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ESTES PARK TRAIL OVERLOOK


As the weather here in Colorado improves, more of the great off-road trails in the Estes Park area open up to exploration.  The last weekend of April was especially nice and I packed the KLR and headed out to enjoy the exceptional beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
I took highway 34 up to Estes Park and then over Highway 36 to a popular riding area just outside of town.  On the way up, I met these two KLR riders, Tim and mark, who had ridden up from the Denver area in search of a challenging off-road adventure.  Being new to this area, they asked if I would act as guide for their ride.
The great thing about this particular area, is the variety of terrain.  Some highly technical slow speed areas and some wide open for high speed running.
There were lots of steep downhill sections with large sections of melting snow, mud and rock.
The photos are deceptive in that they can't show how difficult these sections really are.  One mistake and you would find you and your bike in the horizontal position.
After several miles of difficult riding, it was time to take a break.  Riding at this altitude, the thin air takes a lot out of you.  Even with snow on the ground, the bright sunshine made it pretty warm, and the three of us soon began shedding our jacket liners.
Tim and Mark were running out of time and had to start back towards Denver.  Our ride was short, but intense.  I took them back to the main entry road and then went back for more riding and Photos.
The great thing about living in this area, is that most of the year, it is not too heavily ridden.  The Forest Service has taken special care to keep many of the more destructive OHV's out of this area. 
What a great way to spend a day.  Great ridng, beautiful scenery and total peace and quiet.  I will have to bring my tent back to this area and spend the night so I can enjoy a sunrise view.
It's too bad that Mark and Tim had to head back.  This is some of the scenery they missed.  I have a feeling they will be back this way.
Much of the trail in this area winds in and around some narrow drop offs.  One of the reasons I enjoy riding alone is the opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenery that is often missed in group rides.
I have ridden this area a number of times and this is one of my favorite places to take a break.
While the old wooden walkway has fallen into disrepair, it does not take away from one of the best views of  Estes Park anywhere in this area.
On the way out, I encounter more mud, snow and other obstacles like fallen trees.
The KLR 650 is a great bike for these kinds of rides.   I had just recently changed over the back tire to a King's semi-knobby.  The chunky tire was impressive both on and off road.
It won't be long and the these last traces of snow will be gone and then this trail will offer a totally differt riding experience with loose sand and rock.  No matter the time of year, it is great fun.
One last look before I head back home. 
I have been pouring over my maps and have already selected several new areas that I hope to explore in the coming months.  I plan on doing some extended travels across the State that will involve camping out and exploring more of the Rocky Mountain region.  So much to see and so little time!
Copyright 2007 Ron Petitt