Coney Buchanan Loop route

This loop is possible in the summer and winter and is difficult in each season for different reasons.

Park at the Peaceful Valley trailhead. Head west on Buchanan Trail, then head up Beaver Resevoir Cutoff to Coney Creek Road. The single track is rocky, steep and challenging. Coney Creek Road is a heavily trafficked 4x4 road. There's an out of date sign an the intersections of Coney and Middle St Vrain stating that bikes are not allowed on the trail. This information is incorrect. You'll come down Buchanan Pass trail back to where you started.

Summer: Rocks, rocks and more rocks The singletrack is very challenging in both steepness and technical features. Coney Creek Road is open to off-roading traffic and is very busy. It also has several large puddles than never dry up. Buchanan Pass Trail is a very popular hiking destination.
Pro-tip: There is not a set opening or closing date of the motor vehicle gate. Try timing this ride in spring or fall when the ground is mostly dry but the gate is still shut. Otherwise, hit it very early in the morning or as an evening ride to avoid jeeps.

Winter: A good layer of snow covers up all the rocks making this a great fatbiking ride. Buchanan and the lower section of Coney Creek are usually well packed. The western-most 3 miles of this route are not well traveled and traverse some open areas and thus are often untracked and drifty.
Pro-tip: Check conditions on Front Range Fattys before heading out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1422762624607648/. And it's a good idea to carry snowshoes with you should you need to do some extended hiking.