R.E. vs Flattops

[snowgood]

If u had the choice, which one do you think is better.R.E. or flattops? i have ridden r.e. several times and love it but looking for something new,both are about the same in distance.Also directions if possible to some of the parking lots for flattops.I mostly boondock tree's and meadows with some hill climbing. thanks mike

 

[Snowmark]

vs

i luv flattops out of dotsero but i have to ride the trail in for 15-20 miles to get to the dockin' i like, so i always carry an extra 5 of fuel and stash it at the 20 mile point, refill, do my boondockin and then put the rest in for the trail ride back......take the trail from coffee pot about 20 miles, get up on the white river plateau and ride down to tibbett's ridge or baxter peak....great terrain, lots of gullys and hills with nicely spaced trees, then head back north and catch the trail back to coffeepot...there's also lots of decent dockin around the trail, gps and a map are mandatory and you have be good with'em to make this ride as it's all boonies...it is a giant and tricky area.....course the ears are always awesome if ya know where to go

 

[beer gut]

The Flattops can be pretty awesome (all depends on snow conditions, of course), but it's a HUGE area and not very crowded. Try to find someone who knows the area to ride with.

To get to the parking lot at Coffee Pot, exit at Dotsero (5 miles past Gypsum) and go north (sign says Sweetwater & Burns) about 3-4 miles (not sure on that). You will see a sign that says Nat'l Forest access or something like that. Take a left there and stay on that road, depending on snow conditions -- you might park at about the 2 mile lot if there's lotsa snow, or go up to the 6 mile marker (that's mostly where people have been parking all this year). Like Snowmark says, it's a few miles of trail riding, then it opens up to a lot of acres...

 

[tudizzle]

If I had to choose between the two Ears.

Don't get me wrong the flattops are awesome! But it's not as easy to find your way into the better areas. I started riding there and explored it quite a bit. And even the last time I rode there found new areas I wished I knew about before.

The ears just seems more accessible and the odds of stumbling across some great back country spots is higher. There are def more people...but venture just a bit off the beaten path and its usually untouched for days.


If your looking for something new...and don't mind driving a bit further....check out.

www.thundermountainlodge.net

on the grand mesa....great snow with terrain to match.

 

[windsock]

Flattops. It is a LONG ride on the trail getting up there to the good stuff. Miles and miles of stuff and high altitude. Good for the spring when other areas are getting set-up. Best to have a group of riders but if just two people, gotta pay attention. (We have the satellite beacon) Chances of someone coming by to help out if you have a problem is virtually nil. Many times you are 20-40 miles away from the car. Nice cornice jumping in some areas.

Some pictures of the wife up on the Flattops

 

[BackCountryBob]

The Flattops are broken up into two distinctly different areas: The east side from Dotsero and the west side from New Castle (West Elk) and Rifle (Rifle Falls).

I-70 access to Dotsero from Denver is about 1 hr. closer by truck than New Castle but has a very long trail ride to the powder. The trail ride from West Elk is about 3.5 miles with some minor boon docking along the way. Trail grooming on the West side is usually excellent. West side snow is usually better but can be more wind blown.

White outs are more common on the Tops than RE and the vastness of Tops can get you lost real fast. RE parking along US 40 is alot closer to riding and does not require any trail riding. Week end riding at RE is more crowded with parking a big issue--better get there before 9:30.

It's a toss up--I prefer the Tops/west on weekends and RE during the week.

BCB

 

[live2ride]

One of my favorites is the Flattops.....BUT out of Glenwood It is in the middle between Dotsero and New Castle. ONLY accessable via good snow conditions. We rode there alot this year and it is done already due to no access. I also love the Mesa great terrian with different difficulties of riding. Rode RE and had fun there too....every place has there pro's and con's....

 

[snowgood]

R.E.

thanxs alot for the info. looks like i will be going to r.e..Ill have to wait on flattops until i talk some of my buddies in to going. looks awsome out there and will be going, hopefully this year

 

[CANNONMAN]

A lot of the previous pics look like the Grand Mesa. Flattops are cool but very vast. Easy to get lost. Mesa is similar just more people to help and services also, all of which is lacking on the flattops. Kind of in between what R.E. and the flattops offer. Come on by, we'll hook you up and I am sure you won't leave disappointed.