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Splinter

Rating: 
One-way Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
MTB Skill level:
Elevation: 7480 - 7665 feet
Cellphone: 1-4 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: County Road 10
Fee: none
Attractions: Pinon/juniper forest hike/bike




Splinter is a trail that is located in the RAT-Ridgway Area Trails System near Ridgway, Colorado. The trail begins near one end of the Speedy Gonzales trail and ends near the other end of it. The trail can be hiked or biked in either direction but the funnest direction of travel for mountain biking is in the downhill direction.


This post begins at the lower end of the Splinter trail at the 0.3 mile point from where Speedy Gonzales branches off of The Big Cheese trail.


Splinter cuts a nice route through the trees as it works its way up the mountain on an easy grade that averages 9 percent.


The trail has 3 long sweeping switchbacks that keep the climb at a moderate pace.


Occasional scenic views of the valley below with the San Juans in the background make a pleasant setting for any trail.


There are two trail features that might be considered advanced if mountain biking the trail in the uphill direction. Going downhill this one is an easy roll over a boulder. The other feature is an awkward dip with rocks on one side of it.


For the most part the well constructed trail is pretty easy no matter which direction you happen to be going.



Splinter reaches its upper end where it meets back up with Speedy Gonzales. From here it is 2 tenths of a mile to the right to reach the top of Ratical. Splinter might be a little funner in the downhill direction but that can be said for most trails. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is grab your bike or 'Take a hike'.

NOTE: All trails are closed between December 1 to April 30.