CR15 Nine Mile Rd s(u) by Bicycle - Velo

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CR15 Nine Mile Road s(u)

CR15 combined with CR17 is a main connection across the Great Divide Basin, even if it is not even on the radar of all those I80 travelers to the south, and that is a good thing. CR15/CR17 runs in a north-south direction fairly close to the western edge of the basin, but then on its northern edge, it crosses the divide to connect with US28. This road is well enginieered for fast hard surface gravel riding, and minimally if at all signed. This particular summit on the traverse is tiny, but the vistas are endless, given the atmosphere is transparent enough, and therefor I wanted to make a page to show these views. The best part are the snow lined distant Wind River Mountains in early light.

the elevation profile is included on the page CR17 Chilton Rd s(u)

Approaches

From South. The first part of the profile is paved Wy371 from I80 to the Bridger coal power plant. Some form of pavement lasts to the jct with CR18 coming down from the Superior cutoff s(u) .

Starting the climb you would never believe it is going to be so small. One or two steep but pitches, combined with a view that increasingly has no limits can distort the perception like that. The best part is when a snow lined Wind River Range starts appearing behind the initial hogbacks of the range. This is best in clear morning light. Though very late light works two. It is virtually impossible to tell which one of the small rollers is the highest point.

From North. (described downwards) But as the Wind River Range draws closer it increasingly disappears behind the hogbacks. To get a full 500ft of elevation gain from this summit on this point, for the most direct route , you take a right, staying on CR15. The route goes around a perfect mesa named Black Rock, which describes the visuals situation perfectly. Continuing straight at this exhaustively signed intersection, the route descends only about 300ft, which explains the disappearance of the Wind River Range in the infinite vista, but not why I am also counting this route as having crossed this particular summit point. The explanation for this: Where the profile route takes a 90 degree left turn to become Chilton Rd, you can also go right and connect back to CR15, thus accomplishing the 500ft drop along this route too.

cLiCk on image , arrows , or thumbnails to advance slideshow

Dayride with this point as highest two way summit:

COMPLETELY UNPAVED:

( < CR18 Superior Cutoff Rd s(u)-2 | BLM4102 Tri Territory Monument s(u) > )

CR`15 Nine Mile Rd s(u) x2: jct CR15 Nine Mile Rd - CR18 Superior Cutoff Rd <> CR15 north <> CR15 Nine Mile Rd s(u) x2 <> CR`17 Chilton Rd west << turnaround point a spur in summit area of CR17, with several miles of extra out and back at many junctions to check for other possible rides and campsites: 51.5miles with 2770ft of climbing in 5:13hrs (garmin etrex32x m6:25.05.30).
Notes: too hot, but still bearable, the rides are just a little shorter. - wind was actually okay today.The highest point was actually the summit area of CR17 Chilton Rd. But since i didn't go down the other side, it doesn't count as a two way summit.