Cycling in the North Fork Valley con't
... cruising on rural roads, singletrack or skinny tire road cycling you will find something to keep you busy and exploring for a long while before you have to do the same trip twice.
Road Rides
The rolling mesas surrounding the North Fork Valley offer exceptional riding. The traffic is generally quiet and the roads are in excellent shape. Between Paonia and Crawford there are numerous loops ranging from short 4,10 and 16 mile loops to 100 miles plus power rides if you desire. A perfect day trip is to head out of Paonia to Hidden Valley up Lamborn Mesa out Crawford road to the Cottonwood Creek turnoff. This offers amazing views of Mt. Lamborn, Needle Rock and an opportunity to drop into downtown Crawford for a fine lunch. The main highways 92 and 133 should, however, be avoided at all costs. The lack of adequate shoulders and heavy truck traffic make this area very dangerous. Be sure to bring a water bottle and be prepared to squirt an errant dog or two as they often don’t see so many passersby out in the country.
Rural Cruisers
If you have some wider tires and like to get out on the dirt roads, there are many opportunities nearby. Just head out Minnesota Creek Road from downtown Paonia or from Hotchkiss, head south on Cedar Street, up Fruitland Mesa Road. Get into the West Elks by heading out Needle Rock road from Crawford. These out and back rides can bring you into amazing worlds that exist just several miles from our downtown areas. Cross bikes, hybrids or cruisers will serve you just fine but you may want some gears as there are hills in all directions. Don’t forget a patch kit! It’s not nearly as much fun if you have to walk your bike back and chances are, you won’t see a soul while you’re out there.
Mountain Biking
The opportunities for mountain biking in the North Fork are great, as well. Paonia has an area known as Jumbo Mountain which is BLM land that has numerous multi-use trails. The riding is superb and offers a variety of terrain especially for intermediate to advanced riders. The area is surrounded by private property and access is limited so be sure to get good directions, be prepared to meet other trail users and always stay off private land. You will need a helmet, tool kit and tire repair equipment as the riding can get intense! Be safe and enjoy the opportunities!
Whether you’re riding in town or in rural areas local bicycle enthusiasts encourage you to wear a helmet, obey the rules of the road, be considerate of private property and enjoy the scenery in the North Fork Valley.
Road Rides
The rolling mesas surrounding the North Fork Valley offer exceptional riding. The traffic is generally quiet and the roads are in excellent shape. Between Paonia and Crawford there are numerous loops ranging from short 4,10 and 16 mile loops to 100 miles plus power rides if you desire. A perfect day trip is to head out of Paonia to Hidden Valley up Lamborn Mesa out Crawford road to the Cottonwood Creek turnoff. This offers amazing views of Mt. Lamborn, Needle Rock and an opportunity to drop into downtown Crawford for a fine lunch. The main highways 92 and 133 should, however, be avoided at all costs. The lack of adequate shoulders and heavy truck traffic make this area very dangerous. Be sure to bring a water bottle and be prepared to squirt an errant dog or two as they often don’t see so many passersby out in the country.
Rural Cruisers
If you have some wider tires and like to get out on the dirt roads, there are many opportunities nearby. Just head out Minnesota Creek Road from downtown Paonia or from Hotchkiss, head south on Cedar Street, up Fruitland Mesa Road. Get into the West Elks by heading out Needle Rock road from Crawford. These out and back rides can bring you into amazing worlds that exist just several miles from our downtown areas. Cross bikes, hybrids or cruisers will serve you just fine but you may want some gears as there are hills in all directions. Don’t forget a patch kit! It’s not nearly as much fun if you have to walk your bike back and chances are, you won’t see a soul while you’re out there.
Mountain Biking
The opportunities for mountain biking in the North Fork are great, as well. Paonia has an area known as Jumbo Mountain which is BLM land that has numerous multi-use trails. The riding is superb and offers a variety of terrain especially for intermediate to advanced riders. The area is surrounded by private property and access is limited so be sure to get good directions, be prepared to meet other trail users and always stay off private land. You will need a helmet, tool kit and tire repair equipment as the riding can get intense! Be safe and enjoy the opportunities!
Whether you’re riding in town or in rural areas local bicycle enthusiasts encourage you to wear a helmet, obey the rules of the road, be considerate of private property and enjoy the scenery in the North Fork Valley.