Another fabulous day in the saddle! My gravel bike is nothing short of spectacular and today’s loop was a blast. Really it was a lollipop where we rode up Echo Basin and then added on a short modified Aspen Loop at the top before coming back. 35 miles with 3361′ of climbing.
Aspen Loop itself is a 35 mile trail that reaches a high point of 11,051 in elevation so it isn’t quite dry yet. Plus, that loop has 3687′ of climbing so riding there from our trailer and then riding the loop would be a giant day. After riding the gravel road all the way up there, we turned onto the Aspen Loop Trail and climbed some more. The trail is doubletrack through the aspen forest with views of Mt. Hesperus and the LaPlata Mountains. We cut across on a side trail and made our own mini loop before heading back down. This area has so much to offer and it is fun exploring. Not to mention the weather has been near perfect with warm sunny days and cool nights.
We’ll definitely be back to ride the entire Alpine Loop when it dries out, though it seems like the day after a rainfall would be the best time because it gets dusty up there.
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