The Dirt on Summertime
The last blog I wrote was all about springtime snowflakes, and now, three months later, this blog is all about summertime dirt. That’s right, it is the perfect time of year for bikers and runners and hikers, oh my!
Sam posted a great blog a few days ago about riding up Christie Peak Express and hitting some of the downhill mountain bike trails that are open this summer. If that is your style, check out Sam’s blog “Dirt, Rubber, and Trees!” for more information and awesome photos of the Steamboat Bike Park.
Call me a glutton for punishment, but I personally like the climb (and I know I’m not alone in that feeling here in Steamboat Springs). To me, without the climb up, the downhill is simply not as enjoyable. What is perfect about Steamboat Resort is that they have the uphill lift (Christie Peak Express) should you wish to take it, but they also have 30 miles of cross-country single-track spread across Mount Werner as well. From the base area, you can either access the Steamboat Bike Park with a quick lift up Christie, or head straight for the single-track climb just beyond Slopeside Grill and the end of the current construction zone.
My favorite cross-country ride starts with the climb up Zig Zag to Pioneer (which is a really awesome way to climb up to the Rainbow Saddle), and then continuing on to the Sunshine Trail (accessible via Duster Road) for some high-alpine riding. If you are feeling great, continuing on Cathy’s Cutoff to Pete’s Wicked will take you all the way to the summit at 10,384 feet. Those summit views are just as stunning in the summer as they are in the winter!
As you ride, hike or run on the trails at Steamboat Resort, make sure to keep your eye out for the local wildlife that call this mountain home. Moose and black bears (sometime with cubs in tow) are typically seen on the trails this time of year, and while it is always a special treat to see these wild animals, it is even more important to keep your distance and respect their presence.
You will notice this summer that the base area is essentially one huge construction zone as Gondola Square gets a new design. For weekly construction updates, you can visit www.steamboat.com/baseareaproject to learn more as it progresses. Steamboat Resort has safety measures and walkways in place so certain activities are still open for the summer, including the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick Mini Golf and Steamboat Bike Park. If you are wanting to play in Burgess Creek (a summertime favorite for the kids), the best access is around the beach area and in front of Slopeside Grill. Check out the live feed at www.steamboat.com/the-mountain/live-cams to see the most current views of the base area construction.
Whether it is biking, running or hiking, hit the dirt and enjoy the summertime beauty that Steamboat Resort has to offer!
Happy Thursday and happy summer!
Erin Campbell, Mountain Biker, Alpine Skier & Snowboarder
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