Pole-pedal-paddle racing has been going on in Jackson, Wyo., for 33 years. In Colorado, the tradition is a tad shorter, but the rekindling of the Salida 3P last weekend holds promise for this unique brand of triathlon with a twist. Here are a few nearby options for those interested in a DIY 3P adventure:
Salida
The race route should be in good shape for another week or two, with the biking getting better as the skiing deteriorates. Check river flows at to make sure there’s enough water in the Arkansas for rafts or kayaks, although current reports indicate early releases to make room for snowmelt in upstream reservoirs.
Pole: 6.7 miles cross country from Monarch Pass Summit to South Fooses Creek parking lot.
Pedal: 22 miles from parking lot to Big Bend on the Arkansas River.
Paddle: 6.5 miles from Big Bend to Riverside Park in downtown Salida.
Glenwood/Roaring Fork Valley
Pole: If skiing uphill isn’t your bag, you’ve still got one more weekend of lift service at Aspen Highlands. You’ll still have to earn your turns in Highlands Bowl, though. A closer backcountry option is Mount Sopris, overlooking Carbondale, which is still holding a midwinter snowpack.
Pedal: The Rio Grande Trail, a 41-mile link between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, remains a work in progress; some of it is scheduled for paving this summer. Many segments are built, dry and ready to ride on road or mountain bikes. Watch for wildlife closures in some areas until April 30. Before then, the 16.3-mile recreation path along the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon is a great, mellow option.
Paddle: The Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon has one of the best flows in the state right now, offering everything from class V rapids at Barrel Springs (near the Hanging Lake parking area) to class III at Shoshone and class II below Grizzly Creek. Kayakers should be sure to check out the new whitewater play park recently opened on the Colorado just upstream of the bridge at the West Glenwood exit off Interstate 70.
Fort Collins
Deep snow and cool temperatures upstream of Poudre Canyon should preserve the 3P options along the Cache La Poudre until late May or even early June.
Pole: East Face of Diamond Peak, right off the parking lot of Cameron Pass proper is an easy option. Those with more time on their hands might consider skiing up the Agnes drainage to find a route.
Pedal: Dadd Gulch offers a nice out-and-back mountain bike ride of about an hour and a half. The trailhead is near the bridge at the put-in for the Lower Rustic River run.
Paddle: Depending on your river skills, the Poudre offers everything from class II to class V on its way through the canyon to Fort Collins.
Moab
It’s possible to do a single-day 3P out here, but if you really want to savor the experience, take your time and do it right.
Pole: The La Sal Mountain Loop Road (accessible from the east and south sides of town) offers access to the best skiing in the La Sals. Follow it to the Geyser Pass road, where you’ll find a parking area at 9,600 feet and a well-traveled trail to Gold Basin at the foot of Mount Tukuhnikivatz (12,482 feet) and Tuk No (12,048).
Pedal: Slick Rock, Porcupine Rim, Poison Spider, Amasa Back — it’s Moab, people, if you can’t find a ride, you’re doing something wrong.
Paddle: Westwater Canyon of the Colorado offers the most bang for the buck, but you need a permit and a lot of required gear (435-259-7012).
