Gentle Climbs, Big Rewards (Waunita Overnighter)

Gentle Climbs, Big Rewards is an overnighter route you won’t want to miss. The dirt road terrain makes it accessible for riders who want some adventure without having to suffer. The area the route goes through is frequently traveled and has an abundance of mining and railroad history.

The ride starts with a gentle and rolling paved climb that soon turns to dirt as the view of Tomichi Creek snakes down a green, grassy valley along steep hillsides that are home to many elk. A sharp turn starts up Black Sage Pass, and as you climb into the aspens, keep your eyes peeled for moose in the steep gulleys along the road. Through some large ponderosas, back into the aspen, and in a jiffy you’re at the summit. Make note of the Quakey Mountain Trail sign for your return trip, should you want to choose this tougher option. Within seconds you are out of the aspens and cruising into wide open spaces of the valley and will see Tomichi Dome to the south. The hillsides to the right can have herds of elk in the 200s.

The route is well marked, and in a few short miles a right turn will start your loop with Waunita Pass in front of you. The climb is gentle enough for chatter among your bikepacking pals as you discuss where the best camp will be! Aspen groves and Hot Spring Creek will make your decision hard, depending on the time of day, whether you are doing this as an overnighter or three-day ride, and what your legs say. Camp could just be three miles up the pass.

For us, this put day one in the books and on to day two… snow! We woke up to about three inches of June 12th snow. It wasn’t super cold, but definitely wet! As we shook off our tarps, tried to keep out toes dry, had hot drinks, and packed up, we decided to press on and look for sunshine. The sun beat down on our backs and the snow began to melt. Surprisingly, the road was wet but didn’t jam up on our tread, so we pushed on through the quietness the blanket of snow offered. The contrast was dramatic and lifted our spirits. Up through the aspens we saw a small buck in velvet nestled in the brush. Leaving the aspens and entering the dark timber, we crested the top of the pass.

A quick bit and down to the historic town of Pitkin. We ordered burgers at the food tent, pulled out our wet gear to dry in the sun and resupplied with hot drinks, cookies, and conversions with summer locals. Pitkin is full of historic buildings and is worth a cruise about and some photos. Then time to roll outta town down valley, Ohio City is the next stop, be sure to visit the Jailhouse behind City Hall and the old School House. No resupply in this one horse town! Keep moving. The next stop is Indian Head Rock, a landmark that’s conveniently located on the road side and marked by a big sign. The local ranchers are kind and generous, and if you need anything, just politely ask. Take county road 44 to Wood’s Gulch and catch views of Tomichi Dome once again.

The landscape up Wood’s Gulch is a drastic change, now among fragrant sagebrush and red rock formations, this is the lowest elevation of the ride. Heading up the gulch local rancher’s cattle will be grazing free range. Camps along the road are abundant. Look for shade from cottonwood trees and grassy spots without cow pies.

The final segment of the route continues up the gulch, as the road gets a bit steeper just past the cattle guard stop to look around, you will see the Uncompahgre Range to the southwest the the Elk Range to the north west. This road is rideable to some and possibly a short hike-a-bike to others. Take your time, breath in the beauty, and look for wildlife along the way. As the road levels out you will find yourself in a saddle of green grass surrounded by aspens at the top of Greathouse Gulch. Grab a snack and take in another spectacular view of Tomichi Dome and the big mountains in the distance that sit south of Monarch Pass. The doubletrack descent down to Hot Springs Reservoir is a hoot. Once you cross the creek it dumps you on to a main county road. A few miles of pedaling this rolling road and Waunita Hot Springs will be in view. You’ll be glad you called ahead and get in for a quick soak before finishing off the handle of this lollipop loop. The three-mile climb up to Black Sage Pass is a gentle grade and the views of Tomichi Dome are ever changing as you move around it. If you’re ready to put this trip to bed, head down the pass with a rewarding long descent back to the the vehicles. Or, add a bit of challenge by taking the Quakey Mountain Trial if you have some fuel left in the tank. The Tomichi Trading Post will set you up with home-cooked grub and ice cold beers as you swap photos and think about having to return to life as we know it!

Find the full day-by-day route description as ridden over three days under the Trail Notes tab below.

Gunnison County has some of the most captivating landscapes in Colorado, ranging from rolling desert sagebrush hills to stunning high alpine ranges. And since it contains 36% of the Forest Service roads in the state and more than 750 miles of singletrack, it’s a bikepacker’s nirvana. Learn more about the area and find a growing map of routes at the Gunnison Bikepacking Route Network.

Difficulty

In terms of difficulty, Gentle Climbs, Big Rewards would be a 5 out of 10. Gentle road climbs for the first 40 miles with a 10 mile section of low grade paved downhill. Two-track road climb on day three to start the day, with two-track road descent. The physical demands are easy to moderate, and there a few additional singletrack options that could be added to up the difficulty. Resupply in Pitkin. Water could be difficult, depending on the time of year, late summer and fall. Might have to pack more for the last day and logistics are easy with this lollipop Loop, so no shuttle required.

Route Development: My friend Kimberly Griffin is an experienced bikepacker and has created routes all over Colorado and beyond. She came up with this route, and she and I did it as a one-night recon for a more beginner intermediate group of ladies to set out on a two-night trip with manageable miles. It was perfect, with the right amount of miles and elevation to feel challenged and accomplished with great rewards and views along the way!

This route is part of the Local Overnighter Project, which was created to expand our growing list of worldwide bikepacking routes—the first and largest of its kind—and create an independent map and catalog of great bikepacking overnighters, curated by you, from your own backyard. Our goal is to have accessible routes from every town and city in the world. Learn More

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