Trail Overview
963A is a short, 1.4-mile-long singletrack, that cuts off 3 miles of the Sand Creek Trail. The north end of 963A starts at a staging area and dispersed camping area off of FS 1902, and it goes south over a small wooden bridge over the Sand Creek. It weaves through a dense forest floor on a wide path in a low-consequence environment with minimal technical features. The trail is mostly dry and loose dirt that creates very dusty riding conditions. There are intermittent small loose rocks and embedded roots. The trail is well maintained, with several sections reinforced with cinderblocks, and was free of any downed logs by early summer. The northern half of the trail is straighter and faster, but the southern half has several wide and sweeping switchbacks as it ascends up to connect to trail 963. The switchbacks are easy and smooth and should be approachable for less experienced riders. After gaining almost 700 feet, it connects with 963 again.
Difficulty
This is an easy trail as there are no major rock or ledge obstacles. The trail does have some steeper spots and wide switchbacks, but it is mostly gradual and smooth dirt with not many rocks. This trail is ideal for less experienced riders and provides an easy shortcut to cut out a more difficult and longer portion of 963.
