If you are looking for a remote mountain bike ride that combines a spectacular river valley with opportunities to experience Pueblan archaeology and frequent views of wildlife, then this trip is well worth the permit fees. You will be accompanied by a Ute Mountain Ute employee that will provide guide information along this route and learn about the area's archaeology, history, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.From the trailhead, an old jeep road follows the Mancos River for 13.0 miles to a group campground which can be used by bikers interested in camping. This easy to follow road passes by several Pueblan archaeology ruin sites that can be accessed by short side trips. The trail drops around 800 feet over the 13 mile one-way route, with a few short steep climbs and descents along the way. For those riders not wanting to ride the full 26 mile roundtrip, arrangements can be made to pick up riders at the campground, or well-conditioned bikers may want to continue on the main access road (graveled) that leads west to the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 666 and U.S. Hwy. 160 south Towaoc.
Directions from Mancos, Colorado: From the Mancos Visitors Center at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 160 and Colorado Hwy 184, drive south on Main Street which quickly merges onto County Road 41 with great views of several Mancos Valley farms and ranches. At 2.5 miles, the paved road turns into a gravel road until mile 4.9, which at this point is a single lane dirt road that may be difficult to use during inclement weather. At miles 6.9, 7.7, and 8.8 gates will be encountered which should be left as found. At mile 10.3 is a fourth gate with a sign identifying the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and vehicles should be parked here. This route to the Tribal Park is in itself a nice bike ride.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend .
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