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I wish to dedicate this book to my biking-buddy and friend Don (Vivican) Flint, who has shared many spiritual mountain biking moments with me. Not only will I continue to carry his spirit with me as I ride, but everyone that buys this book will too...
No one writes a book by one's self. Many of my rides have come from others -- via maps, the internet, bike shops, and other books. Many thanks to all those who have unknowingly and knowingly shared their information with me. Thanks also to the many land managers that checked my ride descriptions for accuracy and added valuable comments. I realize that many of the land managers fear added impact and conflict on their trails because of the publication of this book, but I have faith that you, the reader and rider, will use this book to reduce your impact on the trail and that you will contribute to a lowering of trail conflicts.
Introduction:
Ride 1: Fort Ord Public Lands
Ride 2: Wilder Ranch State Park
Ride 3: Soquel Demonstration State Forest
Introduction:
Ride 4: Saratoga Gap Loop
Ride 5: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Ride 6: El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve
Ride 7: Whittemore Gulch Trail
Introduction:
Ride 8: Lyman Willson Ridge Road/Grizzly Gulch Trail
Ride 9: Kelly Lake Loop
Ride 10: Frog Lake
Ride 11: Middle Ridge Loop
Ride 12: China Hole Trail
Introduction:
Ride 13: China Camp State Park
Ride 14: Skyline Wilderness Park
Ride 15: Rockville Hills Community Park
Introduction:
Ride 16: Annadel State Park, Ledson Marsh
Ride 17: Annadel State Park, Lake Ilsanjo
Ride 18: Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
Introduction:
Ride 19: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Introduction:
Ride 20: Kelsey Trail
Ride 21: Bailey Cove Loop
Ride 22: Waters Gulch Trail
Ride 23: Clikapudi Trail
Ride 24: Clear Creek Vista Trail
Ride 25: Recliner Loop
Ride 26: Land Luge Loop
Introduction:
Ride 27: Spencer Meadow Loop
Ride 28: Trail Lake Trail
Ride 29: Bucks Creek Loop Trail
Ride 30: Feather Falls
Introduction:
Ride 31: Bullards Bar Trail
Ride 32: North Yuba Trail
Ride 33: Halls Ranch/Fiddle Creek Trails
Ride 34: Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails
Ride 35: Divide Loop
Ride 36: Downieville Downhill via Butcher Ranch Trail
Ride 37: Downieville Downhill via Pauley Creek Trail
Ride 38: Downieville Downhill via Big Boulder Trail
Introduction:
Ride 39: South Yuba National Trail
Ride 40: Upper Pioneer/Iomega Trails
Ride 41: Shotgun "Lake"
Ride 42: Loch Leven Lakes Loop
Ride 43: Hole-In-The-Ground Trail
Ride 44: Stevens Trail
Ride 45: Foresthill Divide
Ride 46: Darrington/Salmon Falls Trail
Ride 47: Sweetwater Trail
Introduction:
Ride 48: Commemorative Emigrant Trail, East from 89
Ride 49: Watson Lake From Brockway Summit
Ride 50: Watson Lake From Midway Bridge
Ride 51: Tahoe Rim Trail To Tahoe City Loop
Ride 52: Flume Trail
Ride 53: Spooner Summit To Bench Overlook
Ride 54: Kingsbury Grade To Bench Overlook
Ride 55: Star Lake From Heavenly Valley
Ride 56: Big Meadow to Freel Pass
Ride 57: Big Meadow to Pacific Crest Trail
Introduction:
Ride 58: Sly Park Loop
Ride 59: Silver Fork Loop
Ride 60: The Hogan Trail
Ride 61: Lake Alpine Loop
Ride 62: Glory Hole Upper
Ride 63: Glory Hole Lower
Introduction:
Ride 64: Goat Mountain Trail
Ride 65: Squaw Leap Loop
Ride 66: Tour de Granite Adventure
Ride 67: Lower Rock Creek Trail
This book is aimed at experienced mountain bikers that enjoy riding on singletracks. It assumes that you have intermediate technical skills or are willing to carry your bike through sections of trail that you cannot ride without adversely impacting the trail. You should be able to ride on narrow trails (sometimes only a few inches wide) without riding off the edge; You should be able to descend on loose sections without sliding your rear wheel or be willing to walk your bike down these sections; You should be able to ride over water bars or be willing to walk your bike over them; You should be able to ride around sharp corners without sliding or be willing to walk your bike around them; You should be willing to avoid cutting switchbacks; You should be willing to get off your bike and walk it through wet or muddy sections and to wait for a trail to dry out after a storm or after the snow melts. This book is for people who love trails and want to take care of them! If you are a beginning mountain biker, please buy the book and then practice riding on rough dirt roads until you can follow a good line through rocky sections, can ride over water bars and across trenches, and can turn sharp corners -- all without sliding your rear tire.
