The heart of the Rockies
includes some of the best trails
and dirt roads in the country,
almost all with spectacular
views of the Continental Divide.
Chaffee County has more "four-
teeners" (mountains over 14,000
feet) than any other county in the
U.S. And the area includes the
longest continuous OHV-legal
single-track trail in Colorado.
The headwaters of four major
American rivers start near X-
Roads in the heart of the Rock-
ies. The Rio Grande, Colorado,
Arkansas and South Platte wa-
tersheds are the playground for
the adventure loops, dual sport
rides and single-track trail rides
at X-Roads BV.
And then there was Mosquito
Pass at 13,185 feet. It's a chal-
lenging rocky uphill on an ADV
bike, so if it's on your route, be
prepared to work hard. It worth
it, though. Once you crest the
top, you head down to a cool old
mining complex. You'll also be
rewarded with spectacular views
of the Collegiate Range peaks
and the Continental Divide.
We experienced several
midafternoon thunderstorms that
watered the dirt fire roads per-
fectly. At times, we got wet from
the storms but 15 minutes later,
it was hot and humid, so be
prepared for changing weather
no matter what time of year you
go. We went in summer, so we
looked forward to cooling off in a
river at the end of the rides.
We thoroughly enjoyed our
six-day ride and hope to get the
chance to come back again.
We've only scratched the surface
of the Colorado Rockies.
CN
TRAVEL FEATURE I COLORADO ROCKIES WITH EXIT TOURS MC
P106
