BackBone Double Grande - Elk Mountain Bypass

The BackBone Grande has Trail #1 for its one insanely difficult, Great Divide worthy climb. See, Trail #1. The Elk Mountain Lookout climb is that for the BackBone Double Grande.

If you seek a Great Divide type of experience, or a preparing to ride the Great Divide, the Elk Mountain Lookout climb may be for you. Otherwise, bypass it.

You've been warned.

Bypass of Elk Mountain Lookout on Dewey Road (USFS Primary Road 769).
(image by Kevin Fox)

At about Mile 377 of the Double Grande, the climb to Elk Mountain Lookout starts on a decent gravel road that passes a few residences, but soon turns to an old USFS two track that is closed to motorized vehicles. From there it climbs steeply on loose, rocky two track, gaining 1,128' over 5.3 miles, with a max gradient of 19.6%, according to RideWithGPS. Count on some serious pushing.

The climb up Elk Mountain Lookout on an unnumbered two track.
(image by Brit Flinchbaugh)

The climb up Elk Mountain Lookout rewards with stunning, drop-off the earth views, especially from the Lookout Tower. The descent, while on a more civilized USFS Secondary Road, is steep and curvy before finally bottoming out at Dewey Road (USFS Primary Road 769). This stretch is challenging and demands attention, ability, and judgement. It's not for everyone.

To bypass this beast, do not turn off U.S. Highway 16 at Mile 377, but simply continue on Highway 16 another mile to Dewey Road. Ride south on Dewey Road for about 3 miles to reconnect with the BackBone Double Grande Main Route at its Mile 389. Easy-peasy.

BackBone Grande (green line) and the Elk Mountain Bypass (red line).

This 4 mile/260' gain bypass of the Elk Mountain Lookout adds a mile of highway pavement and 3 miles of USFS Primary gravel road, while subtracting about 12 miles/1,200' gain on USFS Low Standard and rougher roads. In other words, the bypass is a leisurely cruise on some pavement and good county gravel, instead of a beastly climb, crazy views, and a focused descent. 

The Main Route is a Great Divide worthy challenge for the experienced bikepacker. The Elk Mountain Bypass is a solid alternative.

Your call.

Dewey Road (USFS Primary Road 769).
(image by Kevin Fox)