From the campground area, proceed north about eight miles on the West Dolores Road and turn right (east) onto the Stoner Mesa Road (Forest Road 686). From here the mountain bike route gradually climbs 7.5 miles from a starting elevation of 8,000 feet to near the top of Stoner Mesa (9900 feet elevation) and intersects the Stoner Mesa Trail. The trail is located near the Twin Springs Reservoir and at a point in the road where it curves sharply back to the north. Proceed in a southwesterly direction on the trail that for the most part is downhill and passes through aspen and spruce forests and open meadows. In the larger meadows, the trail is harder to see, so watch closely for markers and blazes.Near the bottom of the mesa, the trail will cross a fence line, then a large meadow with a reservoir. This large meadow is nine miles from the point where the route left the road and picked up the trail. The trail back to Emerson Campground is just west of the reservoir and begins a steep descent of 1280 feet in a little over one mile and is technically difficult, so take your time.
Directions from Dolores, Colorado: Drive east 13.0 miles on Colorado Hwy 145 to the West Dolores Road (Forest Road 535) and proceed 3.0 miles to the Emerson Campground (Closed) and park next to the campground, but not within the campsite loops.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend .
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