Trail Name: Thunder Road Trail System
Best Use: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Trail Running
Best Time for Use: All users – Spring, Summer, Fall. Biking – (Closed to bikes 11/15 – 4/30)
Difficulty: Mountain Biking, Intermediate Hiking/Trail Running, Beginner
Length: Total 19 miles (30.5 km), system is comprised of 4 smaller loops that range from about 3.5 to 4.5 miles (5,6 to 7.2 km)
Start Elevation: Thunder Trail Head 7,785 ft (2,373 m) The furthest trail head at Goshorn loop is 8,274 ft (2,522 m) Maximum Elev Gain and Loss from Start Elev: Since they are loops the gain and loss are the same: Loop 1=662 ft (202 m) Loop 2=504 ft (154 m) Loop 3=473 ft (144 m) Loop 4=678 ft (207 m) Total of all 4 loops = 2,317 ft (706 m)
Trail Surface and Use: Single Track dirt and rocks
Trail Head Access: Suitable for 2WD auto
Trail Head Directions: The trail system is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Norwood, Coloradocvia paved and dirt roads. Passenger cars can access any of the trails under most road conditions. From Norwood’s main street (Grand Avenue): • Travel to the far west end of Grand Avenue • Turn left on Aspen Street (CR 42ZS) and travel south 1 mile (1.6 km). (See large brown “National Forest Access” sign). • Turn right onto Y43 Road, travel 1/2 mile (0.8 km). • Turn left on CR 41.5Y Road, travel south 1.7 miles (2.7 km) • Turn right onto FSR 609, travel 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the Thunder Trails Trailhead parking area. There is also a trail head parking area at the far south end of the trail system at the 4th loop, Goshorn. Hikers might enjoy driving out to hike this loop.
Best Feature: Single track riding through ponderosa pine forest and along Naturita Canyon rim.
Caution: Look out for motorcycles, horses, and occasional cows out to pasture and of course, thunder. There are two ditch crossing on Portis east side. One is easy to ride through. The other is deeper and narrower and usually can be jumped over. There are plans for the Forest Service to build a bridge over this one. Wear orange during hunting seasons.

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Description: Enjoy riding or hiking the 19 miles of single track in the Thunder Trails system near Norwood, Colorado. There are four interconnecting trail loops that offer fun and challenge for all. The trails west of Thunder Road (Forest Road 609) provide a rockier, more technical riding experience and offer great views of Naturita Canyon. The trails east of Thunder Road travel through the ponderosa pine forest and open meadows, providing a smoother, faster ride. Trail is open to motorcycles, mountain bikes, horses and hikers.
There is a map at the parking lot and signs along the ride indicating trail loops, intersections and connections.
There is camping in designated spots along FSR609 for two miles (3.2 km) after the parking lot.