Misc Pix - Winter '04/'05 - 12/21/07 version

Winter riding is possible in Colorado if you're willing to drive a ways. The Tanner/Stultz trails south of Canon City are often rideable, even with a little snow on the ground. The trail area is quite small, and can easily be ridden in half a day. Snow makes for an all day ride. Riding along the Arkansas River south of Salida is often possible in January and February. You have to drive Highway 50 south of Salida to Wellsville to get on the river road. You can ride along the river all the way to Coaldale or, at Howard, turn north onto Sand Gulch and ride to the power line road, returning on it to Wellsville. In the spring, I often ride to Coaldale, cross the highway, and ride up to Hayden Pass.

Tanner/Stultz directions: driving on Highway 50 through Canon City, turn south onto 9th street (4-way stop-light intersection), drive south until the funky intersection on a curve - you turn right onto Elm (?), drive west to another funky intersection, turn left onto Oak Creek Grade Rd, drive south about three miles to the Tanner Tr trailhead parking lot. Unload and ride. You may also continue south on the road to the Stultz Tr trailhead parking lot, about three more miles. This is my preferred parking spot. A Tanner/Stultz map is available online:  TannerStultz.jpg  116KB