We are coming Dec 28-Jan 1. Riding 137-144 inch crossover sleds. The two strokes clutched for altitude, 4 stroke not. A few questions: 1. Is the town of Grand Lake the only place to get gas on the trail? 1a. Should we carry gas? 2. How is the conditions down low and into town - and in town - snow on the roads? 3. How torn up are the trails at the end of they day. I understand the town trail is the worst - how about the rest? 4. We would like to do some moderate powder riding off trail - not steep slopes or super deep - but still deep enough for us to have fun. Should we bring avalanche beacons? 4a. If so where an we get them? Thanks!!
1. Yes. The trails are on National Forest land. There are no businesses on the trail. 1a. Carrying gas depends on your sleds mpg and how far you want to ride. It would be a LONG day of riding in Grand Lake to do over 100 miles due to the terrain and altitude. I never carry gas, in fact sometimes I go out with less than a full tank to save weight because I only ride 25-35 miles a day. But I do NOT recommend this to anyone unfamiliar with our trail system. Be safe, always leave with a full tank!
2. Nearly all town roads are currently snow-packed, as well as all lower trails.
3. The Grand Lake trails are well groomed. I think they groom 6 days a week. However, the lower trails and the town trail can get bumpy, especially during/after a busy holiday or weekend. The fact that we have great snow will give the groomers a better opportunity to overcome the high traffic, but the lower trails will be bumpy at the end of the busy days. Like you have heard, the town trail is the worst, the main trails are much better. One way to avoid the bumps and a lot of the traffic is to trailer to the Idelglen Parking area about 6 miles outside of town.
4. There is plenty of opportunity for off-trail riding in Grand Lake, everything from mild to wild. There is some avalanche danger right now. Just use common sense. If you have beacons, you should bring them. I don't know of any places to rent beacons in GL. But you can buy one at the local Polaris Dealer just outside of Grand Lake or at Power World in Granby (16 miles).
GL is a wonderful place to ride for all skill levels. But there is plenty of danger, not only from the terrain and avalanche, but also from people making bad/inexperienced decisions. Be careful and understand that many, if not most people riding over the Holidays are novice renters who can not only hurt themselves, but hurt you as well.
Best tip: eat lunch at the base of Gravel Mountain, and watch the 'show'!
Come see me at The Rapids Restaurant for dinner and tell me your riding stories! Max
