Featured Ride: Teocalli Ridge Loop near Crested Butte, Colorado

This post marks the beginning of a partnership between us here at Dirt Rag and MTB Project, the nation’s leading digital trail database. Each week we’ll be featuring one MTB Project’s best rides when it’s most seasonally relevant. Of course, we’d love to hear your suggestions, email your favorites to [email protected] or comment below.

Since we’re rolling into the heart of summer, we thought we’d take a look at some of the high-country rides that simply aren’t accessible much of the year. First up, Teocalli Ridge Loop outside of Crested Butte, Colorado.

This classic 11.5-mile high-country loop offers approximately 2,184 feet of ascent and descent, reaching a maximum elevation of 11,255 feet.

Local Crested Butte cinematographer, Rex Lint, captured the beautiful summer wildflowers with a drone in this Teocalli Ridge video.

Asside from beautiful views of Teocalli Mountain, Castle Peak, Pearl Pass, and the Middle Brush Creek drainage, you’ll also get to enjoy a bunch of newly-constructed switchbacks on the descent back down to your car.

If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy this and other trails around Crested Butte, consider supporting the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association in appreciation for all of their hard work and sweat equity. And, if you’re thinking of planing a trip to area, the kind folks of Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley have put together a website to help you plan your trip and connect to the local community.

Photos courtesy of MTB Project.