Buena Vista River Road

This is a great ride for those staying in Buena Vista who just want an easy biking excursion.

Beginner 1-2 Hours   10.5Miles

Rating: Beginner.
Distance: 10.5 miles.
Time: 1-2 hours.
Elevation: Start 7,955 ft; end 8,475 ft; elevation gain is 520 feet.
Trails: Graded one- and two-lane dirt road; some four-wheel drive road.
Maps: USGS Buena Vista Topo; San Isabel National Forest Map.
Access: This is an out-and-back ride, following CR 371 north of BV.
CR 371 is a continuation of Colorado avenue in Buena Vista, which is one block east of the railroad tracks on Main street.
Ride Description: Start at any point along CR 371. CR 371 crosses the Arkansas 1.6 miles from town limits and joins the Old Midland Railroad Grade on the northeast side of the river. Approximately one mile after crossing the bridge over the Arkansas are the historic Midland Railroad Tunnels. Be careful — the tunnels are narrow and the road is often a washboard. Just past the last tunnel on the left side of the road is Elephant Rock. For the next three miles, the river cannot be seen from the road.

For a shorter and more scenic ride, start at the end of this section at the railroad bridge on the left side of the road, 6.2 miles from town. The next three miles run adjacent to the river to an intersection with the Otero Pump Station road. The road continues another mile to its closure. Return on CR 371, or cross the bridge heading west at the Otero Pump Station road, and return to town on U.S. 24.