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Basics
- Location:
- Stretches between Steamboat Springs and Dinosaur National Monument.
- Length:
- 100 miles oneway
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate,
Advanced - Aerobic Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time To Allow:
- Varies
- Elevation Range:
- 5079 feet to 7200 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1121 feet
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
The Yampa Valley Trail is a long route through the dry desert of northwestern Colorado. Riders can travel along it from Dinosaur National Monument all the way to Steamboat Springs. The scenery here is remote, silent, and has a rugged beauty all its own. Several access points near the small town of Maybell, west of Dinosaur National Monument on US 40, provide access to individual segments of the trail. The terrain is occasionally rugged or steep, but most sections are gentle. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, wildlife is common in this undisturbed region.Tour Companies
Vista Verde Ranch - Mountain Biking
- Near Steamboat Springs
- Biking
- 970-879-3858
At Vista Verde Ranch, mountain biking is one of the many activities you can try during your all-inclusive Colorado ranch vacation.Holiday River Expeditions - Bike
- Statewide Trips
- Biking
- 800-624-6323
Since 1966, Holiday Expeditions has provided trips to the most spectacular landscapes on earth. Today, we offer whitewater rafting in Utah, Colorado and Idaho, on the Colorado, Green, Yampa, San Juan, Salmon and Snake rivers. Click here for the ride of your life!
Helpful Links
Tour Companies
Vista Verde Ranch - Mountain Biking
- Near Steamboat Springs
- Biking
- 970-879-3858
Holiday River Expeditions - Bike
- Statewide Trips
- Biking
- 800-624-6323
Location:
Length:
Difficulty:
Advanced
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Basic Directions
Another access point to over 12 miles of continuous single track can be found along the Deer lodge Park Road. Continue 20 miles west of Maybell to the Deer lodge Road turnoff. Follow the Deer lodge Road 3.5 miles to the Cross Mountain Turnout. Parking is available here and the trail leaves the Deer lodge Road heading west just 200 yards prior to the Cross Mountain Turnout. The Bear Valley Road (County Road 14) at Elk Springs also provides access to the unimproved road portions of the trail system. Travel 12 miles and turn right onto County Road 14N. Travel 2 miles to where this road enters Dinosaur National Monument. Park and ride from this point or others further along the Yampa Bench.
Trail Description
Between Maybell and Cross Mountain the route is primarily two track leading through the rolling sandhills landscape. This area is important winter range for big game wildlife and opportunities to view herds of elk, mule deer and pronghorn are outstanding in the spring. The trail leading over the south end of Cross Mountain begins to take you into the pinyon/juniper woodlands and a spur trial provides access to the Cross Mountain Canyon overlook. The trail segments west of the Deer lodge Road lead to some rugged terrain and steep slopes along the breaks of Twelvemile Mesa. This can be some tough single track riding in remote settings. Big Game wildlife are also abundant in this area. The mesa provides outstanding views of the Lilly Park area and surrounding desert mountains.
The route leading into Dinosaur National Monument offers picturesque canyon terrain of the adjacent Yampa Canyon, desert ecosystem and opportunities to explore remote historic sites abandon by early settlers. This route parallels the rim of the scenic Yampa Canyon and provides numerous opportunities for overlooks. Camping facilities are available in Echo Park at the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers, and prehistoric Indian rock art can be viewed in this area.
