Riding out of Minturn and Leadville?

[AZ800]

Looking for a new spot to take the family riding this weekend. Have seen people taking off from the West side of 24 jsut south of I 70 and aslo off the West side down past Camp Hale.
What's the riding like?

 

[windsock]

I believe you are talking about Meadow Mountain which is right at the forest service station there at DowdJunction (Highway 24 and I-70). They are grooming that road going up every couple of weeks or so. Could be a great place to take the family and little ones. Sometimes parking there can be a hassle. You can ride all the way to the top and there are some big open areas. Nothing major but you can do some jumps between taking care of the kids. There is a small cabin at the top where you can take a break, have lunch, etc.

This area is no Rabbit Ears, Vail Pass, or Flattops. Boring if you'd go with the "guys". I'll go up there to shake out the sled or check on something, get a Xmas tree, but that's about it. But again, great for a family ride, with good views.

If you want miles of trails, go to Camp Hale. You havae to pay the fee ($6? per person), but Nova guides grooms all the roads and you can put on lots of miles if you hit every road. Plus at the top you can do a few climbs.

 

[AZ800]

Thx for the info. Maybe we'll try Meadow Mountain. Was looking for some groomers to take the wife and kids with. Don't know why, wife doesn't like climbing or sidehilling with a 4 year old clamped to the bars and dragging the snowcoach??
I've ridden out of Camp Hale before, nice and not as many wallies as coming from the VP side.
The other area I was talking about is south of Camp Hale and opposite side of the highway. Seen a bunch of trucks parked there.

 

[AndrettiDog]

The problem with Meadow Mountain is that it is rolling hills. There is a groomed path and the top is more open. But the whole hill could be a pain in the arse for your wife if she doesn't like anything but flat.

Red & White would probably be better. There are 59 miles of groomed roads. EVen if they are not freshly groomed, they are still flat for the most part. The best part is that there are several play areas for you really close to the road. With some good sunny weather, it could make for a great day. Camp Hale isn't bad, but it basically takes you to Ptarmigan Pass which is where all the Vail Pass folks go anyway.

 

[CO_MapMaker]

turquoise lake is my family riding spot. Nice groomed trail around the lake, and some off trail riding as well.

And you can the take the 120's and ice fish.

 

[AndrettiDog]

turquoise lake is my family riding spot. Nice groomed trail around the lake, and some off trail riding as well.

And you can the take the 120's and ice fish.

Nice area. You can always do Hagerman Pass but that is not a family ride. Too much wind load for anyone that can't side hill. I did Champion Mine yesterday and it was absolutely gorgeous country.