snowy range info
- Thread starter XC500mod
- Start date
No it is 5 miles or so from Centennial to the parking area and then another couple miles to decent riding. We have had to park by the visitor center when the road hasn't been plowed and that was a long ride just to get to the parking area!
In simplest terms, you can.... but there needs to be a lot of snow to be able to do it as you have to ride road ditches a bit to get to the trails to get up to the top. I’ve only done it one time and it was in January 2017, 5 minutes in and a guy on Yamaha torched an a-arm and he missed 3’ of fresh powder. It’s a pain at green rock, but it’s worth it to trailer up and go from there.
There is a second big parking lot near Albany, across from Albany Lodge. Not quite as busy as Green Rock. Take Co Rd 11 South before you get to Centennial. Puts you down closer to the South end of the Range, abt 8500'. Green Rock/SML will start you around 9700' and in the middle of the east side. Albany Lodge has gas, food and rentals.
If you have great timing with a good snow dump, Albany can be just as good as going to the west side. Unless you're really set on long hill climbs, there is a lot of challenging tree and ravine riding out of Albany. However, my favorite place is Mountain Meadows Cabins. You don't have the night life like Laramie, Centennial or Albany but it's much more affordable. Haul in you own food and drink. Since it is located at the trail head, you have an opportunity for a longer riding day. If it's not snowing and blowing like crazy, it's not a bad night ride on the trails to Albany for a good dinner.
What ever you decide to do, it's shaping up to be a great year.
What ever you decide to do, it's shaping up to be a great year.
Several of MN, IA, WS, ND guys stay at the River Ridge cabins in Riverside on the West side of the Snowies and then you have the option of riding both the Madres which is only 10 minutes from town or 30min to the Snowies. There are a few Bars in Riverside/Encampment or you can drive 30 min. to Saratoga. You won't be disappointed even if you aren't riding from your door, it's worth the trailer each day and at lot less trail riding. Cameron with 3C Guiding is very familiar with both places and he'll give you great tips on BC riding.
