The Tipperary Race Course

VeloNews rated this one of the top five race courses in the world! This course has attracted the attention of pro riders and amateurs wanting a challenging ride. Jump in /out points are shown to shorten the route.

Begin at the Rodeo Grounds west of Fraser. Head west on Givelo Trail. At the first intersection, CR 50S, turn right. The next intersection is CR 50. Stay left on CR 50. Continue on CR 50 uphill, past two lodges on the right, and over the cattle guard. Look for Tipperary on your left.   Turn left onto Tipperary. Tipperary is a two track climb through pines, aspens and lush mountain meadows. A canopy of trees covers much of the trail. Cross the first creek; continue to climb. Climb through two meadows, past a couple of springs, past the intersection to Back Scratch and through the second (and last) creek. The trail levels and begins the descent not long after a wet spring-fed area. You are now on Spruce Creek. (You only know this by looking at the map as there is no intersection or sign). The descent is much more technical than the climb. It’s loose and rocky, so be very careful; flat tires are common. Be sure to watch for riders coming uphill. Your next turn is right on St. Louis Creek Road.

Turn left on St. Louis Creek Road to return to the Rodeo Grounds. Or start the ride from here. Turn right on St. Louis Creek Road, then almost immediately left on FS 159. Ride past the Creekside intersection, over St. Louis Creek, then look for Flume on the left. Turn left and head downhill on Flume. Flume is a big-grin single track. It receives its name from the abandoned logging flume it parallels for much of the ride. Winding through pine, meadows and aspens, this is a local favorite. Be aware of other users and the occasional moose.

Your next intersection is Chainsaw. Continue slightly right onto Chainsaw. This is an old road that begins level then pumps you up a bit with a couple of not too long but fairly steep climbs. Pass two small ponds. (Look for moose sleeping in the tall grass.) As you near the top, the trail will level. The downhill is fast and fun. Continue past the intersection with Zoom and down to Elk Creek Road.

Turn left on Elk Creek Road to return to Fraser. Or start the ride here. Turn right onto Elk Creek Road. Head slightly up Elk Creek. Turn left onto Elk Meadow. Follow this two track through aspen and a meadow, then it becomes single track through the pines. Turn left when the trail ends on D2. Ride over the creek, then begin a steady road climb. At the next intersection, stay left and begin the last pitch of D2. Your next left will be onto WTB. This is an easy turn to miss. There will be a good-size opening on your left as D2 continues to the right. At the far side of the opening is an old two track. There should be a sign for WTB here. Begin WTB, first as a two track then a technical single track. This is the hardest technical part of the ride. Climb through the pines across the next road (an old logging road) and downhill through a rough wet area. The trail will turn right and begin uphill. Your next intersection is D4. Turn left on D4. D4 is a 4x4 road that is fairly rocky in places. Begin a slight descent. Stay right at the intersection of Sunset Pink (not marked). Stay right at the intersection of D3 (not always marked). D4 will end at Vasquez Road.                                

Turn left on Vasquez Road to return to Winter Park. Take a sharp right on Vasquez Road. Climb a bit and then left at Vasquez Ford. Ride through Vasquez Creek (left side is better). Continue uphill.

At the intersection of Vasquez Ford, Tunnel Hill and Blue Sky, turn left onto Blue Sky. Blue Sky will roll downhill to Little Vasquez Road. Blue Sky is a great ride in this direction as it is slightly downhill and just plain fun. Cross Little Vasquez Road and begin Ice Hill. Ice Hill is rocky at first then becomes classic single track. At the Y, stay right. Head slightly downhill then bear right onto the single track. A slight abrupt climb awaits you. On the quick descent onto a road, stay right. You will merge onto Tracks Trail.

Turn right on Tracks Trail. Your next right is Lower Cherokee. Turn right and begin your climb up Lower Cherokee. This is a leg burner that gets steeper all the way up! Keep going; you are almost there. At the top of Lower Cherokee you are done climbing! Turn left on Tunnel Hill. As you enter Winter Park Resort, cross Turnpike and begin 300 Yard Walk. Across from a small building is Long Trail. Turn left (downhill!) on Long Trail. Turn right onto Turnpike. This will take you to the base of Winter Park Resort.