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Baker’s Tank Loop trail guide

Staff report
www.nationalgeographi.comAn easy climb up Boreas Pass Road takes you to a hidden-away singletrack that descends through a dense pine forest.
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Distance: 5.5 miles

Rating: Moderate

Time: 1-2 hours



Elevation: 10,360-10,850 ft.

Type: Loop, dirt road, trail



Season: Late June to early October

Know Before You Go: When the gate near the trailhead is closed, Boreas Pass Road is still snowy and wet. Cyclists should avoid this ride until the gate opens. Expect vehicle traffic (especially on weekends) on the road which is bordered by aspen groves, making it a spectacular fall ride. Although it may look dry at the beginning, the shaded trail takes a while to lose snow and should be avoided in early summer and also a day after heavy rains. This is also a great ride in the opposite direction.

Parking: From I-70, drive south through Breckenridge on HWY 9. Turn left at the stoplight on the south end of town onto Boreas Pass Road. Drive 3.5 miles up this winding road to pavement’s end. Park in a pulloff on the left where the road becomes dirt.

Description: Follow Boreas Pass Road for 3 miles to Baker’s Tank (see the Boreas Pass ride to continue up the main road). Turn onto a jeep road forking left just before the tank. Climb briefly and veer left onto a trail starting near a fence. It parallels above the jeep road, then switchbacks left. Pedal along this nearly level trail as it winds around a hill, clinging to a steep slope. Reach a junction at 3.9 miles, turn left and begin a long descent (going straight leads to private property). For the rest of this ride, expect uphill traffic and use caution around blind corners. Twist and turn through dense forest. Then connect with an old road at 4.8 miles. Turn left (going right again leads to private land), descend briefly and then turn right almost immediately and back onto the trail. Cross another road and pass through a camping area/turnaround. Continue on the trail as it cruises along a fairly level section through the trees. It then descends along steep hillside, switchbacking downward and ending at the trailhead.


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