Parmalee Gulch Loop

Description

The Parmalee Gulch Loop ride is a 38 mile route around Deer Creek Canyon, Parmalee Gulch, Morrison, and the Ken Caryl valley.  It features varied scenery from red rocks to tiny towns to mountain views.

Tiny Town

Hazards

Bear Creek Canyon Rd. has no rideable shoulder and can have moderate traffic.  Also, crossing Highway 285 to get on Parmalee Gulch Rd. can be difficult during heavy traffic.

The Route

Start from Deer Creek Canyon Rd. on Wadsworth and ride west until you reach S. Turkey Creek Rd.  Make a right and ride down past Tiny Town until you hit Highway 285.  Make a right and ride for a short distance before making a left on Parmalee Gulch Rd.  Take Parmalee Gulch Rd. to Bear Creek Canyon Rd. and turn right.  Ride east down Bear Creek Canyon Rd. to Highway 8.  Make a right and go south on Highway 8, then veer off left on Willow Springs Rd. going under Highway 285.

Detailed Area

Follow Willow Springs Rd. until you hit a round about with an emergency access dirt road on the left.  Cross the dirt road to Black Bear Ln.  Follow Black Bear Ln until N. Ranch Rd. and make a right.  Follow it around and then make another right on W. Ken Caryl Ave.  Take it to Valley Parkway and turn right.  Follow Valley Parkway around to S. Valley Rd. and turn right.  Take S. Valley Rd. back down to Deer Creek Canyon Rd., turn left and head back.

Difficulty

The ride is moderately challenging with a good climb over Deer Creek Canyon Rd and Parmalee Gulch Rd.  Also expect a climb going up Highway 8 and lots of little hills on Willow Springs Dr.

Overall Rating:

This is fantastic ride of the southwest foothills.  It is fairly challenging and safe, plus the scenery will keep you interested; tiny towns, red rocks, and the beautiful Ken Caryl valley, what more do you need!