28.6 miles
Distance
4,412 ft
Climb
-4,407 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point

This is located in a state park, so an $9 daily pass or annual pass is required.

This route highlights the best way to get the full Staunton experience. Covering all the singletrack trails in the most efficient way and of course providing the best downhill experience.

The route now includes the recently created North Elk Creek trail as the centerpiece for the ride. The North Elk Creek section is ridden as an out an back, and is great in both directions. After ripping down nearly five miles from the top of North Elk Creek you will take on two additional short climb segments with of course two more downhill segments, finishing with a screamer down Mason Creek

Detailed Description
The Best of Staunton is a 29 mile popular intermediate route located near Conifer Colorado. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 15 trails. This route climbs 4,412 ft with a max elevation of 10,066 ft then descends -4,407 ft.
Route Supporters

Links

Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Colorado Mountain Bike Association (comba.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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25 Reviews & Comments

  • - 1
Pusspussonafullsuss (May 28, 2022 at 17:13)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Not a black either lol. Maybe a blue but more of a green with blue "features"
[Reply]
  • - 1
Pusspussonafullsuss (May 28, 2022 at 17:13)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Not a black either lol. Maybe a blue but more of a green with blue "features"
[Reply]
  • + 0
3eYDok (Nov 15, 2021 at 16:42)
Trail North Elk Extension
I would call this a green trail, very gentle slope and about as smooth as a babies bottom for 98% of it. Seems like you have to pump a lot in either direction to have much fun, hard to gain alot of speed.
[Reply]
  • + 0
3eYDok (Nov 15, 2021 at 16:42)
Trail North Elk Extension
I would call this a green trail, very gentle slope and about as smooth as a babies bottom for 98% of it. Seems like you have to pump a lot in either direction to have much fun, hard to gain alot of speed.
[Reply]
  • + 1
cmcquade (Jun 10, 2021 at 14:19)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
USFS ANNUAL CLOSURE of the North Elk Trail from March 1st thru June 15th for large game protection and to prevent damage during mud season.
[Reply]
  • + 1
cmcquade (Jun 10, 2021 at 14:19)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
USFS ANNUAL CLOSURE of the North Elk Trail from March 1st thru June 15th for large game protection and to prevent damage during mud season.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Jun 30, 2020 at 10:07)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
It says "newly built 2018"
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Jun 30, 2020 at 10:07)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
It says "newly built 2018"
[Reply]
  • + 0
coxbb (Jun 29, 2020 at 15:31)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
I've ridden twice in the last month and it's mostly clear. A couple fallen trees near the top but it rides well. Watch for several bonus rock rolls and drops to the side! Overall it climbs much better than Cub Creek side. A hidden gem for sure!

Confused about the COMBA post thought since this trail is not "new" as it's been here at least a year.
[Reply]
  • + 0
coxbb (Jun 29, 2020 at 15:31)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
I've ridden twice in the last month and it's mostly clear. A couple fallen trees near the top but it rides well. Watch for several bonus rock rolls and drops to the side! Overall it climbs much better than Cub Creek side. A hidden gem for sure!

