Sheep Creek Trailhead

The Sheep Creek Loop Trail near Fairplay, Colorado, offers a rewarding mountain biking experience through diverse backcountry landscapes. You'll find yourself on raw, twisting singletrack, navigating through beautiful aspen groves and open meadows with expansive views of the Mosquito Range. This moderate 12.5-mile (20.2 km) loop, featuring 1391 feet (424 metres) of elevation gain and typically taking around 2 hours and 1 minute, promises a dynamic ride with primitive sections and several creek crossings.

Planning your visit? This trail is a standout for its genuine backcountry feel, offering a sense of solitude that's hard to find on more manicured routes. Autumn is a particularly great time to ride, as the aspens burst into spectacular fall colors. Be aware that e-bikes are not allowed on certain sections of the trail or the access road, so confirm local regulations before heading out.

What makes this trail notable is its blend of scenic beauty and technical challenge, providing an old-school high adventure ride. The varied terrain, from rocky climbs on the Twelvemile Trail section to the exhilarating descent along the Sheep Creek section, makes it a favorite for intermediate riders. You'll encounter areas of "awesome sage brush" and enjoy the quiet of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.