<\/p>\n
For local trailblazer Sam Dayzie, mountain biking opportunities are always presenting themselves.<\/p>\n
And such was the case ten years ago during a hunting trip in the Boggy Draw area of the San Juan National Forest. While scouting for elk near Italian Canyon, Dayzie had a revelation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realized this open mesa would be some nice riding, and it\u2019s crisscrossing with cattle trails,\u201d he said. \u201cI started riding out here with other locals, jumping from cow trail to cow trail, and exploring a good loop route.\u201d<\/p>\n
After years of riding the connecting cow trails, and with the eventual blessing from national forest in 2005, the six-mile Italian Canyon Trail was officially born, signed and put on the map.<\/p>\n
Together, Italian and the Maverick Trails form an 11-mile loop that has become a local\u2019s favorite. The ideal ride features open meadows and views of the La Plata Mountains, Sleeping Ute Mountain, Italian Canyon, and the Dolores River Valley.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really the best ride in the area because of the vistas,\u201d says Pete Eschallier, of Kokopelli Bike and Board. \u201cWhat\u2019s nice is it gets you out of the pine forests and onto a beautiful, remote mesa. It\u2019s a nice length with challenging aspects.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you go:<\/p>\n
The traditional route is counterclockwise, and takes off from the Maverick Trail. From the Boggy Draw trailhead parking lot, cross the cattle guard and get on the Maverick trail. After three rolling miles, Italian Canyon takes off to the right; then the real fun begins.<\/p>\n
This ride is intermediate because of some steep climbs and technical rocky areas. It\u2019s longer distance deters riders meaning it is blissfully uncrowded.<\/p>\n
The trail flows nicely, climbing up a ridge and then dropping into a secluded canyon, dubbed the Bear\u2019s Den.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was scouting a good route, I saw a momma bear and her cubs right here,\u201d Dayzie says on a recent tour. \u201cThe bear charged at me; I just kept riding.\u201d<\/p>\n
More casual climbing through ponderosa forests opens into small meadows leading to a wild and rocky descent that includes a log obstacle. But catch your breath, pull a drink, and drop into the granny gears for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n
A sudden, double-whammy of a climb is an exhilarating challenge. The route is \u201cclean\u201d meaning it is rideable, but whether you make the top, or stop half-way at a false summit, depends on the strength of your legs and lungs.<\/p>\n
Topping out the hill, riders leave the dark forest and enter onto a panoramic mesa of wildflower meadows bordered by sage-brush, mountain mahogany, and rabbit brush.<\/p>\n
The views are spectacular from here as the trail borders the edge of the mesa for several miles. Wildlife, including bears, pheasant, coyote, deer, and elk are occasionally seen.<\/p>\n
After an obvious rock outcropping view point, the trail re-enters the woods, and descends for two miles along smooth singletrack. The junction with the Maverick trail soon appears, marked by a bike gate. A few short climbs later, the trail hits the Boggy Draw Road and the trailhead.<\/p>\n
Riding Italian \u201cbackward\u201d or clockwise has become a popular option. But I prefer the traditional way because the challenging climb feels more rewarding. Allow 2-3 hours for this ride.<\/p>\n
Whichever way it\u2019s ridden, mountain biking scenic Italian Canyon is a must for locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n