ROUTE

Believe it or not, this route was created as a single-day marathon called The Vapor Trail

Hosted by Absolute Bikes in Salida, the event started at midnite & covered 125 miles total. Very few hardy souls could ever claim ticking it.

We've resculpted the route into a three day, 100+ mile tour, shifting the climbs to moderate narrow-gauge rail grade and keeping the descents on bomber singletrack that swims deep into the San Isabel & Gunnison wilderness. The "+" in 100+ means there are options for addt'l trails along the route if you're looking for more challenge.

We start riding on Thursday morning after a short shuttle up to The Colorado Trail. Start with a rolling descent following ballistic single track towards the southern end of Mt Princeton. After lunch, you'll climb narrow-gauge rail grade & jeep road towards the Continental Divide and settle in for a 10,000' camp, totaling about 25 intense miles for the day.

The following morning we'll send you over the Alpine tunnel at 12,000'. Descend thru 13 miles of rarely-seen alpine singletrack past the tiny town of Whitepine and break for lunch at the bottom. Top off the day with a long but moderate graded climb almost to the summit of Old Monarch Pass, our camp for the nite. This day has multiple options to add or subtract miles depending on your mood & skills.

Now get fired up for the best of the Monarch Crest Trail, arguably the finest trail in the state. Pick up the Continental Divide Trail for miles of moderate ridge-running above treeline over to Marshall Pass & another aid station. From Marshall Pass you'll do a short climb to the Rainbow Trail.

Now comes about 20 miles of truly intense singletrack descending! There are several spots to bail out at & after lunch, or if you're really feeling strong continue along The Rainbow Trail for an extra helping of pure singletrack before the final descent back to us.

 

Each day's avg is about 35 miles, but can be longer or shorter depending on your mojo - bring your skills!

This not a beginner trip - you need to be fit for this ride, particularly the altitude.
However the selection of daily options will suit a wide range of experience.

 

Course Map

 

Elevation Profile