Biking South Valley Park

I searched all morning for “beginner” mountain biking trails.  I didn’t want a paved path.  I was looking for an easy single-track with a scenic opportunity.  I wanted to *experience* a little Colorado.  We’ve been so busy all week, I just needed some scenic mountain fun.

Well, we found it at South Valley Park.  This Jeffco Open Space is south of Morrison – where the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is.  South Valley had the stunning, jutting red sandstone formations that I just love out here in the west.  Like the whole landscape had just collided and erupted with red rocks.

Here was our ride down Coyote Song Trail:

One of the trails on my wish list was Grazing Elk Trail…sounds like I should’ve seen some elk there, right?

Great views, but no elk.  Apparently they don’t come down to this Elk Meadow until snow fall in the mountains drives them down.

Not all of the trails were ‘easy’, but they still would be “beginner” trails in Colorado I guess.  Some required walking, while getting up and over Lyons Back and Pass Trail required a bike-carry up the steep rock staircase.  Our biggest challenge was hitting the hills at this elevation, though (about 6,100’).  We are still feeling it, whether we’re biking or running – breathing has been hard.

I have a couple of more photos on WebAlbums.