Eagle's Boneyard
Today started with an early school drop-off followed by a quick jaunt over to Eagle (Colorado) for a change of scenery and a quick ride. Suppose you're looking for a classic Eagle ride that's not too short but also not too long. Boneyard is it. I'm sure the last time it rained in Eagle was when Michael Jackson moved in with Jim Morrison — Eagle is dry and dusty on this sunny September day.
Getting off I-70, head south through all the traffic circles and head up Church Rd. Make your way to the back of the neighborhood and behind the school. Keep a sharp eye out for the BLM access signs till you find your way to the corner of Bellyaches Rd and Bluff's Dr (no kidding), and you'll be at the Boneyard trailhead. Unload here, gear up and start your climb up Boneyard. Boneyard begins up the road a few hundred yards. The trail starts at the first road switchback and quickly funnels down to tighter singletrack. While there's not anything over rugged, steep, or technical about the Boneyard climb, expect to have your heart rate raise a bit and enjoy the ascent.
The trail climbs steadily through piñon trees as you quickly gain altitude over the rumbling I-70 traffic. After about a mile and a half of trees, you'll cross an open sagebrush field before returning into the trees and then climbing out again past sagebrush. Enjoy the incredible views in front of you, behind you, and almost any direction you look. There's virtually no way you can get lost along this well-marked trail. At the top of Boneyard, you'll hit Bellyache Rd again. Take a left on Bellyache for a short distance until you see the Pool and Ice Rink sign.
It doesn't sound too inviting, but this trail is a downhill bomber with plenty of banked turns and minor drops. Have fun on the descent and hold on tight; there are a few sharp turns that'll sneak up on you that'll make you quickly grab for your brakes. The good people of Eagle have put quite a bit of hard work and sweat equity into the trails to make them top-notch. After the descent, hop onto the Haymaker trail, which meanders through Pinon trees and rolling hills. Be sure to take in the gorgeous view of the mountains as well as the rolling green fields below.
You can continue on the Haymaker loop; however, I always like to ride "Extra Credit" (counterclockwise) to add on a little more mileage. This trail will not test your skills or ability in any fashion, but ripping through the flats of Eagle farmland is remarkably fun. Wondering if the trail will bank to the left or right keeps you guessing through a good part of this section. And when you think it's completely flat, you'll round a corner into a 6' roller through an old drainage canal and launch out the other side. Finish Extra Credit and continue onto the Haymaker to finish the ride. You'll continue back through the pinons, where you'll soon link back to the Haymaker trail you rode earlier. For a short distance, backtrack over the trail in reverse. Stay to the left after getting to where you originally picked up the Haymaker trail. You'll ride Haymaker for a bit before climbing to the top of the Haymaker' slalom' run. Before descending, take one more look at the surrounding beauty, cross your fingers and let it rip.
You'll quickly figure out your on the downhill run as soon as you round the first switchbacks and start seeing bales of hay attached to trees. These are placed for your safety and SHOULD keep you from careening over the edge or into a tree. Well built but slightly eroded, this last downhill ride will have you grinning from ear to ear. Then, dropping you at the ice rink/pool, you'll have to navigate your way back to your car.
Within 5 -10 minutes, you can ride Eagle's network of rec trails back to the start. In all, this will give you about 13 miles, 1600 feet, and a bunch of classic Eagle fun. Enjoy, and don't forget to stop by Bonfire Brewing for an ice-cold beer. Before you leave, do a little dance, wave your pint glass above your head and mumble a little rhyme. Eagle could use some rain!
