Disappointment Falls

Disappointment Falls is a short mountain biking route in Colorado's Canyon Lakes Ranger District, part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The Forest Service manages the land, and the ride covers about 0.6 miles with a total elevation gain of 36 feet, making it a low-effort outing for riders looking to add a quick leg to a longer day in the district. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 0.5 miles in, where the grade reaches 5 percent. The route starts at roughly 7,869 feet and peaks at about 7,901 feet before descending slightly to 7,863 feet at the end. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July highs around 78°F with lows near 47°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s. Elkhorn Creek, a hike about 0.9 miles away, and the Lady Moon mountain biking route, about a mile off, are the closest options. West Lake Campground and Red Feather, both within about 3 miles, offer places to camp.