Saul’s Creek Trails, near Bayfield, CO
I doubt Saul’s Creek is near the top of anyone’s list for good mountain biking in the Four Corners, I know it’s certainly not on the top of my list, but because of how close to my house it is, it happens to be where I mountain bike the most.
The Saul’s Creek trail system is in the San Juan National Forest about 3 miles east of Bayfield, CO. The area is criss-crossed with gas roads and single and double track, there’s probably only about 4 miles or so of trail, but by combining some of the gas roads you can go for an hour long ride or so, nothing great but it’s the best I’ve found in the area.
There isn’t anything too technical or difficult out there, there are often horses and sometimes dirt bikes, but it makes for decent mid week riding when I can’t make it to a better trail.
The map at the trailhead doesn’t even show the trails, just the gas roads, it seem like every time I ride out there I notice a new trail, usually short, sometimes to a dead end at private property, but fun to ride.
To get to the Saul’s Creek trailhead drive east on Highway 160 from Bayfield. Turn right on CR 526 (with the sign “National Forest Access, Saul’s Creek). Take the first left on CR 527 and the signed trailhead is about 1 mile down the road.
Looking Toward Ignacio
The Silhouetted La Plata Mountains Behind Bayfield
I used to live in bayfield several years back, and regularly rode and walked the dogs in sauls creek. I agree it can’t be thought of as any kind of destination it can be fun exploring the areas though…nice pics!