Steamboat MTB Camping Trip

Steamboat anyone?

The riding is great, and the temps are cooler up in the hills. Let’s ride Steamboat!

Mark Smith and I are co-coordinating this amazing mountain bike trip. The Stagecoach Pinnacle Group Campsite has been secured for up to 12 campers for 5 nights - Monday, August 17th through Friday, August 21st. This is primarily a tent site, but there are two spots for small "teardrop"-type units. If you'd like to join but have a larger RV and/or seek an individual site contact Colorado State Parks to make your own arrangements.

Here is the scheduled ride itinerary:

Monday, Aug. 17 – 3:00 PM
Meet at the group campsite for a casual group spin around the Stagecoach trails.

All rides Tuesday through Thursday will meet at the designated trailhead (as indicated below) at 9:45 AM, with wheels rolling at 10:00 AM. Friday's ride will meet at 8:45 AM.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Ride: Up Spring Creek – Down Spring Roller
Ride Start: 845 Howelsen Parkway - Howelsen Hill Ski Area Parking Lot
Directions: To reach the Howelsen Hill Ski Area parking lot from Stagecoach State Park, take a scenic, straightforward 35-minute drive (approximately 24 miles) north toward downtown Steamboat Springs.

• Leave Stagecoach State Park: Head north on Routt County Road 16 for about 5.6 miles.
• Merge onto CO-131 N: Turn left onto CO-131 N and continue for 12.8 miles.
• Turn onto US-40 W: Turn left onto US-40 W (Lincoln Avenue) and drive into downtown Steamboat Springs for about 4.7 miles.
• Turn onto 5th Street: Turn left onto 5th Street and cross the Yampa River bridge.
• Arrive at Howelsen Hill: Turn right at the stop sign onto Howelsen Parkway. Continue into the parking area in front of the Howelsen Hill Ski Area lodge and base facilities.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
Ride: Emerald Mountain
Ride Start: 845 Howelsen Parkway (see Tuesday's directions)

Thursday, Aug. 20
Ride: Flash of Gold
Ride Start: Trailhead located directly across from the Dry Lake Campground
Directions: Exit Steamboat Springs heading north on Routt County Road 36 (Strawberry Park Road), then turn east onto Routt County Road 38 (Buffalo Pass Road). Drive approximately 6 miles to reach the trailhead and campground.
Parking: There is a well-sized parking area and notice board opposite the campground, with parking available on both sides of the road (the right side is usually best).

Friday, Aug. 21
We have options! (We can make our decision Thursday evening.)

Ride Option #1: Emerald Mountain Backside
Ride Start/Directions: See Wednesday.

Ride Option #2: "Ears to Beers" – Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat
Divide Trail / Mountain View Route. This 25-mile point-to-point backcountry ride requires a shuttle.
Directions from Stagecoach State Park to the Trailhead:

• Leave the Stagecoach State Park campsite and head north on County Road 14.
• Turn left onto CO-131 N.
• Turn left onto US-40 W and climb to the top of Rabbit Ears Pass (approximately 24 miles total).
• Park at the Dumont Lake Campground trailhead, located on the north side of the pass.

Stagecoach State Park
Location: 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek, CO. About a 25-minute drive from Steamboat Springs, making it a perfect base camp.

Campgrounds provide potable water (hydrants), restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers.

The group site has two power posts with electricity—one at each end of the gravel camping area. One is already spoken for by Mark Smith. Let us know if you'd like the second one (first come, first served).

DO NOT set your tents up on the grass. Set up on the pea-gravel areas only.

The group site also has covered picnic tables, fire pits, and more.

Parking: The group site has limited parking, but additional parking is available nearby.
.
Other Activities: Bring your paddle boards or kayaks. You can also rent paddle boards at the marina. The park features 8 miles of hiking and biking trails, a sandy swim beach, and a sand volleyball court.

Fees: Group campsite fees do not include the park entrance fee. Every vehicle entering the park must purchase a Daily Vehicle Pass, which costs $12 for Colorado vehicles and $17 for out-of-state vehicles.

The group campsite fee will be determined once we know the total number of campers at . If we reach the maximum of 12 campers, the cost per person will be $43.34 per camper for all five nights.

Once we have 12 campers, the group site will be closed.

When you arrive at the Pinnacle campsite look for my blue Subaru Outback and Mark’s cactus gray '21 Ford Ranger 20' Flagstaff Camper

Please leave any comments and questions on the event page and Mark and I will post a response for all to see and so that everyone can benefit from.

Should you need to contact me (720-260-2745) or Mark (720-219-9832) please don’t hesitate.

Would love to see you in Steamboat!

Kerry Vargo & Mark Smith

Disclaimer:

• By joining this event, you acknowledge that mountain biking is a high-risk activity that can result in serious injury or death. You agree to fully release and hold harmless the event organizers and leaders from any and all claims or liabilities resulting from your participation. You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, and medical needs. By RSVPing 'Yes', you agree to these terms.