Front Side, Tenderfoot, Little Rattler and Spiral Trail

You can access these trails directly from downtown Salida via the Front Side Trail, which is a popular uphill route. Another primary access point is the 'S' Mountain parking lot in Salida, which serves as a starting point for the Lil' Rattler Trail and provides connections to the broader Arkansas Hills trails system.

Yes, these trails are generally dog-friendly. The Front Side Trail is a multi-use trail, and Spiral Drive is also popular with hikers and trail runners. Always ensure your dog is under control, preferably on a leash, and remember to pack out any waste.

The trails in the Salida area, including this route, are often accessible earlier in the season due to their south-facing exposure, meaning they can be free of snow sooner than higher-elevation trails. Spring and fall typically offer pleasant temperatures, while summer mornings are ideal before the heat sets in.

There are no specific permits or entrance fees required to mountain bike on the Front Side, Tenderfoot, Little Rattler, and Spiral Trails within the Arkansas Hills Trail System. These trails are publicly accessible.

This route serves as an excellent introduction and connection point to the Arkansas Hills Trail System. The Front Side Trail provides direct singletrack access from downtown Salida, while the Lil' Rattler Trail is a common starting point from the 'S' Mountain parking lot, leading to other trails like Backbone, Sand Dunes, Pauli, or Uncle Nazty.

This route is rated as difficult overall. While sections like Lil' Rattler Trail are considered intermediate (blue) with an easy physical rating, the Tenderfoot Trail has conflicting difficulty ratings, with some sections described as 'Black Diamond Rate' for climbing due to rougher, rockier terrain. The Front Side Trail also features narrow, technical rock sections and tight switchbacks.

You'll experience a mix of terrain, from moderate singletrack climbs on the Frontside Trail with technical rock sections, to 'skinny singletrack' with rocky sections on Tenderfoot. Lil' Rattler Trail offers easy to intermediate singletrack. Spiral Drive is primarily a dirt/gravel road. Throughout the ride, you'll enjoy excellent views of Salida, the Collegiate Peaks, Sangre de Cristo Range, Chalk Cliffs, and the surrounding mountains.

Yes, the route offers spectacular views. The Frontside Trail provides great views of Salida and the mountains as you ascend. From the top of 'S' Mountain, accessed via Spiral Drive, you'll get panoramic vistas of the Collegiate Range, Sangre de Cristo Range, Chalk Cliffs, and the entire town of Salida. The Lil' Rattler Trail also offers excellent views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Yes, this route is well-connected within the Arkansas Hills Trail System. The Frontside Trail connects to the higher 'S' Mountain area. The Lil' Rattler Trail connects to Spiral Drive Road and further up to CR 173, providing access to trails like Backbone, Sand Dunes, Pauli, or Uncle Nazty. The Tenderfoot Trail also connects Backbone with Spiral Drive.

While sections like Lil' Rattler Trail and Spiral Drive are rated as easy to intermediate, the overall route is considered difficult. The Front Side and Tenderfoot trails include technical rock sections, tight switchbacks, and challenging climbs. If Lil' Rattler Trail proves too challenging, other trails beyond it are generally tougher, so it might not be ideal for beginners or young families looking for an easy ride.

Yes, since the route starts and ends near downtown Salida, you'll find a variety of amenities. Salida offers numerous cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options, making it convenient for pre-ride fueling or post-ride relaxation.