Take a ride to where they shot the scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid jumping off the rocks into the river (but they landed in a California river…). Also known as a full valley, this out and back or loop ride is a local favorite and is used as a leisurely ride or a serious training ride. Don’t be surprised if you get passed by one of the many local professional cyclists on this route during training season. The pavement is excellent as both CR250 and CR203 have been repaved in the past few years. CR250 is also the most used starting route to climb up HWY550 to Purgatory Resort and Silverton.
Starting at County Road 250 and 32nd St and travel north on CR250. Stay on CR250 for approximately 13 miles and ride in the beautiful Animas River Valley with its red cliffs. Relatively flat with some small rollers the route takes riders into the Ponderosa forest around Baker’s Bridge. Be sure to stop and take a photo of the local landmark with you and your fellow riders.
Some folks turn around and return to town on CR250 while others choose to make a loop and continue past the bridge, keeping left and up to HWY550 for a few miles before crossing the railroad tracks and turning right onto CR203 for the return trip back to town.
To add some climbing to the out and back or the loop add up and back down Old Shalona by keeping right after continuing past the bridge up to the intersection with HWY550 and turning around. If riding the loop riders can also add the Hermosa Climb by keeping right on CR203 after crossing the HWY550 railroad tracks
Local Tips:
- Ride the Loop in reverse to change things up
- Fuel up pre, post-ride or both at Bread!