14 Mile Loop 8000-9000 Elevation

Note - This trail and dirt road have been closed because of the forest fires of 2002. It's not known when they will open again.

North of Divide, a 50 mile system of motorcycle trails connects another 50 miles of jeep roads, creating a great place for days of exploring on a mountain bike. The trails weave through the forest and along creeks with occasional views of distant peaks.

This network of trails is collectively called Trail 717. In this extensive area the noisy bikes are quickly lost in the more remote corners, leaving the nearby stuff nearly empty. Stay off of the unmarked side trails. The motorcycles tend to make their own trails and there's no telling where they go.

From the parking area five miles north of Divide, ride north on the main road 3/4 of a mile and then turn left on Forest Road 355. Ride another mile to the trail marked 717. This junction has a pretty good view of the Tarryall Mountains to the west and a sea of forest below.

Turn north on Trail 717, which weaves through the rather light forest with a slight smell of Christmas Trees. The trail is in great shape with hardly any deep cuts but lots of gravel. The trail drops slightly, making the winding ride pretty fun and the small amount of gravel isn't much of a problem.

After about six miles the trail starts down a long hill that's a load of fun for a good rider, but beginners should be careful in the gravel. The mile-long slolom drops onto the Manchester Creek Road, FR 364.

Manchester Creek Road is a narrow dirt road in good shape. It runs uphill in a small scenic valley with a creek, meadows and lots of trees. It's an enjoyable ride, except the road climbs 1000 feet in six miles. It seemed easier than that to me, but at any rate it tops out back at Rule Ridge Road, FR 357. Turn right and it's an easy half mile back to the car.

Eight miles west of Woodland Park is Divide Village. Turn north at the stop light and drive 4.6 miles on Rule Ridge Road (Forest Road 357). Stay on the pavement until it passes into the National Forest, and then it's a few hundred yards to a big parking area on the left.