M ountain biking in fall offers some great riding. The following recommendations will get riders onto some fine fat tracking in the midst of some sensational color. Access is via Ute Trail, CR 175, north of Salida. Off U.S. 285 at Nathrop, this area offers spectacular colors mixed with the region's mining and railroad history. Large aspen stands shade much of the road up Chalk Creek Canyon to St. Elmo.
Riders can also ride up Hancock and Tin Cup passes.
Then take CR 344. Go west on U.S. 50 from Poncha Springs, and start at CR 225. Most aspen color will be found in the first two miles off the highway. Then, take either fork to get into the color. Going up any one of the drainages will take fat trackers into some great color.