Reviewed by: Vaughn , from Denver

Summary:
The section prior to the Vail ski area was fun and mostly rideable, but honestly the trail needs a loving chainsaw to remove blowdowns. Bikes and motor bikes are making a freeway up there in some sections. My original plan was to continue down the Two Elk out to Minturn because it is very sweet, but that day the helicopters were out logging, the day previous security had apparently arrested a bunch of protesters, and I didn't want to be turned around after descending 1500feet. Sooo, I hiked north to the hilltop looking down on the Vail back bowls. Ouch. From there dropped down the actual Commando Run, as designated by my Trails Illustrated Map, back to Vail. All Fireroad, a less appreciated option, when sweet Two Elk Singletrack was available. Not knowing the area well, I took the fireroad all the way back into Vail, but I'm sure a few of the turnoffs up there would have accessed a little more fulfilling singletrack back to the base. Odometer read 36 miles at trails end. In all, I was happy with the ride, but I'll probably not get around to retracing my steps when other sweet stuff is so nearby.

Recommended Route:
I wish I had thought of Karkus' trail route, a nice mostly dirt option. I parked in Vail, cruised up the paved Vail Bike Path to Vail Pass and the Shrine Pass road, then took the Two Elk trail as they had.

Reviewed by: Karkus , from Boulder, CO

Summary:
After about 10 miles on the road from Minturn to Redcliff, the uphill continues for another 7.5 miles on the Shrine Pass Road, where a left turn puts you on the Commando Run route. The singletrack is narrow and steep at times (a good test of your technical climbing skills). The sweet singletrack continues along the ridge, with a few opportunities for log hopping experts along the way. The 8 mile descent from Two Elk Pass starts out on a fun, narrow singletrack into the Vail backbowls, where the big, bad Vail Associates are cutting down trees to expand their evil empire, and the trail gets rerouted due to their destruction activities. Once they let you back on the trail, it becomes a bit more technical as you wind your way down to Minturn. Experienced trail riders will love this last section! (but "roadie boy" racers who like dirt crits should probably stay away). One of the best singletracks I've ridden in a while.

Recommended Route:
We did the Commando Run as a loop from Minturn to Redcliff to Shrine Pass road, then following the Commando Run route and going back down Two Elk trail to Minturn. About 30 miles total. (About 20 if you do a shuttle from Minturn to RedCliff)