This is a beautiful fire road ride. This is often a great first mountain bike. There are some steep sections in this out and back 10-mile ride. It is a 1,300-foot climb out but the return is a fun downhill. During warm conditions, this canyon can get pretty hot - so take lots of water.
Driving directions to Trailhead
From the intersection of US 101/Betteravia, travel east on Betteravia Road for 7.3 miles. At the y go to the left on Santa Maria Mesa Road. At 11.8 miles you will come to another y, continue to the left on Tepesquet Road. At 16.3 miles you will come to a small bridge. Just past the bridge there is dirt road on the right. This is Colson Canyon Road. Park at the wide spot on the right immediately after turning onto Colson Canyon Road.
Ride
Ride about 4.5 miles to the top (there is a Forest Service Gate) and turn around. There are several water crossings and a couple of steep sections. You can ride past the gate and find a couple of other trails, though these might be better suited for hikers. There is the Alejandro trail, which is pretty good. There are a lot of options around here.
From the intersection of US 101/Betteravia, travel east on Betteravia Road for 7.3 miles. At the y go to the left on Santa Maria Mesa Road. At 11.8 miles you will come to another y, continue to the left on Tepesquet Road. At 16.3 miles you will come to a small bridge. Just past the bridge there is dirt road on the right. This is Colson Canyon Road. Park at the wide spot on the right immediately after turning onto Colson Canyon Road.
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