As described, this ride will require shuttles at Midland Trail's Shields Gulch trailhead on CR 315, and at the Arkansas River footbridge, located at the end of Buena Vista's East Main Street. The trailhead area and an informational display is about a half mile from the highway. The first five miles of the grade have been isolated from most vehicle traffic by four draws, originally crossed by wooden and steel trestles. These draws are now crossed by trails built on the north side of the old grade. Stretches of the actual grade are easily ridden with only a few difficult areas, where the walls of some of the cuts have partially collapsed.
Trails crossing the draws are more difficult with short, steep and loose descents and climbs.
However, use discretion and dismount for areas that exceed ability. These few difficult sections are short and easily walked. They should not discourage mountain bikers from attempting this ride. Approximately 0.3 miles after crossing the last draw, the railroad grade intersects a graded, single- lane road. Continue almost straight west on this road for another 2.5 miles and look for a trail taking off to the left.