This book also assumes that you are in good shape aerobically: that you spend a minimum of one hour, three times a week working out. Most of these rides are not for "weekend warriors" who get no exercise what-so-ever during the week and then go for one ride on the weekend. If you find yourself in poor shape aerobically, please avoid any rides that are listed as "strenuous", either in terms of maximum aerobic level or total effort.
I am an intermediate rider -- in terms of strength, endurance, and technical abilities -- that has a passion for riding in natural areas, especially on singletracks. I love the intimate feeling of riding on narrow and pristine trails, and enjoy light to intermediate technical challenges. I also hike and backpack, but find mountain biking more enjoyable. There is something spiritual about gliding silently through a redwood forest or along the top of a ridge overlooking lakes and distant peaks. Mountain biking allows me to get close to nature while being aware of the changing environment. Some rides have brought tears of joy to my eyes, as when riding among meadows of wildflowers or cresting a ridge to find a glacially formed lake in the cirque of a perfectly formed peak. Others have caused me to laugh so hard I couldn't stop, as when a group of us hit an icy patch and crashed into each other like dominoes, and ended up in a tangled pile of bikes and people. Some rides have made me feel good to have survived! All have made me feel alive and well. When I finish a ride it takes several hours to get rid of the smile on my face... All the rides that I have selected have this spiritual quality; many of the rides are challenging in some way; and all are fun!
In general, I have chosen rides that are mostly rideable by intermediate riders such as myself. If I found myself pushing and carrying my bike more than riding it, I did not include that description. That doesn't mean that riders with intermediate skills will not be carrying their bikes sometimes on rides described in this book!
I have long felt frustrated by the lack of singletracks in California guide books. The term "trail" was often used for both singletracks and dirt roads, and maps often did not differentiate between singletracks and dirt roads. To me "trails" and "singletracks" are synonymous. They connote a narrow path along which people or horses must walk or ride in single file. They vary from about 4 feet to a few inches in width. Singletracks blend in with nature more than dirt roads, and have a wilder feeling. I enjoy brushing up against nature as I hike or ride along a singletrack. I began searching books and maps and internet sites, and visiting bike shops for possible singletracks, riding and evaluating them, and then began publishing brief descriptions of recommended singletracks on the internet. When I was approached to write a book on mountain biking in northern California I eagerly agreed, with the understanding that I would concentrate on singletracks! I then decided to include only singletracks on public lands. Therefore I did not include trails in private bike parks or ski resorts.
I felt guilty, though, increasing the usage and therefore the wear and tear on trails. To counteract this, I try to teach the concept of low impact riding throughout the book. Hopefully the trails will be better off because of this book. I have faith in people and in education, and believe that most trail damage occurs because people don't realize that they are doing damage to the trail and don't know how to avoid doing damage to the trail. (I apologize if I repeat myself often throughout the book, but I want to make sure that the message about low impact riding reaches everyone, even if they only do one ride in this book.) I am also donating all of my proceeds from the book to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). I encourage you to join IMBA, as they work hard to assure our access to singletracks and to maintain and build new singletracks. (An application is provided in the back of this book.)
I have divided northern California into four sections. Section one covers the southern coast ranges from Monterey to San Francisco. Section two covers the northern coast ranges from San Francisco to the Oregon border. Section three covers the southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada from Mount Shasta to Yosemite National Park. Section four covers the southern Sierra Nevada from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park. Some of the trails are "classics"; Some are newly built. All pass through natural areas and possess scenic attributes.
