The first 12 miles at 11,000 to 12,000 feet of elevation of the Crest Trail meanders along the Continental Divide. Riders get sensational views of the Rockies, including the Sawatch Range, Pikes Peak to the east and the distant San Juans and Uncompahgres to the southwest and west.
Riders cover a variety of terrain from mountaintop granite to boulder fields.
One moment you're on what seems to be the edge of the world. The next you're flying effortlessly, silently through a dark green tunnel on a pine needle carpet. Four to five hours. Starting at 11,315 feet, the high point is 11,960. Total climbing is about 1,000 feet.