

Bike/Hike/Run

The Carhart Trail meanders through Pueblo Mountain Park in Beulah and connects to the historic Squirrel Creek trail and the other trails throughout the Wet Mountain and San Isabel region. This varied and adventurous trail will give you a sense of exposure otherwise hard to find in the area.

How will you explore?

Getting there: Park along Mountain Park Road (a super tight turn off of Pine Drive/Highway 78). There’s a gravel area for parking just before a large swing gate. Hike/ride up the road past the gate and follow the signs!

Click here for a PDF map of the Pueblo Mountain Park.

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South Shore Tour

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Intermediate Route

6 miles

Bike/Hike/Run

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The entire loop is overall mild terrain, with a steep climb at the end of Rodeo trail headed south, and one large steep climb about halfway along South Shore Trail headed north.

Getting there: Park at the Arkansas Point trailhead parking lot in Lake Pueblo State Park.

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Adventure Origins Overnighter

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Epic route / Bikepack

97 miles

Bike

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This route runs the gamut from silky smooth gravel roads to rough and tumble historic trails (technically former roads!) through the FIRST established recreation area in the US Forest Service: Squirrel Creek canyon. The second day kicks off with a legendary descent of Twelve Mile Highway (CO 78), which is Colorado's last remaining unpaved state highway.

Make sure to give yourself time for some coffee stops and a few photos!

NOTE: It’s easier to ride the Beulah loop of this trip clockwise (up CO-78 and down Squirrel Creek. The reverse is a fun challenge for the adventurous/masochistic). The climb up CO-78 is still a bear.

Getting there: We like to start in town and hit up Solar Roast Coffee on the way out. It’s nice to get fueled up before the journey.

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Adventure Origins Beulah Loop

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Epic route / Bikepack

25 miles

Bike

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This short, adventurous overnight starts in the wonderful hamlet of Beulah, Colorado and makes its way out the last unpaved “highway” in Colorado (it’s quite low traffic) with big views, deep history, and steep climbing. Day one is the bulk of the route's challenge, climbing CO-78/Twelve Mile highway from Beulah to CO-165. It’s possible to take a paved detour after the big climb to site by Lake San Isabel and grab food and drink at the Lodge. The first night is at historic Davenport Campground, the gateway to Squirrel Creek Canyon. Davenport still hosts structures built just after the turn of the century, and offers a spot to filter water. Squirrel Creek is the first USFS recreation area in the country, designed before most any campground you’ve ever been to. Day two sends you down the technical Squirrel Creek trail and through the Pueblo Mountain park's Carhart trail. Carhart trail is mostly moderate terrain, though exposed in spots. Expect very challenging, chunky terrain in many spots along Squirrel Creek. Finish the day in Beulah. It’s a small town that’s easy to fall in love with.

 Make sure to give yourself time for some coffee stops and a few photos!

Getting there: Park in Beulah. Grab some coffee at Stompin’ Grounds. get after it.

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The Whole Slopper

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Advanced Route

32 miles

Bike/Hike/Run

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 A grand tour of (most) of Lake Pueblo's classics. Want some technical extras? Adding The Buttes trail off of Inner Limites and Rock Canyon off of South Shore trail will give you some features you may not want to miss!

Getting there: Park at the Arkansas Point trailhead parking lot in Lake Pueblo State Park.

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Black Magic Loop

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Novice route

3.6 miles

Bike/Hike/Run

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Start at Voodoo trail, take Rte. 96 trail east, then head north on Pronghorn trail, then take a left at the four corners (west) onto Voodoo trail follow back to start of loop.

Getting there: Park at the second red gate, approximately 2.6 miles past the main south entrance of Lake Pueblo State Park on highway 96.