Epic Routes by Jessica Klabak:

South Fork Loop

If you are looking for a shorter run close to Winter Park and smooth flowing single track, you can’t beat South Fork Loop. In total it is about a 5 mile loop and there are plenty of trails in the area that you can run to add on more miles. Most people like to run this loop counter-clockwise. Park in the designated parking spots on Friendship Drive in the Rendezvous neighborhood, then take Meadow Trail up to Cross Trails. Turn right on Cross Trails and continue to South Fork Loop Trail on your left. You’ll roll up and down through the woods and cross a couple of bridges before hitting some shaded old growth forest that follows the creek. Eventually you’ll hit an intersection with Ditch Trail. Take a right on Ditch and wind around back to Meadow Trail and your car.

Blue Ridge to Bowen Lake

If you want a run that’s a little longer with high alpine views, the Blue Ridge to Bowen Lake out and back can’t be beat. Usually out and backs aren’t my thing, but this one is worth it. This 10 mile total route starts at the North Supply Trailhead in the Never Summer Wilderness just outside of Grand Lake. You can enter the trailhead name into Google maps and it will take you right there. From the trailhead, the Blue Ridge Trail starts on the right. There are several trail intersections so bring a map, but follow signs and ascend along Blue Ridge with sweeping views in all directions. Eventually there is a fork where turning right will lead you to Bowen Lake. Dip your toes in the water, eat lunch, then head back the way you came.

Berthoud to Brewery

For more experienced backcountry runners who feel confident running a mountain marathon, my absolute favorite run in Grand County is what locals call the Berthoud to Brewery. It is almost an exact marathon and ends right at Hideaway Park Brewery in Winter Park. You have to start early (5:00 am is a good idea), because you are above tree line with limited ability to get down for the first half of the run. It’s worth it though — who doesn’t want to tag six peaks before most people have even finished their coffee! There are a few Class III scrambles, so if you aren’t comfortable with scrambling, this run might not be for you. You’ll want to drop a car near the brewery, then shuttle to the parking lot at the top of Berthoud Pass. From the top of the pass, you’ll begin by running east up the road to the summit of Colorado Mines Peak. From Mines, take the single track trail down to Mt. Flora trail. Continue on this trail until summiting Mt. Flora. Once at the summit you will be running off-trail and mainly following rock cairns heading north. Follow the ridge summiting Mt. Eva, Perry Peak, and Mt. Bancroft. The route between Bancroft and James Peak is mostly scrambling, so take your time. Eventually, the cairns lead you to single track just before summiting James Peak. After the summit, head north down the scree, then turn left on the well worn trail heading west. Continue downhill on this trail until reaching Corona Pass Road, where you turn left and run on the road to Broken Thumb Trail. Take Broken Thumb down to Twisted Ankle Trail. Work your way to Serendipity Trail and then head down Yankee Doodle into town and enjoy your beer!