Confused about the COMBA post thought since this trail is not "new" as it's been here at least a year.
[Reply]
  • + 1
foghornlegburn (Jul 7, 2020 at 9:18)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
I believe COMBA is expanding it significantly this year. Per their post: "We're excited to expand the North Elk Creek trail this summer, creating a fully singletrack connection between Staunton State Park and the Cub Creek Trail. We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. If you haven't yet checked out the first section we built in 2018, it makes a great out-and-back from Cub Creek."
[Reply]
  • + 1
foghornlegburn (Jul 7, 2020 at 9:18)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
I believe COMBA is expanding it significantly this year. Per their post: "We're excited to expand the North Elk Creek trail this summer, creating a fully singletrack connection between Staunton State Park and the Cub Creek Trail. We'll be adding 2.7 miles this year, thanks to a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with matching funds from Team Evergreen Cycling. If you haven't yet checked out the first section we built in 2018, it makes a great out-and-back from Cub Creek."
[Reply]
  • + 1
cmcquade (Jul 11, 2020 at 4:58)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Oh yes!! thats great news...as its a bummer when you finish the first part of north elk and have to ride road to connect to staunton Smile is it to parallel the road or break off through the trees as a more direct route to west meadow trail?
[Reply]
  • + 1
cmcquade (Jul 11, 2020 at 4:58)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Oh yes!! thats great news...as its a bummer when you finish the first part of north elk and have to ride road to connect to staunton Smile is it to parallel the road or break off through the trees as a more direct route to west meadow trail?
[Reply]
  • + 0
andy-legrunge (Jun 17, 2020 at 19:22)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Worth noting that the singletrack portion is 2.5 miles or so and makes for a great extension of the Cub Creek out n back.
[Reply]
  • + 0
andy-legrunge (Jun 17, 2020 at 19:22)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Worth noting that the singletrack portion is 2.5 miles or so and makes for a great extension of the Cub Creek out n back.
[Reply]
  • + 2
cmcquade (Jun 25, 2020 at 19:37)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
ive made the trail edit - showing where the single track ens and the forrest rode begins just needs enough votes to take effect
[Reply]
  • + 2
cmcquade (Jun 25, 2020 at 19:37)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
ive made the trail edit - showing where the single track ens and the forrest rode begins just needs enough votes to take effect
[Reply]
  • + 1
jpcartergibb (May 10, 2020 at 6:59)
Entrance to the park is now $9
[Reply]
  • + 1
cmcquade (May 17, 2020 at 4:13)
thanks - update made
[Reply]
  • + 0
RichardWTerry (May 2, 2020 at 10:38)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Rode May 1 2020 , snow ended the ride around 9400 feet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
RichardWTerry (May 2, 2020 at 10:38)
Trail North Elk Creek Trail
Rode May 1 2020 , snow ended the ride around 9400 feet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
nolanurban (Sep 3, 2018 at 9:39)
Trail Staunton Ranch Trail South
Fun climb, loose, lots of traffic. 2-3 hrs before sunset is the best descent.
[Reply]
  • + 0
nolanurban (Jul 14, 2018 at 22:09)
Trail Marmot Passage Trail
Excellent trail. DH towards the pond after the climb is excellent with great rock features.
[Reply]
  • - 1
DavisMcPherson (Apr 16, 2018 at 14:06)
Trail Chimney Rock Trail
This trail is a fun but challenging trail. I think the rating should be a Black cause the are many technical sections and rock paths. Be careful as I punctured my rear tire and had to borrow a pump to get out.
[Reply]
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Trails in Route

Details

  • Featured
  • Riding area
    Staunton State Park
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Ridelogs
    161
More Stats for The Best of Staunton mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    8,177 ft
  • Altitude start
    8,177 ft
  • Altitude end
    8,182 ft
  • Grade max
    -59.5%
  • Grade min
    60.1%
  • Distance climb
    13 miles
  • Distance down
    12 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles
Avg: 5 (2 votes)
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  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
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  • Snow Packed
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  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
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  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Fat biking at Staunton State Park!
Fat biking at Staunton State Park!
1:06 | 18 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jan 31, 2023
Border Line Trail - Staunton State Park - Colorado
Border Line Trail - Staunton State Park - Colorado
1:01 | 103 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jun 19, 2022

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

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Staunton Ranch Trail North
Oct 9, 2022 @ 10:55am
Oct 9, 2022
Chimney Rock Trail
Oct 9, 2022 @ 3:55am
Oct 9, 2022
Bugling Elk Trail
Oct 9, 2022 @ 3:55am
Oct 9, 2022
Mason Creek (Upper)
Oct 9, 2022 @ 3:55am
Oct 9, 2022
Border Line Trail
Sep 24, 2022 @ 10:17am
Sep 24, 2022
more reports »
  • By cmcquade & contributors
  • #14328 - 2,670 views