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Riding in SW CO?

T

TraceyAZ

New member
Hello! Traveling as much as I can this winter from AZ to sled!
Looking for some folks who wouldn’t mind either letting a newb tag along or pointing me to some friendly areas to ride.
I’ve got experience, Im currently riding a 12 and 13 RMK 800’s
First round is on me!
Thanks
TraceyAZ
 
milehighassassin said:
Do you have a specific area you are headed to?
Click to expand...

I’m coming from the Prescott AZ area, so I’m hoping to find areas as close to me as possible. Mancos, Durango, Pagosa Springs isn’t to much further either. Would love to check out the Grand Mesa area at some point. Really I’m down with anything that’s fun to ride, I do need to work on my technical skills, so crazy stuff will have to wait. Otherwise southern Utah will be another area I will look into as well. I just want to make sure I’m not causing any problems or getting into trouble with locals or law enforcement. ?
Thank you!
 
TraceyAZ said:
I’m coming from the Prescott AZ area, so I’m hoping to find areas as close to me as possible. Mancos, Durango, Pagosa Springs isn’t to much further either. Would love to check out the Grand Mesa area at some point. Really I’m down with anything that’s fun to ride, I do need to work on my technical skills, so crazy stuff will have to wait. Otherwise southern Utah will be another area I will look into as well. I just want to make sure I’m not causing any problems or getting into trouble with locals or law enforcement. ?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
FWIW - I'll take Wolf Creek over Grand Mesa any day.


.
 
IDK, GM just didn't seem that great to me.
I s'pose there are others that would say the opposite?


.
 
It really depends on your riding style and what you like. I've been to both of these places, and rode with Burandt last year at Cottonwood. Wolf creek and Grand Mesa are completely different types of riding areas in my opinion. Wolf creek is steep and rugged, challenging for the most part which is what I like. Grand Mesa is a lot bigger area, with all types of riding, wide open meadows, boondocking tree riding, and hills. A lot more rider friendly area. I've had a blast at both places so really just depends what type of riding you like to do.
 
RMK2012PRO said:
It really depends on your riding style and what you like. I've been to both of these places, and rode with Burandt last year at Cottonwood. Wolf creek and Grand Mesa are completely different types of riding areas in my opinion. Wolf creek is steep and rugged, challenging for the most part which is what I like. Grand Mesa is a lot bigger area, with all types of riding, wide open meadows, boondocking tree riding, and hills. A lot more rider friendly area. I've had a blast at both places so really just depends what type of riding you like to do.
Click to expand...

This is really good info thank you!
For me personally I’m gonna need some time to get my legs under me again. Wide open areas would be best for now :) Getting good info is very much appreciated to be able to make a safe and fun decision on where to ride!
 
I lived in AZ for several years. I personally left my sleds up north and flew in and rode. I am now in Idaho, but would be happy to take you along.
 
TraceyAZ said:
Thank you! I’ve been looking at these and would like to know what folks think of the west Mancos trail? Good bad or whatever.
Kind of sounds like the missionary ridge trail might have some parking issues?
Thank you.
Click to expand...

West Mancos has the best parking of all trailheads in the area IMO. In addition to parking, the “loops” also make this area more enjoyable to ride & there’s plenty of open meadows also. Cortez would be less expensive lodging & closer to this area. (30 minutes to the trailhead)

Echo Basin trailhead would also be 30 minutes from Cortez, but I’d spend 2 days riding West Mancos vs 1 day at each. Again, just my 2 cents. Good parking here too.

Missionary Ridge...yeah, parking can be a cluster, unless you get there early. It’s still a good area to ride & gains elevation fast providing some great views. Snow can be thin on the south facing aspects, but usually some great powder out Burnt Timber Road. (1 hour to Missionary Ridge from Cortez)

PM me if you’d like additional info.
 
You would be doing yourself a favor by spending a few days up on Grand Mesa. Go stay with Jeff at Thunder Mtn Lodge, sled from your cabin and Jeff knows the area and is generally happy to guide if not too busy. This is a safe place to learn Mtn riding, and the snow is usually epic. When I moved here 20 years ago I taught myself mtn riding at Molas Pass just south of Silverton. Like the Mesa there is a good trail network. You can trail ride and cherry pick play spots as you go, also a pretty safe place to learn. By the end of Feb when you have become a powder riding god, come on up to Ridgway and we will take you on a killer technical tree ride... Have a great season.
 
gonehuntnpowder said:
I lived in AZ for several years. I personally left my sleds up north and flew in and rode. I am now in Idaho, but would be happy to take you along.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the invite! I've got some relatives up that way I should go visit at some point! Sounds like a perfect excuse at some point!
 
Dobber1 said:
West Mancos has the best parking of all trailheads in the area IMO. In addition to parking, the “loops” also make this area more enjoyable to ride & there’s plenty of open meadows also. Cortez would be less expensive lodging & closer to this area. (30 minutes to the trailhead)

Echo Basin trailhead would also be 30 minutes from Cortez, but I’d spend 2 days riding West Mancos vs 1 day at each. Again, just my 2 cents. Good parking here too.

Missionary Ridge...yeah, parking can be a cluster, unless you get there early. It’s still a good area to ride & gains elevation fast providing some great views. Snow can be thin on the south facing aspects, but usually some great powder out Burnt Timber Road. (1 hour to Missionary Ridge from Cortez)

PM me if you’d like additional info.
Click to expand...

Perfect! I like the idea of the West Mancos Trailhead, Sounds like it would be an easy option for me and the closest! From there I can start exploring other options! Thank you Dobber1
 
Big10inch said:
You would be doing yourself a favor by spending a few days up on Grand Mesa. Go stay with Jeff at Thunder Mtn Lodge, sled from your cabin and Jeff knows the area and is generally happy to guide if not too busy. This is a safe place to learn Mtn riding, and the snow is usually epic. When I moved here 20 years ago I taught myself mtn riding at Molas Pass just south of Silverton. Like the Mesa there is a good trail network. You can trail ride and cherry pick play spots as you go, also a pretty safe place to learn. By the end of Feb when you have become a powder riding god, come on up to Ridgway and we will take you on a killer technical tree ride... Have a great season.
Click to expand...
I think Thunder mountain lodge has been on my radar for a couple of years now from folks posting some of the most beautiful snow/riding pics that I've ever seen!! Love the idea of ride out ride in as well. I've got a long way to go before I can even call myself a good rider let alone a "powder riding God" LOL but thanks for the vote of confidence! LOL I'm normally a quick learner and I was that kid years ago riding old iron sleds and absolutely pushing them to the breaking point....just ask my dad! LOL Can't wait to figure out sidehilling!
 
TraceyAZ said:
Perfect! I like the idea of the West Mancos Trailhead, Sounds like it would be an easy option for me and the closest! From there I can start exploring other options! Thank you Dobber1
Click to expand...

That’s what I’d do.
We’ve got a nice early storm coming in over Thanksgiving, so get ready! Should see a couple feet in this area?
 
We have a group of 4-6 adult riders and ride west Mancos, Molas, Beaver Meadows (mini Grand Mesa-ish, but local) and once or twice per season on Grand Mesa, staying at Thunder Mtn Lodge. Skill levels vary, newish mtn sleds & 2 turbo'd. Two of us are able to get away during the week to trash all the fresh pow if we get a nice storm the day/nite before!

Shoot me a PM if you'd like... DQ
 
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