Sandy Wash

Sandy Wash Descent: A Cyclist's Paradise at Buffalo Creek

Buffalo Creek, located in Pine, Colorado, boasts of an extensive trail network that promises exhilarating experiences for mountain bikers. Among its offerings is the Sandy Wash Trail, a must-ride descent for both seasoned and budding cyclists.

Overview

• Distance: 3 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• Location: Pine, Colorado

The Ride

The Sandy Wash descent commences at the junction of Charlie’s Cutoff, Homestead Trail, and Blackjack. For three glorious miles, it meanders downwards to the main gated forest road adjacent to Buffalo Creek. Most riders attest to Sandy Wash being the most captivating descent at Buffalo Creek. The allure? The trail is designed for pure flow.Unlike some other trails at Buffalo Creek with washed-out sandy turns, Sandy Wash stands out for its fine balance. Predominantly, the soil on the trail is less gravelly. The few gravelly stretches aren’t deterrents. Thanks to years of tire passage, they've been perfectly banked and bermed, almost challenging riders to intensify their speed.The ride, starting from the intersection with Homestead and Miller Gulch trails, offers a consistent downhill journey. Bikers can revel in a mostly smooth dirt/sand path all the way down. The absence of sharp blind corners or extremely technical sections allows riders to freely let loose, guaranteeing a memorable end to a longer journey at Buffalo Creek. The descent culminates close to the trailhead at Deckers Road, offering convenience to those parked nearby.

Trail Insights

• Flow Centric: This trail excels in maintaining a smooth and sustained descent, enough to keep the adrenaline pumping but not steep enough to cause discomfort.
• Scenic Beauty: Riding through what looks like a forest relic, the dead trees create a slightly eerie but utterly unique backdrop.
• Trail Terrain: A combination of smooth, sandy, and a few scree sections. Notable are the twists and smaller obstacles which enhance the overall experience.

Getting There

To reach the Sandy Wash trailhead from Colorado Springs:

1. Head to US 24 towards Woodland Park.
2. Turn right onto CO 67 heading to Deckers.