Taylor Park

Taylor Park is a broad, high-country riding area in the Gunnison National Forest, centered on Taylor Park Reservoir and the Taylor River north of Almont. Sources describe a wide variety of loops around the reservoir, from smooth, wide dirt roads to narrow, rugged singletrack with chunk rock, so the area suits everyone from newer riders on the road-based loops to experienced riders looking for technical trail. Trail elevations run roughly 9,400 to 12,000 feet, and local sources point to old mining passes such as Taylor Pass (a rugged route toward Aspen), Cumberland Pass, Tincup Pass, and Tomichi Pass, plus easier outings to Union Park, Mirror Lake, and the ghost town of Tin Cup. Trail mileage claims vary widely by source, from about 100 miles to 600 miles, which reflects how much forest road and trail surrounds the park.

Taylor Park is a large area rather than a single trail system, so treat it as one destination with several possible starting points.

Getting there

The area is reached from Almont, the closest town and by following County Road 742 up the Taylor River into Taylor Park. The Taylor Park Trading Post, on the shore of the reservoir, is the main hub: it has cabins, an RV park, a general store, a cafe, and gas for off-road machines, and trails start close by. The coordinates on this page mark the Trading Post. Forest Service campgrounds with direct trail access include Lakeview, Lottis Creek, and Rivers End. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent away from the Trading Post, so tell someone your route and carry tools and a first aid kit.

Fees, permits, and rules

Colorado requires an OHV registration (residents) or an OHV use permit (non-residents) on the vehicle; a permit is currently $25.25 a year, displayed on the fork of a motorcycle. One rider directory lists a 96 dB sound limit, a spark arrestor requirement, and a rule to stay on marked trails, and shows no entry or riding fee. Developed campgrounds charge nightly fees. Check the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests office (970-874-6600) or the Motor Vehicle Use Map for current road and trail designations, since not every road in the forest is open to motorcycles.

When to ride

At this elevation the season is short. Riding typically runs from around mid-May through late November, but many trails hold snow into July, and one directory calls late summer the best time. Afternoon storms are common in the high country, so start early and watch the weather. The Trading Post publishes a trail conditions page for popular routes, which is worth checking before you go.