On August 19, I rode the recently-approved Frisco - Ute Pass 101 km Permanent Populaire. This is a route designed by Mark Rada (RUSA #13243). A friend had recommended Ute Pass years ago, but I never had a good ride concept that included Ute Pass (and justified the two-hour drive to get there). So with this new perm in place, off I went!
The elevation profile is interesting. Only about a third of the climbing is up Ute Pass (5.1 miles), the big hump in the middle of the chart below. And the Swan Mountain Road, towards the end of the route, is only a few dozen feet lower than Ute Pass. And what are the saw teeth in between Ute Pass and Swan Mountain? Just a neighborhood on the edge of Silverthorne. So this is a route that can deceive climbing expectations unless you pay attention.
It was 55° starting off at the Tenmile Creek Trailhead just before 7:00, and 80° finishing. So a great day to be up in the mountains, rather than down on the Plains, where it got into the low 90's.
Trail map at start of route
After coasting a mile down Main St., it was onto the Dillon Reservoir Recpath, a winding wooded and scenic path. But as a recreational trail, it is twisting, with bumps and varied route surfaces, all of which keeps you on your toes.
Nice view of Dillon Reservoir, traffic-free.
On the dam, separated from traffic (motor road on the left).
From here, we turn onto the Silverthorne / Blue River path, which starts out by descending in half a dozen switchbacks down the side of the dam to Silverthorne and the Blue River Valley.
I had done so well staying on the route. But at the Wendy's on Rainbow Drive (noted on cue sheet), my luck ran out, and I couldn't find where the path continued. After a false start, I did find the route again, and then when the path vagaries became too unintelligible, hopped onto Blue River Parkway (Hwy. 9, the main drag), where the traffic wasn't actually too bad.
Downhill with a stiff tailwind, I sailed out into the countryside. I was just hoping the wind would turn up-valley by the time I was back down from the pass.
Blue River from Hwy. 9
The Ute Pass road is almost devoid of traffic, sage and grass at the base, getting more wooded higher up.
The climb is stiff in places, but eases towards the pass.
County Road 3 heralds the border between Summit County and Grand County.
Ute Pass Trailhead and info
Great views from the pass to the Blue River Valley.
And yes, descending to the base of the pass, the wind has turned predictably up-valley!
Next came the Tour-de-Neighborhoods, stiff climbs but quiet roads.
High point of the neighborhoods, and a checkpoint.
Good views to Silverthorne and south to Dillon.
And now it's time to retrace the Silverthorne Path switchbacks up the Dillon Reservoir Dam.
East side of Dillon Reservoir, on the way to Swan Mountain. There was some traffic on the path, but still fairly tranquil.
False summit of the Swan Mountain Path ...
... but nice views!
Actual high point (Sapphire Point), where you join the road. Bad road surface but very little traffic because of road reconstruction.
And a pleasant finish towards the Tenmile Creek Trailhead, where the Vail Pass Volley 200k also starts and finishes!
And many memories of the day to reflect on during the drive back.
This is actually just because of road work in Clear Creek Canyon, only a brief slowdown.
Thanks to Mark R. for creating this route!
-jle
