Breakneck Pass
Breakneck Pass was the first trail of the day. We were doing trails that we hadn't seen in 17 years! We met in Fairplay at a gas station. The trail was really close down the road, so we all aired down at the gas station.
Soon after airing down and doing the short drive down the main road, we were at the trailhead to start the trail. The eastern part of this pass is called Browns Pass. The beginning is easy going, with a few short hill climbs where the trees had been logged, which gave some great views. The trail was a little bumpy and got a little narrow in a few spots. It was not that steep going south on the trail.
After the highest point of Breakneck Pass, the trail got a lot steeper going downhill with some loose rocks, just enough to make it more fun. Some of us were glad that we were going down and not up, as it would have been a little challenging driving up the steep trail.
The trail used to go through a wet area within a wide valley, but this area is now closed and fenced off. No more driving through the wet area and water through the middle of the valley. Instead, the trail now goes along the side along a ridge and then veers back towards the middle of the valley on the far side. The rest of the trail down the pass was fairly smooth.
As we approached the far end of the pass, we saw a subdivision with large and newer homes perched on top a ridgeline to our left. It appeared to be a gated community with short-term rental homes.
Soon, we came to the right turn for our next trail, Weston Pass.
Report from a Different Day
