RR: Dutch Creek Trail - Durango, CO

[VTVic]

Here's another one from our Durango roadtrip...The day after our Engineer Mountain ride we decided to do a self shuttle and rode the Dutch Creek Trail as recommended by STJunkie. Scott was the only one from the group that had visited Durango in the past and knew which were the must do trails.
Once again, the day was cloudy and the ground was wet as we had had a lot of rain the day before during and after our Engineer Mountain ride. This ride started on a very muddy fire road that eventually found its way to a single track. As usual through out our rides, lots of aspen and pine trees, awesome views, and wild flowers. Except for a nasty and muddy climb that we encounted as we approached Hermosa Creek, the ride was pretty much a rolling descend. I'm sure there was more climbing than this, but this section is the one that mostly comes to mind...on to pics:

Awesome views with the threat of showers always present



AirGabe and STJunkie


Dean


At Dutch Creek junction



Nick, AirGabe, and STJunkie


Steppie chillin enjoing the scenery


STJunkie


AirGabe





STJunkie, Good_ol_Slappy, and AirGabe


Steppie negotiating a muddy section


VERY, VERY nasty and painful climb
(Picture taken by Nick)



On our way to Hermosa Creek


Nick on Hermosa Creek


Ferns and berries under the aspens


On our way back from picking up one of our shuttle vehicles


Once again, a killer ride. Will definitely be visiting Durango again in the future.

[dstepper]

Not sure if these pics are helping my funk. I have not wanted to ride since I have been back...although I have cranked out some long single speed rides the last two days. The motivation to go ride the same old trails is just not there. Thinking about the next couple of road trips help.

Couple more pics from that ride.

Dean

[Wrecker]

Dean, how about riding with new people? Would that help your funk? Have we ever riden together? I know we've done trail work...

[dstepper]

Thanks for the offer, next weekend I am doing SART, maybe you should join us. Then Quaking Aspen the following weekend.

Dean

[VTVic]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Not sure if these pics are helping my funk. I have not wanted to ride since I have been back...although I have cranked out some long single speed rides the last two days. The motivation to go ride the same old trails is just not there. Thinking about the next couple of road trips help...

I'm with you on that Dean. We definitely got spoiled in Durango. I went riding for the first time this Saturday since I got back and it was very depressing... this is the view we were treated to from the San Gabriels:


Note: the line you see in the middle of the pics is not the ocean; that's the smog line.
Definitely seen better days at the San Gabs.

[dudevf1]

Gotta love single track AND trees, such a rare combo in SD....

[art23rockpile]

More awesome shots... yeah!
Next Summer, i'm there, even if it's solo.

Have you guys looked into Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs?

[1080P]

I think some of the Top Dawgs around here suffer from Bicycle Wanderlust. Something about the grass always being greener on the other side. Just how long is the riding season in Durango versus So Cal down by Laguna? That should help keep things in perspective.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by 1080P

I think some of the Top Dawgs around here suffer from Bicycle Wanderlust. Something about the grass always being greener on the other side. Just how long is the riding season in Durango versus So Cal down by Laguna? That should help keep things in perspective.

Locals told me that is snow does not stay around in town long but the ice does. 30 minutes down the road is Phils World in Cortez and my guess would be year round riding. Also heard tale of stuff to ride in Farmington (slickrock on the reservation)...also close by. It seems like most of the stuff in Durango we rode would be under snow most of the year, except the trails in town.

[Pain Freak]

Well, look at it this way,Bud. You got to ride it!

Some of us working stiffs couldn't make it.

But I do know what you mean after riding in such a great place it's real difficult to hit the same ol ride/s. I was with Vic on that ride and when we seen the color of the air, it was a real let down. The ride was still a good one though. We did the whole loop in like 3 hours. Last time with a group I believe we were out there like around 6 hours.

[1080P]

Would you trade in the San Gabes for Durango, as a lifestyle change, though? The pics of the ride areas around Durango are awesome, but how does it compare to Fruita, or Moab, for that matter? If you were to do your first out of state ride heading east of CA for sweet strong intermediate single track, for a week, where would you go, and why?

Dean has to dig waaaaaaaaaay deep into the mental Rolodex to remember his first out of state ride.

[OPP]

Originally Posted by 1080P

I think some of the Top Dawgs around here suffer from Bicycle Wanderlust. Something about the grass always being greener on the other side. Just how long is the riding season in Durango versus So Cal down by Laguna? That should help keep things in perspective.

Our Durango season is mid-March to mid-November. Then there's that little Moab thing 2.5 hours away.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by 1080P

Would you trade in the San Gabes for Durango, as a lifestyle change, though? The pics of the ride areas around Durango are awesome, but how does it compare to Fruita, or Moab, for that matter? If you were to do your first out of state ride heading east of CA for sweet strong intermediate single track, for a week, where would you go, and why?

Dean has to dig waaaaaaaaaay deep into the mental Rolodex to remember his first out of state ride.

As much as I enjoyed the CO riding...the town of Durango is way up there on my list of fun and great towns. I am still keeping Northern Arizona on the top of my list. Between, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, and Phoenix you can ride everyday anytime of the year. Of all the places I ride trail issues and conflicks seems to be less in AZ. Mt. Elden is a excellent example how the Forrest Service and MTBing can get along. It helps when the FS park rangers are MTBers.

For a MTBing vacation, Lake Tahoe, Southern Utah, and Northern AZ are great starts.

Dean

[VTVic]

I've never been to Moab nor Fruita. Prior to our Durango trip I compared pics from Fruita to the ones on Hermosa Tours in the High Country area. While Fruita looked great I went along with the decision to hit Durango. After seeing it first hand, I think I'll be moving to Durango sometime in the future. I knew it was going to be nice but didn't realize how nice it would be until we drove in. It only got better when the riding got on the way. I'm sure its a big life style change, but one I would be willing to make. Now I just have to convice the family to come along...

[Pain Freak]

I'd move to Sedona in a heartbeat if I could even find marginal employment.

[dstepper]

I used to live part of the year in Prescott and would move there fulltime if it had the local culture Durango has. Durango and Flagstaff half similar cultures but their winters have me skeptical for a full time home where Prescott has excellent year round weather. I would also need to check out Durango in the winter, downtown might be dead all winter. Flagstaff hops all year round because of the college in town.

Sedona is Mike's type of weather he does very well in the heat. I think living in Sedona might be a little weird, fun to visit but I would not fit into the local community well. Most of the folks I talk to working in the bike shops seem to live in Flag.

Dean