Mountain Bike

5.3 miles

Distance

1,052 ft

Climb

-1,051 ft

Descent

2 miles

High Point

Want the fastest way to the goods? The intermediate-advanced bike-only downhill-only rowdy, bermy, jumpy Hard Money? Well, here you go

From the Historic Gilpin Tramway, make the first right onto Millsite Trail. This 2 mile singletrack through the pines is one of the nicest ways to climb nearly 700 ft. The tread is very accommodating and there are few technical challenges, but it is designated as an intermediate trail. While it is only an average grade of 6.4%, there are some punchy sections and climbing corners that will add to your workout. If the altitude is hurting you, there's a great overlook at 1.6 miles in to catch your breath. The top of Millsite hooks up with Easy Money. Take the left fork on Easy Money to continue the climb, then cross the service road and keep going. Keep heading up Easy Money, up and up and up. You'll have the option of 2 addition switchbacks if you want to see the summit of Maryland Mountain, otherwise take the left onto Hard Money.

Now here are the good. Hang onto your saddle for 2 miles of you-won't-stop-grinning downhill fun. At the bottom, take a left on Historic Gilpin Tramway for another lap or to get back to the trailhead.

Detailed Description

Hard Money Loop is a 5 mile popular expert route located near Black Hawk Colorado. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 1,052 ft with a max elevation of 9,176 ft then descends -1,051 ft.

Route Supporters

City of Black Hawk
Black Diamond Trail Designs
Builder
Colorado Mountain Bike Association
Maintainer
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance
Maintainer

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Trails in Route

	Millsite Trail				2 miles
	Hard Money				2 miles

Details

Riding area

Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Park
Primary Activity

Mountain Bike
Other Activities
- E-Bike
Difficulty rating

Black Diamond
Route Type

Loop
eBike Allowed

Yes
Bike type

AM, XC
Direction

One Direction
Physical rating

Moderate
Ridelogs

409

More Stats for Hard Money Loop mountain bike route

Avg time

1 hr 7 min
Altitude min

8,189 ft
Altitude start

8,192 ft
Altitude end

8,196 ft
Grade max

-37.1%
Grade min

46.8%
Distance climb

3 miles
Distance down

2 miles
Distance flat

935 ft

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ATV/ORV/OHV Filter

ATV - 50 inches
OHV, SxS - 60 inches
Jeep - 72 inches

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Winter Trails

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x Missing Trails

status	trail	date	condition	description
	Hard Money	Apr 13, 2025 @ 3:44pm Apr 13, 2025
	Millsite Trail	Mar 31, 2025 @ 1:36pm Mar 31, 2025		Large tree down across trail, blocking trail and a lot of snow on the top 2/3 of Hard Money. Easy Money and the surrounding area seemed rideable.