Hiking, Biking & Trail Running
Midland Trails Near Buena Vista
Ride, run, or hike from the Arkansas River into miles of rolling singletrack, historic railroad grade, and high-desert foothills overlooking the Collegiate Peaks.
Right Across the River
One of Buena Vista's Best Local Trail Networks
You do not have to drive into the mountains to find good hiking and mountain biking around Buena Vista. Cross the Arkansas River and a large network of trails spreads across the hills east of town.
The Midland and Overlook trail systems combine purpose-built singletrack, old dirt roads, and sections of the historic Colorado Midland railroad grade.
The terrain is very different from the high Sawatch Range across the valley. Instead of dense forest and alpine tundra, expect open hillsides, piñon and juniper, rocky terrain, dry washes, and almost constant views west toward Mount Princeton and the Collegiate Peaks.
Hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers all use the network, and the many connecting trails make it easy to build anything from a short outing to a much longer loop.
The Basics
Midland Trails at a Glance
Best For
Hike, Run & Ride
Most of the network is nonmotorized multi-use trail open to hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
Access
Minutes From Town
Start near the Arkansas River and Whipple Trail or drive east to trailheads along County Road 304.
Terrain
Rolling & Rocky
Expect frequent short climbs and descents, exposed rock, sandy sections, and occasional technical terrain.
Elevation
Above 8,000 Feet
These may be foothill trails, but they are still high-elevation Colorado trails.
Why Go
A Different Side of Buena Vista
The Midland Trails give you mountain scenery without requiring a drive deep into the Sawatch Range.
Collegiate Peaks Views
Because the trails climb the hills east of the Arkansas River, many sections look directly across the valley toward Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard, and the rest of the Sawatch Range.
Historic Railroad Grade
Parts of the system follow the old Colorado Midland railroad grade. The relatively gentle grade provides a contrast to the newer singletrack climbing and descending around it.
Easy to Build a Loop
Midland is not one single trail. Connecting routes let you create short loops, longer rides, trail runs, or out-and-back hikes depending on how much time you have.
Longer Season
The sunny hills east of the valley often dry faster than the shaded mountain trails west of town, making this an especially useful area during the shoulder seasons.
Good Places to Start
Popular Midland Trail Loops
With so many intersections, having a map helps. These established combinations are good introductions to different parts of the network.
About 3 Miles
Django + Fistful of Dollars
A compact loop from the Midland Trailhead combining twisting singletrack with a mix of climbing and descending.
Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition recommends riding or traveling this loop clockwise, descending Django and returning on the somewhat milder Fistful of Dollars.
About 6 Miles
Midland + Bacon Bits + Sausage Link
A longer loop through rolling terrain farther east in the system. It mixes the Midland corridor with newer singletrack and gives you a better feel for the open Fourmile landscape.
The route works in either direction, although the local trail organization recommends traveling it counterclockwise.
Just Under 6 Miles
Broken Boyfriend + Camp Elevation
A longer option accessible from the town side of the trail network. Combine North Trail, Broken Boyfriend, Camp Elevation, and Bridge to Bridge for a varied foothill loop.
This makes a particularly good trail-running or hiking route.
About 5 Miles Round Trip
Midland Hill
For a more substantial hike, climb Midland Hill from the river side of the system for broad views over Buena Vista, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Collegiate Peaks.
The route gains roughly 1,600 feet and is open to hikers and trail runners, but not bicycles.
A Trail With a Past
The Old Midland Railroad Grade
Long before mountain bikes arrived in Buena Vista, trains crossed these hills.
Portions of today's Midland Trail follow the grade of the historic Colorado Midland Railroad, which once crossed the mountains through this part of central Colorado.
Railroad grades were built much more gradually than modern hiking trails, and you can still feel that history in the long, relatively gentle sections cutting across the hills.
Newer singletrack now branches away from the old grade, climbs surrounding ridges, crosses washes, and reconnects with it farther along the system.
Trailheads
Where to Start
There is no single entrance to the Midland network. Where you begin depends on the kind of outing you want.
From Buena Vista
Start at Buena Vista River Park and cross the pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River. The Whipple Trail system climbs into the hills immediately east of town and connects toward Midland.
This is the best option if you want to leave the car behind and start your hike, run, or ride directly from town.
Midland Trailhead
The Midland Trailhead along County Road 304 provides direct access to the central trail network, including Django, Fistful of Dollars, and the Midland Trail itself.
It is a good starting point if the singletrack network is your main destination.
Collegiate Peaks Overlook
The overlook near US 24/285 and County Road 304 provides another access point to the western side of the Midland and Overlook trail network.
The overlook is a fee area, so check current signage when you arrive.
On Foot
Hiking & Trail Running
The Midland system is often associated with mountain biking, but it is also one of the easiest places around Buena Vista to put together a scenic hike or trail run without driving far from town.
For a Short Walk
Cross the Arkansas River from River Park and explore the Whipple trails. You can turn around whenever you like and still get excellent views back across town.
For a Trail Run
The network's many intersections make it easy to combine several trails into loops of different lengths without repeating much ground.
For a Bigger Hike
Midland Hill provides a sustained climb and much more elevation gain than most of the surrounding foothill trails.
Mountain Biking
Do Not Let the Foothills Fool You
Buena Vista's Midland trails are popular with mountain bikers, but much of the system is not beginner singletrack.
Short climbs, embedded rocks, loose sections, tight turns, and unexpected technical features appear throughout the network. Difficulty ratings on local maps are primarily based on mountain biking skill.
Riders looking for something relatively mellow can use the old railroad grade and dirt-road connections, while more experienced riders can build routes using the surrounding singletrack.
Midland Hill is the major exception to the multi-use network: bicycles are not allowed on that trail.
Trail Conditions
Dry Does Not Always Mean Rideable
The open terrain east of Buena Vista dries quickly, but using muddy trails can cause lasting damage.
After Summer Storms
Heavy thunderstorms can leave standing water and soft trail surfaces. Give trails time to dry after major rain.
Winter Freeze-Thaw
Sunny sections may thaw while shaded areas remain frozen or muddy. Avoid using trails when your tires or shoes are leaving deep tracks.
If You Hit Mud
Do not widen the trail by traveling around puddles or muddy spots. Stay on the established tread and avoid creating new lines.
Wildlife Closures
Some trails may have seasonal wildlife restrictions. Unchained is closed to all users annually from December 1 through April 15. Always follow posted closures.
Share the Trail
A Busy Multi-Use Network
Expect to encounter hikers, runners, cyclists, dogs, and other trail users, especially close to town and on weekends.
Slow Down Around Others
Mountain bikers should approach hikers and runners carefully, announce themselves before passing, and follow posted yielding rules.
Stay on the Trail
Avoid cutting switchbacks or creating alternate lines around rocks, puddles, and technical features.
Pack Out Dog Waste
Pick up after your dog and carry the bag out with you. Do not leave filled bags along the trail for later.
Plan Your Route
Bring a Trail Map
The Midland system has a lot of intersections and connecting trails. Download a current map before heading out, especially if you plan to combine several trails into a longer loop.
Explore More
More Around Buena Vista
Use the Midland Trails for a shorter foothill adventure, or head west into the Sawatch Range for alpine hiking and bigger mountain days.