Waterfall Cutoff Loop

About

The Waterfall Cutoff Loop is a challenging mountain biking route in the Cement Creek area near Crested Butte, Colorado. The loop typically begins at the Deadman's Gulch parking area off Cement Creek Road. Riders ascend via Warm Springs Trail 406 and Walrod Gulch Trail 412, which involve tough climbing and some hike-a-bike sections. The main feature is Waterfall Cutoff Trail 638, a non-motorized singletrack trail. The trailhead sign is posted several hundred yards from the main junctions to discourage motorcycles. The route offers downhill sections and traverses steep slopes, sometimes narrowing. The loop connects to Waterfall Creek Trail 555 and Upper Cement Creek Trail before returning to the parking area. The total loop distance is approximately 17 to 18.5 miles, with about 9 miles of singletrack. Elevation gain is significant, cited as 3,500 feet in some sources, though official Colorado Trail Explorer data lists the specific trail segment at 3.5 miles with an elevation range of 10,000 to 10,636 feet. The trail is managed by the USFS Gunnison Ranger District. It is accessible from April through October. Parking is available at Deadman's Gulch. Dogs are permitted.