St. Elmo to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
The ride from St. Elmo to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is one of our top requested rides, and for good reason. We drive high into mountains and start our ride in downtown St. Elmo, one of the best preserved historic ghost towns in Colorado. We warm up our cycling legs with a historical tour of the town, taking time to view and photograph the fabled Stark Mercantile store, miner’s cabins, saloons and the original 1882 schoolhouse.
From St. Elmo, we descend a dirt road along beautiful Chalk Creek past mining remnants, a pioneer cemetery, and one of the oldest hydroelectric plants in the area. We rejoin the main road just above roaring Cascade Falls before riding down a section of the old narrow-gauge railway.
Finally, we hit pavement again for a final downhill section that finishes at the renowned Mount Princeton Hot Springs. The hot springs are a welcome respite after the ride and you can soak in one of the big pools or find a pool right in Chalk Creek itself.
This is a fun ride for the whole family that takes in mountain views, a ghost town, stories about the old days, old railroad grades and few hills and finishes with a swim!
Season: April-September – we recommend weekdays for this ride due to high weekend traffic on the roads.
Miles: 16 – mostly downhill!
Duration: 4-6 hours, including 40 minute shuttle each way and time to soak at the hot springs
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Railroad Grades and Dirt Roads
Rates: $210 first person, $85 each additional person up to 5. Groups of 6 or more please contact us for group pricing.
Includes: Front suspension mountain bike; guide; shuttle; snack; hot springs pass, and water bottle.
We run this trip in one of two ways, straight from the shop in downtown Salida, or we can pick you up right at the Hot Springs (if you are staying there or in Buena Vista) and shuttle from there. Either way, the ride finishes with a soak in the Hot Springs.
Email info@absolutebikesadventures.com for more information or to book this trip. Please include ideal dates and how many people.