Sweet Dreams and Chicken Dinner Loop

On average, mountain bikers complete this loop in about 1 hour and 22 minutes. However, your actual time will depend on your skill level, how often you stop, and the current trail conditions.

The Sweet Dreams and Chicken Dinner Loop is generally considered an intermediate trail. While komoot rates it as 'difficult', local descriptions often call it a 'spicy XC' trail, meaning it's more cross-country style with varied ups and downs, rather than a pure downhill flow. Expect a mix of challenging sections and more manageable segments.

You'll encounter a diverse landscape with both machine and hand-built sections. Riders can expect features like climbing turns, rollers, berms, and rock gardens. Be aware that some parts of the trail bed can be soft and sandy, especially if there hasn't been recent moisture.

The trail concludes on CR177 near the Rocky Mountain Livestock sale barn and the Water Treatment Plant, which serves as a good access point. You can also find parking options that connect to the broader Arkansas Hills Trail System.

Generally, no specific permits or entrance fees are required to access the trails within the Arkansas Hills Trail System, including the Sweet Dreams and Chicken Dinner Loop. However, it's always a good idea to check for any local regulations or temporary closures before you go.

Yes, trails within the Arkansas Hills Trail System are typically dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The Arkansas Hills Trail System, including this loop, is generally best ridden during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and winter may bring snow, making some sections impassable or less enjoyable for mountain biking.

While the trail offers typical Colorado high desert and mountain front scenery, a unique aspect is its name, inspired by an old 'Chicken Dinner' candy bar sign found during construction. The loop also connects to the east side of Salida and the Methodist Mountain Trail System. You'll ride sections of the Frontside Trail and the Lil' Rattler Trail.

Yes, this route is part of the extensive Arkansas Hills Trail System. It incorporates sections of the Sweet Dreams Trail, Chicken Dinner Trail, Frontside Trail, and Lil' Rattler Trail. You'll also find it intersects with trails like Backbone, Tenderfoot, and Burnpile, offering opportunities to extend your ride.

The trail is bi-directional, meaning you can ride it in either direction. If you're looking for a more manageable ascent, consider starting your uphill climb from CR177. This section involves a two-mile climb with breaks, which can be less strenuous than starting at the very bottom of Sweet Dreams, known for its steep and rocky initial climb.

As part of the Arkansas Hills Trail System, you can expect classic Colorado high desert and mountain front scenery. This includes expansive views, arid landscapes dotted with native vegetation, and glimpses of the surrounding mountains, offering a true taste of the Salida area's natural beauty.