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The most common trail access points are near the town of Maybell. From Craig, drive west 30 miles on U.S. Hwy 40 to Maybell. Continue 1.5 miles west on Hwy. 40 to the top of the first hill outside Maybell and turn right at the green steel gate. This is where the trail begins. The trail can also be accessed where it crosses Cedar Springs Draw. Continue west 8 miles on Hwy. 40 to County Road 23. Turn right onto County Road 23 and travel 3 miles, look for the trail signs where it crosses this road.
Another access point to over 12 miles of continuous single track can be found along the Deer lodge Park Road. Continue 20 miles west of Maybell to the Deer lodge Road turnoff. Follow the Deer lodge Road 3.5 miles to the Cross Mountain Turnout. Parking is available here and the trail leaves the Deer lodge Road heading west just 200 yards prior to the Cross Mountain Turnout. The Bear Valley Road (County Road 14) at Elk Springs also provides access to the unimproved road portions of the trail system. Travel 12 miles and turn right onto County Road 14N. Travel 2 miles to where this road enters Dinosaur National Monument. Park and ride from this point or others further along the Yampa Bench.
Trail Description
Between Maybell and Cross Mountain the route is primarily two track leading through the rolling sandhills landscape. This area is important winter range for big game wildlife and opportunities to view herds of elk, mule deer and pronghorn are outstanding in the spring. The trail leading over the south end of Cross Mountain begins to take you into the pinyon/juniper woodlands and a spur trial provides access to the Cross Mountain Canyon overlook. The trail segments west of the Deer lodge Road lead to some rugged terrain and steep slopes along the breaks of Twelvemile Mesa. This can be some tough single track riding in remote settings. Big Game wildlife are also abundant in this area. The mesa provides outstanding views of the Lilly Park area and surrounding desert mountains.
The route leading into Dinosaur National Monument offers picturesque canyon terrain of the adjacent Yampa Canyon, desert ecosystem and opportunities to explore remote historic sites abandon by early settlers. This route parallels the rim of the scenic Yampa Canyon and provides numerous opportunities for overlooks. Camping facilities are available in Echo Park at the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers, and prehistoric Indian rock art can be viewed in this area.
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