Mountain biker creates guide to SW Colorado trails

When Anthony and Amber Powell left the sprawling megalopolis that is Phoenix, they entered into a time and place in the Four Corners that was so different from their past and so rewarding that they wanted to give something back.

As enthusiastic mountain bikers (well, Amber is becoming one), they decided to create a guide that maps riding trails from Pagosa Springs to Aztec to Cortez. That product, "Trail Head: Durango Area Mountain Bike Guide," was released in mid-October and is available at stores around Durango ($15-$20).

Anthony, already a serious mountain biker, visited cycling stores in town to find the best trails.

“When they start(ed) drawing maps on a piece of paper,” he explained, he realized that having a more formal printed guide would be helpful.

He rode, mapped and photographed about 500 miles of trails over about nine months.

“I don’t get any sympathy from my friends for ‘having’ to go and ride every day,” he noted.

The guide covers trails that are within about 1½ hours driving time of Durango and includes 15 maps as well as trails ratings, riding style, skill level, “work” level, comments, trail description, favorite loop and directions to the trailhead.

Powell said he plans to update the guide every year and, adding trails. He is adding trail photos and video to his website, www.ridetrailhead.com.