Grand Game Traverse - Shrine Pass to Minturn route

Shuttle Ride: It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the Shrine Pass parking area to Minturn

This very rewarding high elevation ride, starts near Shrine Pass and descends roughly 6000' along fast and scenic singletrack ending in the quaint mountain town of Minturn. The ride starts with a challenging climb over the first four miles. Go ahead and embrace the stout climb, as once you reach the routes highpoint, identified by a clearing and a clear view of Mt of the Holy Cross, the majority of your day will be spent racing downhill through stands of aspens at warp speeds.

Once you leave your pickup vehicle in Minturn it takes about 40 minutes to drive up to the Shrine Pass parking area. I highly suggest parking here as it provides the largest parking area along the dirt road. A restroom is also available. Even though the singletrack doesn't start for two miles further up the road its all downhill, and its nice to get the legs moving a bit before the climbing starts.

The rides hardest climb is right off the bat and lasts for about four miles as you wind your way through dense forest before coming to the clearing with breathtaking views of the Gore Range to the east and Mt of the Holy Cross to the west. After catching your breath and taking in the views, enjoy the first of two raw and rooty downhill segments before coming to the intersection with Two Elk trail. From here continue north and east to Two Elk Connect trail. Here you will climb for a few more miles along a gentle grade joining up with one of the Vail resort service roads for a short distance before picking up the Grand Traverse trail. This trail is smooth, fast and flows well. For a traverse style trail it is a blast and descends just over 1000'.

Now for the best part The ripping descent down Game Creek and into Minturn. Don't forget to stop into the Minturn Saloon right at the base of Game Creek!