Trail 401
The signature Crested Butte ride: high-alpine wildflower singletrack with views of the Elk Mountains that make it hard to keep your eyes on the trail.
Trail beta
Park at the Gothic/Judd Falls trailhead (end of Gothic Road, 7 mi north of CB). Climb 4.5 mi up FS 317 to Schofield Pass. Loop is typically ridden counter-clockwise: up the road, across the alpine traverse, down through aspens. The descent through wildflower meadows on Mt. Belleview is about as good as mountain biking gets. Bring a layer. Exposed at 11K and weather changes fast.
When to go
Snow doesn't clear from the 11,300 ft apex until late June or early July. Peak conditions mid-July through September. Wildflower bloom is staggering in July. Afternoon thunderstorms above treeline are dangerous. Start early.
Shuttle
No commercial shuttle for 401. Most riders pedal up Gothic Road to Schofield Pass. Hitchhiking with passing trucks is common and generally works.