Northern California weather is fairly simple: Pacific storms begin to roll in during October and November, intensify during December, January, and February, and decrease during March and April. Altitudes above 3000-4000 feet will receive some snow; Altitudes above 6000-7000 feet may have snow lingering into the summer months. Pacific storms seldom occur during the summer months. Thunderstorms sometimes occur in the Southern Cascades and Sierra Nevada during the summer -- especially during August. Summer fog frequently occurs in the coast ranges near the ocean. The coast ranges and lower altitudes in the Sierra Nevada can become quite hot in the summer! Higher altitudes in the Sierra Nevada can fall below freezing at night during the summer.
Northern California consists of the coast ranges, the central valley, the Sierra Nevada, and the western edge of the great basin desert -- in that order from west to east -- with the Cascades extending down into northern California from Oregon. Several of the rides described in this book occur in the Sierra Nevada surrounding Lake Tahoe -- the largest high altitude freshwater lake in California and perhaps the most beautiful mountain lake in the world! One ride traverses the bottom of a cliff beside a waterfall and leads through a grove of California redwoods in a temperate rainforest in the northern coast ranges. Another ride passes by alpine lakes in the high Sierra. Still another leads along a rushing stream in the high desert. California is famous for its diversity!
Poison oak occurs in the coast ranges and below 4000 feet in the southern Cascades and Sierra Nevada. It is sometimes impossible to avoid hitting poison oak on narrow singletracks. I have found that washing one's exposed body parts immediately after a ride will usually remove the oils and prevent a reaction. Placing one's bike and shoes in the sun will allow the oils to evaporate.
Ticks are common at lower altitudes throughout northern California, mostly in the late winter, spring, and early summer. Check your body frequently in order to catch them before they burrow in deeply. Ticks love out-of-the-way and/or hairy places, although they have been known to burrow in anywhere. If you locate one, grasp it near the head with a sharp pair of tweezers, pull gently for a couple of minutes, and it should let go. The area might be discolored for a few days. Watch for the appearance of a ring around the bite and flu-like symptoms. If these develop, please see your doctor, as it might indicate the presence of Lyme Disease.
Rattlesnakes are also common at lower altitudes throughout northern California. Fortunately they are quite secretive and shy, but I have seen people surprise them on bikes, resulting in a rider nearly being bitten. (Fortunately the snake hit the bike frame rather than his leg!) This is just another reason to ride slowly and to watch the trail in front of you.
Mountain lions are not common, but may occur anywhere. They are extremely secretive and will probably not be seen. But if you do encounter one on the trail, stop, stand tall, hold your bike between you and the lion, and slowly back away while looking at the lion. If, in the unlikely event a mountain lion attacks, fight back aggressively, using your bike as a shield.
Wild pigs are common in some regions within the coast ranges. They are actually a cross between feral pigs (escaped and naturalized) and wild boars (also introduced). Although they can become quite large and are very strong and fast, they will not bother you unless you try to approach them. Keep your distance!
Heat exhaustion is sometimes a problem in hot weather. It seldom occurs when you are drinking enough water. But limiting one's pace and resting regularly will help to prevent it.
Hypothermia is a real danger when you become wet in cool or cold weather. If there is any chance that it might rain or become foggy on your ride, take rain gear. Simple plastic rain gear might save your life! Wearing non-cotton clothing is also helpful.
Adjust your seat properly. If the front of your seat is adjusted too high, or if the seat is adjusted too far back so that you are forced to sit on the front of the seat, you may injure delicate organs in your crotch area. This affects both men and women! If you have difficulty urinating after a ride, if you feel numb in the crotch area after a ride, if you have a partial erection after a ride, then you may be injuring yourself. Besides adjusting your seat properly, it helps to change position frequently: Stand up when descending or climbing, and sit down on the flats.
Besides adequate water, high-calorie snacks, and rain gear, you should carry the following with you on every ride: extra tube or tube repair kit, pump, tire "irons", allen wrenches, and a chain tool. I also carry some water purification tablets, a quarter, a $5 dollar bill, a small knife, and an extra car key. If you head off in the late afternoon, be prepared to spend the night: Take some extra food, extra water, and extra clothes. If you are forced to spend the night on the trail, use pine needles, twigs, leaves, or bark to insulate you. You can sleep quite warmly and comfortably this way. It is not a good idea to walk or ride out in the dark.
