North Bristol Mountain Bike Club

This ride begins at the Hermosa Trailhead Campground and climbs north on Forest Road 478 gaining about 2,500 feet en route to Bolam Pass. The loop's first 9 miles are a long, steep dirt-road climb that intensifies over the last several miles approaching the pass—stop for a breather at the abandoned buildings of the Greysill Mine. From the mine there are a couple of steep switchbacks before this route turns west onto the Colorado Trail at Celebration Lake.

You'll continue mostly uphill for the next 6 miles and though there's a short dirt-road stretch, it's mostly narrow singletrack and much of it is exposed—cruising alpine meadows and offering spectacular views. Keep climbing to Blackhawk Pass, the ride's high point just before mile 15. It's all downhill from here but be careful, the first section off the pass it is steep and can be very loose. Eventually you will spill out onto Hotel Draw road which will take you back to your car.

Be prepared for changing weather on this high elevation ride and, if you're short on time (or stamina for the climb), consider arranging a shuttle to Bolam Pass