Grandstaff and Wulfsohn Trail Loop

This mountain bike loop is quite challenging and generally takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. However, your actual duration may vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

The Grandstaff and Wulfsohn Trail Loop is rated as difficult overall. While the Wulfsohn Trail portion is considered moderate, the Grandstaff Trail adds significant challenge with steep grades, tight berms, and technical sections. It requires good fitness and advanced riding skills.

The Wulfsohn trailhead is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Glenwood Springs, accessible from the Glenwood Community Center. This is the primary access point for the loop, and parking is available there.

You'll experience a diverse range of terrain. The Wulfsohn Trail features red dirt singletrack, wide shallow packed gravel double-track, and rocky sections through grassy hillsides and gambel oak. The Grandstaff Trail offers flowy dirt and rocky tread, numerous bermed turns, and tight switchbacks, with some sections providing opportunities for air time.

Riders are treated to grand views of downtown Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, the Flattops, and Mount Sopris. Near the highpoint, you'll see a tall steel cross, a nod to early prospector William Grandstaff. You can also spot remaining chairlift towers from the former Red Mountain Ski Area, and the route passes by Red Mountain.

The trail system is typically not rideable between Thanksgiving and late March due to snow and mud. The landscape is particularly vibrant in May when oakbrush and aspens leaf out, and in the fall when the foliage changes color, making these ideal times to visit.

The provided information does not indicate any specific permits or entrance fees required for Wulfsohn Mountain Park or the trails within it. However, it's always a good idea to check local Glenwood Springs regulations before your visit.

The Wulfsohn area is home to various wildlife. You might encounter deer, bear, and mountain lions, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and practice safe trail etiquette.

Yes, the route intersects with and utilizes sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Grandstaff, Wulfsohn Trail South, Wulfsohn, Olsen, and Olsen Connector Trail. It also briefly touches the Glenwood Canyon Bike Path and Midland Bike Path.

The Grandstaff Trail is generally considered an intermediate trail, but it does feature black diamond options with steep grades and tight berms. Riders are advised to exercise caution and potentially pre-ride the trail due to unexpected features. Lower Grandstaff is designated downhill-only to manage traffic.

Many local riders opt to climb the Red Mountain Jeanne Golay Trail, which is a gated dirt road with a consistent grade, to access the top of Grandstaff. This allows for a primarily downhill experience on the more technical Grandstaff sections, which can be highly rewarding after the brutal climb.