While riding, keep track of your directions. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At noon the sun is to the south of you. Stay found and you will never become lost!
Let someone know where you are going in case you become injured or lost. If you become lost, do not wander around looking for the trail or for another way back. Try to follow your tracks back to the trail. If this is not possible, then stay put until someone finds you!
Many public lands require that helmets be worn. Personally, I can't understand why one would want to ride without a helmet. I have cracked several helmets, either by landing on my head or by hitting my head on low limbs.
Many public lands also have a speed limit for mountain bikes -- usually 15 mph. In addition, you are often required to slow to a walking pace when visibility is limited (usually less than 50 feet).
Many public lands are open only between sunrise and sunset.
Not all singletracks within public land are open to mountain biking. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are riding on legal trails. All trails described in this book were legal when I rode them. But trail designations change. If you are following a ride in this book and come across a trail that has been closed to biking, please do not ride on the closed trail. Checking with a land manager to make sure that all the described trails are still legal is a good idea.
Be sure to check the local regulations when you arrive at the trailhead.
A rolling tire on a hard surface does not cause significant impact. But if the surface is not hard, or if the tire is not rolling, or if the tire runs off the trail, then damage can occur.
I see five main problems:
-Allowing ones bike to run off the trail, causing erosion of the trail edge and therefore narrowing of the trail. If you find that you are continually running off the trail, perhaps you should practice on wider trails or ride at slower speeds until you have better control over your bike. Everyone runs off the trail every once in a while, but please do not make a habit of it.
-Allowing the back tire to lock up when going downhill, causing the tire to dig into the trail. A sliding back tire is fairly useless in slowing you down and causes heavy erosion of the trail. Keep the back wheel turning! I find that it helps to pump the rear brake lightly and quickly and to keeps one's weight far back -- even behind the seat on steep downhills. If something is too steep for you to ride without sliding the tire, please get off and walk the bike down.
-Allowing the bike to slide around corners, causing lateral erosion of the trail. Sliding around corners has become a acquired skill for many riders, but it does cause a great deal of trail erosion. Riding a corner cleanly -- without sliding -- is harder to do, but preserves the trail and demonstrates superior bike handling skills. I have also noticed "chatter marks" just before a corner, indicating that riders were going too fast and had to slow down too quickly prior to the turn. Keep your speed down and slow down gradually.
-Riding through deep mud, causing deep ruts which act as erosion trenches. The wonderful thing about modern mountain bikes is that they are light! That means that they can be picked up and carried through deep mud. (The bad thing about clipless pedals is that people hate to click out and get their cleats muddy. Don't let this inconvenience keep you from walking your bike through deep mud.)
-Riding around natural barriers and water-bars, which widens the trail and contributes to erosion. Half the fun of riding singletracks is to succeed technically -- to ride over roots and rocks and water bars. If you meet up with an obstacle that you cannot ride, please get off your bike and carry it over the obstacle rather than riding around it. If you want to ride on narrow singletracks, then please ride in such a way so as to keep them narrow. If you are not willing to keep singletracks narrow, please ride on dirt roads.
Low impact riding not only prevents erosion of trails, but also preserves our right to use singletrack trails, and might even lead to the opening of more trails for our use!
Singletrack mountain biking differs from dirt road mountain biking in that singletrack trails tend to be narrower, steeper, with sharper turns, and with unavoidable obstacles such as rocks, ruts, roots, and water-bars. Sometimes they are built along the sides of steep slopes with varying amounts of exposure.
Riding on narrow trails means that you may not have any choice in where your bike needs to go -- your line has been determined by the trail builder! If your wheels go off the trail, both you and the trail can be injured. Before heading down a singletrack for the first time, practice riding on narrow sidewalks or between obstacles. If the trail is narrow and deep, you will also need to avoid hitting the side of the trail with a pedal. Generally, go slower on narrow singletracks than you ordinarily would ride.
