Crested Butte Mountain Biking: Lower Loop – Woods Walk

From the 4-Way, head all the way west on Elk Avenue until you hit a dead end. Once you are at the end of the road there will be a gravel road on your left that will start to climb. This is the start of old Kebler Pass. From here you will climb up a gravel road until it levels out. You will quickly hop onto Kebler Pass Road where you will see two roads on your right, Treasury Road and Trappers Way, in between these two roads is the start of the Woods Walk. The Woods Walk splits in two, but both trails will merge in the same location.

Woods Walk will continue to descend before a steady low angle climb on gravel. You will cross a small creek, and ride through hillside brush. Eventually reach a junction where to the left is the Budd Trail (much harder), to the right a parking lot and access to the lower section of the Lower Loop. Continue right, then take a left over the cattle guard. The road will eventually funnel you to the Lower Loop Trail. Follow the trail past a few benches. Once you reach the Slate River the singletrack continues left, over some tree roots (may require a dismount for some). The trail will take you along the Slate River before arriving at the Gunsight Pass junction. Just over 4 miles in (half way) reach a multi-way junction before a bridge, where you can turn around.

Optional return route via the Upper Lower Loop: Take a left at the junction and after a brief, but stout climb up part of gunsight pass road, you will see a signed trail pointing to the upper part of the Lower Loop on the left side of the road. The trail will bring you on a steep hillside, making for beautiful views and wildflowers. After a few moderate ups and downs, you will pass through patches of aspens before you reach another junction on your right. This is the other side of the Budd Trail which is an optional extension and is a more intermediate/difficult level of trail.

The Gunsight Connector and Lupine Trail, along with Lower Loop and Upper Loop gives you the ability to navigate around the town of Crested Butte. This is a popular trail because it is so close to town, expect to see walkers, runners and plenty of dogs.