Beall and Ridge Trail Loop

The best time to ride the Beall and Ridge Trail Loop is generally from July through November. The Beall trail portion has a seasonal closure from December 1st to June 30th to protect wintering and calving elk. However, the Ridge and Rotary trails remain open year-round.

The loop typically starts from Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs. You can find parking available there, which provides convenient access to the trail network on Emerald Mountain.

Information regarding specific dog regulations for the Beall and Ridge Trail Loop is not available. However, trails on Emerald Mountain generally allow dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or the Steamboat Springs Parks and Recreation website for the most current rules before you go.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails on Emerald Mountain, which is part of the Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Area. It's publicly accessible for recreation.

The terrain is diverse, offering a mix of experiences. The Beall trail involves a steady, meandering climb through open meadows and aspen groves, with some ups and downs. It's not overly technical. The Ridge trail, often ridden as a descent, is described as a 'rowdy and fun adventure' with a steady descent along a fenceline, including a quick initial climb and a sweeping turn through a high meadow. If you combine it with the Rotary trail, you'll find more gravity-style sections with banks, berms, and rollers.

You'll be treated to spectacular scenery throughout the ride. The Beall trail offers commanding views of Rabbit Ears Pass, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, and surrounding ranch land. As the canopy breaks, you can also catch amazing views of the Western Slope landscape. The Ridge trail also provides stunning vistas.

The loop passes by several interesting spots. You'll start near Howelsen Hill. Other highlights include sections of the MGM Trail, Routt County Road 45, Root Canal Trail, Quarry Mountain Trail, and Little Moab Trail. Don't miss the Nice view on Steamboat Springs.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of many other trails on Emerald Mountain. You'll ride on parts of the Beall Trail, Ridge Trail, Highway to Hell, Lane of Pain Trail, MGM Trail, Lupine Trail, Quarry Mountain Trail, Root Canal, and Rotary Trail, among others.

This loop is generally considered intermediate in difficulty, with some sections being more challenging. While the Beall trail portion is not overly technical, the overall route is rated as 'difficult' due to its length (~40 km) and significant elevation gain (~980m). It's best suited for riders with some mountain biking experience and good physical fitness.

For the easiest climbing and a fun descent, it's often recommended to ride up the Beall trail and then descend via the Ridge trail. This direction optimizes the flow and enjoyment of the varied terrain.

Yes, the loop offers flexibility. You can extend your ride by combining it with the Rotary Trail, which adds more diverse, flowy sections with banks, berms, and rollers. To shorten it, you might consider riding only a portion of the Beall or Ridge trails as an out-and-back, though the full loop is designed for a comprehensive experience.