Buchannan Pass near Camp Dick

On the labor day weekend Amber and I decided to avoid the crowds and stayed close to home. We decided to head up to the Camp Dick area and check out the section of Buchanan Pass that was open to bikes. I had ridden this a while back and really enjoyed the descent down and wanted to see what it might be like as a possible after work ride.

We opted to ride up the jeep road and come down the single track. It was excellent times and we have since ridden it twice after work as an out and back up the single track.


The riding is a really nice mix of technical climbing on the way out. It doesn't have any brutal hills and has sections that may get you pushing but that you can totally visualize doing "one day". Much of the riding is like this - on great loamy track under lush forest.


This is a section in the starting part of the trail before you reach the jeep road. This is the most travelled section of the trail and has sections that are somewhat damaged by horse traffic. The horses turn of the trail after about 1/2 a mile so they are not that big a problem.


Once you cross the jeep road the trail starts to offer up more technical sections - both in flat spots and in climbing. The riding is outstanding if you enjoy finding your way over obstacles and through fun technical sections. Doing it as an out and back also gives the benefit of trying things in both directions and enjoying techy climbs as fun descents!


I love how the ride really requires your turn and move your bike smartly around and over obstacles.


It makes for a great afternoon ride during the week as there is no-one else out there and as you ride later in the afternoon it is cool and the feeling of solitude is enjoyable. On the weekends the trail can be more popular with hikers and occasionally other riders, but after work during the weekend you have it to yourself.

What you ride up, you get to enjoy in another way on the way back down!


The flow on the way back is really nice. You have sections of fast flowing riding where you get to pop of obstacles and drops and you have technical sections that you have to pick your path through.


The riding is mostly under dark forest but you also go through sections of aspen.


Coming down a baby head section.

Some fun rocky sections.


Some more rocks to play in.


This is just before crossing the jeep road. It is fun finding a way down the steps that works for you.