Dakota Ridge with Mathews Winters Loop

From NetCairns

Dakota Ridge is a very challenging section that rides the spine of the hog back. Watch out for stairs and rocky descents. Without this section of the trail, the Mathews Winters Trail is a moderately challenging section of singletrack. Average riders should stick to this part of the loop and leave the ridge to the experts or those who don't know their limits.

Trail Info

Trailhead	Mathews Winters Park
Distance	6.5 miles



Gain	1400 ft
Technical Ability
Physical Ability	Strenuous

Terrain	SingleTrack
Land Status	Jefferson County Open Space

Closest City	Golden, CO
Types of Trail Users	Hikers, dogs, bikers
Fees	None
Type of Trail	Stand Alone Trail

Elevation Profile

Highlights

This trail will test your technical skill. The stairs are intimidating but possible, so give it your best for the the ultimate satisfaction!!
After climbing the stairs you descend down the spine of the hog back which requires all your concentration because it is highly technical but very exciting.

Current Conditions

Have you ridden this trail recently? What are the conditions?

Overview

From the parking area follow the trail across the bridge and up the hill when you come to the fork stay right, in this section there are several small rolling hills which are fun but have blind corners. This trail is very busy so ride safely around others. Remember it only takes one rude biker to ruin the reputations of all. When you come to the big revene be carefull. When you come out, you'll see another sign. For the less experienced stay left, for the more aggressive riders, turn right.

Less experienced-this section will have a few technical (ok, unrideable) spots, just get off and walk. When you come to the split in the trail you can turn around and go back or continue to Red Rocks Ampitheater, and then back.

More aggressive-Follow this singletrack up several technical switchbacks. It's a tough short climb but there is a place to stop at the top. When you come to the top, continue across to the other side where the trail begins to descend. This section is very loose in some places with tight corners. When you get the bottomeither turn right and go to Red Rocks before returning or go straight up the slick rock and head back towards the parking area. For a little extra credit, take the historic town loop and to the right (just before the parking area). This short loop is a fast and fun addition that will take you to the bridge where you started.

Getting There

From Denver, take I-70 West to the Morrison Exit (CO 26). Take a left and head South. Go under the overpass on the right you will see a parking area and a sign for the Matthew/Winters State Park. Park here; the parking area is small so show up early.