Well Gulch Trail at Lory State Park- 9/1/2014

Location:Well Gulch Trail in Lory State Park

Date: 9/1/2014

How far we went: 2.53mi (full trail plus some of the West Valley Trail back to parking lot)

How long it took us: 1hr 15min

Elevation reached: 5,507 ft

Weather: Another sunny day in Colorado :)

To view all of the photos in all of their glory, visit my Flickr album here.

This is an easy trail that is exceptionally beautiful in the spring and summer. You can either head up towards the Timber trail then turn around or just hook a loop at the sign when you see it. It's a small extra climb but it's totally worth it if you're looking to kill time. There are some beautiful views of the reservoir any time of year. Just as a small note, when you finish the Well Gulch trail it will leave you a small distance where you'll have to trek back on the West Valley trail (northwards) back to where you parked. It's not that far but it has confused people before. Make sure to respect the trails! 

The highlighted red section is the Well Gulch trail. Note where it ends and the mach back to the parking lot. 

MTB: Lory State Park- East and West Valley Trails

The East and West Valley Trails at Lory State Park

Location: Lory State Park, East/West Valley Trails

Date: 5/6/2014

How far we went: 4.96mi

How long it took me: Around 39 min for both trails

Elevation reached: 5600ft

Weather: Overcast, mild.

The East and West Valley trails provide a nice easy ride that put you between the shore and the road on the East side and between the mountain and the road on the West side. I was riding at a brisk pace but randomly stopped here and there to snap a photo or read a sign. With that said it took me around 39 minutes to do both trails.

The trails consists of mainly easy going with some small up and downhill challenges that take some small maneuvering. Minor switchbacking and some small rock jumps are there should you choose. An easy trail is as difficult and fun as you make it and I've easily found myself going way too fast or being overconfident and have almost caused great spills. But honestly, that's why we do this shit.

These trails are shared with pedestrians and people on horseback. Make sure you're polite and show proper trail etiquette.

If you're visiting from a flat area and/or not used to hills or actual mountain biking terrain, I suggest you: 1. Make sure you have your safety equipment in order, a helmet at the very least. 2. Spend 20 or 30 minutes getting comfortable at the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park. (If you look at the picture above, it's that square shaped cleared out area to the left of "End) and 3. Make sure you're comfortable on these trails before heading up further into Lory.

Anyways, have fun and be safe!

MTB: Corral Center Mountain Bike Park- Lory State Park- 5/6/2014

First Mountain Bike Post! ... And since it is my first MTB post I'll start small. Here is the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park in Lory State Park, It's right near the entrance and will cost you $7 if you bring your bike in via vehicle or $3 if you make there on a bike.

The weather is beautiful in N. Colorado during the spring so what could be better than as nice day out on two wheels? Here in Fort Collins we are fortunate enough to have this stuff practically in our back yard. If you're getting acquainted with a mountain bike or just wanna have some fun this is a great place to start.

 

There are three different parts to the area with increasing difficulty: Skills area, pump track, and dirt jumps.

The skills area is definitely where you want to get comfortable, especially if this is your first time doing some actual trail riding. Basic obstacles include structures for balance, turns, small jumps/hops, and loose terrain.

The pump track is a looping track of bumps and rollers where the rider absorbs and compresses the bike without pedaling to make it through the loop. A pretty decent workout!

Here is the dirt jumps at the park. They are divided into three different lines in order of increasing difficulty. If this is your first time hitting the jumps make sure you are aware of what you're doing and start small!

Overall, a great place to hone your skills if you are a beginner or expert. If it's your first time hitting the trails at Lory or if you are used to riding that is a little more tame, then be sure to check this place out before hitting the trails. It's usually never busy!

Lory State Park- (Westridge, Howard, Mill Creek Link) 11/15/2012

Started out at green star (parking lot at very end of Lory) 1. Arthur's Rock Trail 3. Portion of Timber Trail 5. Westridge Trail. 11. Howard Trail (where I took my fall) 9. Mill Creek Link

Location: Lory State Park (Westridge trail via Arthur's Rock/Timber trail, then Howard and Mill Creek Link) Bellvue, CO. 

Date: 11/15/2012

How far we went: ?? Lost track due to injury (see below)**

How long it took us: About 2 or 3 hours depending on pace.

Elevation reached: ?? Lost track of this too

Weather: A little chilly, very sunny. 

Another sunny day in Colorado. I was curious to see what the Westridge trail was so I went up via Arthur's Rock and took a left at the sign designated for Timber trail and followed that to my destination. It's the only place (I believe) at Lory where you have an unobstructed view of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. I was in too much of a hurry on the Howard Trail (#11 above) and I tripped and took a hard fall sliding down the trail. Both hands, both arms, and my right leg all had some good damage. Luckily, I had some alcohol based wipes in my bookbag that day and was able to clean my wounds (there was a LOT of dirt in my cuts/skin.) I took a second to get cleaned up then I calmly proceeded to the bottom and home where I was able to better deal with it. I wasn't hurt bad though.. Either way, awesome trail. Don't be surprised if you see some daredevil mountain bikers on Howard. Pretty awesome to see them in action. 

Where you need to go left if you come up Arthur's Rock Trail.

Walking along Timber trail.

Walking along Westridge, take a turn to your right and you see the view.....

.... The view that my camera cannot give justice to. 

View of Arthur's rock from Westridge

Only shot I got of Howard trail before I tripped

**