Ginny and Powerline Trail Loop – Mountain Bike Trail

The Ginny and Powerline trail loop is an interesting short but technical loop that pays off with some epic views of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It starts with a technical climb that will have you questioning your mountain biking hobby, but once you get to the top, you’re reminded of why you do it. Overall, it’s about a 1700-foot incline and decline. It’s also directional, so you go up the Powerline Trail and come down the Ginny to the parking lot to finish the loop.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Getting to the trail is fairly easy if you’re from Fort Collins or Masonville. In both situations, you’ll take W County Rd 38 E south right up to the junction with Buckhorn Rd. Turn south and follow that route until the road merges with N County Rd 27 past the Buckhorn Creek Crossing. After a few miles, turn west onto County Rd 32C and follow the road until you see the large parking area on your left.

You can park your car there, with the trailhead just at the edge of the parking lot. This should also be your endpoint, so once you finish the loop, you can just pack up your bike and head home. Alternatively, you can take another stab at the loop, although most people are content with going around the loop once.

It starts with the Powerline Trail climb, which consists of a double track and fire road. Some sections are fairly loose, so you need to be careful. Also, the climb is fairly steep, with some chunky rocks that may force you off your mountain bike if you’re not that technically sound.

Partway up the trail, many new riders start to regret starting. However, once they get to the top, all that regret is washed away by the view of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Ginny Trail follows right after, and as expected, it’s a fast descent that will take you back to your car.

You may have to watch for alternate lines for a little excitement, with the trail also having skinny sections and rock drops. As such, bringing your hardtail instead of the full suspension mountain bike may be a bad idea.

You might see a sign at the trail to watch out for dogs which can be a little misleading since no pups are allowed on this loop. Hikers and horse riders are another matter. That said, while they are allowed, it’s not very often that you find them on this trail, even on a weekend or public holiday. This is not an excuse not to keep an eye out since there may be one or two explorers on the trail while you’re riding.

Fortunately, the trail is wide open with practically no tree cover, so you should see other trail users from miles away if there are any. On the flip side, this also means you’ll bear the brunt of the harsh weather if you go there on a sunny day.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The view at the top of the Powerline Trail Climb is phenomenal.

Recommendations/Precautions

• You’re supposed to climb up the Powerline Trail.
• Try to go there earlier when the sun isn’t as hot.