Lifes Adventures
Road Biking--Intermediate Trails
Vail to Vail Pass: The Vail Pass ride begins at the frontage road at the Vail parking structure. Ride east on the frontage road and cross under the East Vail exit. As you merge with Bighorn Road start ascending to the Gore Creek Campground around 2.4 miles where the road is closed to traffic by a gate. Beyond the gate, the old road to the pass begins to climb.The path eases at one point as riders roll along Black Gore Creek. The creek traverses through aspen and pine groves, and at two miles, riders will pass Two Elk trail. Riders will turn right at the sign and off the old highway onto the paved bike path that heads to Vail Pass summit. There, riders will bike downhill briefly, crossing Polk Creek bridge and going through an underpass. Riders then will climb a short, steep ascent after the underpass and then begin to climb steadily parallel to Interstate 70.Riders will stay right and at about 7.9 miles, cyclists will encounter several climbing curves that lead to the last ascent to Black Lake. The bike path joins a Black Lake access road, a short gradual climb to the summit, followed by a quick ride to the Vail Pass Summit Rest Area.
Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Vail Exit 176. Parking is available at the Vail parking structure.
Battle Mountain Hill Climb: The Avon to Battle Mountain begins on U.S. Highway 6 at the free parking lot for Beaver Creek. Cyclists will turn right and head east on the highway along a straight path that passes several condominiums and business districts until reaching the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and 24 at Interstate 70. Riders will continue straight, merging into and passing through the historic town of Minturn and should be ready for a climb up the highway toward Battle Mountain.
Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Avon Exit 162. Go south on Avon Road to the Beaver Creek parking lot.
Avon to Wolcott Pass: Start at the Beaver Creek Elk Lot and ride west along US Highway 6 for about 11 miles to Wolcott. Enjoy the scenic Eagle River on the approach to the intersection of US Highway 6 and State Highway 131. Turn right and head north on Highway 131 for another 9 miles to Wolcott Divide. Turn around here and return the same way while enjoying views of the Sawatch Mountains and the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 162 Avon. Turn south on Avon Road to U.S. Highway 6. Parking is available at the Beaver Creek Elk Lot.