Steep downhills can be quite challenging! What you don't want to do is allow your weight to be too far forward. If your front wheel hits something and your bike suddenly slows, your body could be thrown forward, the bike could flip forward, and you could go sailing over the handlebars! You need to have a strong upper body (pushups!), and to keep your weight back. In general, the steeper the descent, the farther back your weight should be. It is not unusual to keep your body in back of the seat on very steep descents. Use enough front brake to help keep your speed under control, but not so much that your bike might hit an obstacle and come to a stop or that your front tire might begin to slide. Use as much rear brake as you like up to the point where it begins to slide. (The farther back your weight, the more effective will be your rear brake.) A sliding tire is fairly useless in helping you maintain your speed. In general, if you start to "lose it", let go of the brakes and the bike will usually recover. Loose rocks can pose special problems, making it difficult to brake without sliding. Sometimes the bike will "jackknife" as the rear slides around. (This usually means that your weight is not far enough back.) You may need to let the bike move a little faster than you would like until you reach firmer ground. If your front wheel needs to ride up to get out of a dip or over a rock or over a log or over a water bar -- get off the rear brake! (The rear brake tends to hold the front wheel down, preventing it from riding up. In fact, getting off both brakes when the front wheel needs to move up is best.) And most importantly, if you can't ride a section without sliding your rear tire, please get off the bike and walk it through that section!
I am still working on sharp turns. Many of you will find that you can turn sharply in one direction but not the other. This is probably the side that you tend to get on and off your bike. Practice getting on and off your bike on the "wrong" side until you feel comfortable doing it. You may find that your bike just does not want to turn! Make sure that you are not applying your front brake too much -- it will prevent the bike from turning and will increase the probability that the front wheel will slide out from under you. Practice leaning your bike into the inside of the turn while moving your body toward the outside of the turn. Your body may resist moving toward the outside of the turn, especially if there is a cliff. But your bike will not turn if you can't get your weight toward the outside of the turn, so force yourself to do so. If turning left, push your handlebar to the left and away from you. Keep your weight directly over the inside edges of the tires, just as you would keep your weight over the edges of skis as you turn -- the sharper the turn, the greater the lean. Placing all your weight on the outside foot will help you lean the bike toward the inside and will help you keep your weight toward the outside -- over the inside edges of the tires. The steeper the descent of the trail as it goes around the turn, the farther back you will need to keep your weight to prevent the rear tire from sliding. On steep uphill turns you will need to pull your body up hard with your arm toward the outside of the turn. (Pull-ups help!) The bike will not turn until your weight is moved to the outside of the bike.
Obstacles pose a special problem. To get over a root or water bar or rock, approach it from a right angle, compress the front of the bike just before hitting it, and pull up with your arms as you reach it. The front wheel will then hop over it. Next shift your weight forward and let your rear wheel hop over it. (Practice riding up higher and higher curbs.) If you have enough speed and you wish to jump over the obstacle with both wheels -- compress the entire bike just before hitting it and pull up and forward with your arms. If your timing is correct, you will sail right over it! If you are riding uphill, you will need to throw your weight more forward as you go over an obstacle. If you are riding downhill, you will need to shift your weight less forward as you go over it. Releasing both brakes helps greatly, but apply them gently after the jump if you need to, so as to avoid skidding. If you must cross an obstacle at an angle, exaggerate your movements so as to jump over it without touching it or to minimize the force with which your bike hits it. And if you can't jump over an obstacle, please get off and carry your bike over it rather than riding around it. Riding down a "drop-off" requires that your weight be shifted way back and that you stay off the front brake! (Practice riding off higher and higher curbs.) Riding over a sharp and deep "dip" requires that you at least hop the front wheel over it (compress and pull). Better yet is to hop the front wheel over it and then the rear wheel over it, or hopping the entire bike over it at once!
Do not look down at what your front wheel is about to experience. Instead, be looking ahead. You brain requires time to respond, and has a good memory of what you have seen moments before. By looking ahead you give your brain enough time to process what it has seen and to respond appropriately and accurately. Look at where you want to ride instead of what you don't want to hit. You automatically ride toward whatever you look at. Look for a good line through the rocks and ruts and you will follow this line. But if you look at a rock or rut that you don't want to hit you will hit it for sure! With practice, you will be able to quickly spot a good line, and will be able to relax and ride down it accurately. If you spot a section that will not be rideable for you, stop the bike before you get to it, and walk through it. When you find yourself in a difficult section, do not hit the brakes, but relax and ride through it -- especially on steep downhill sections. Trying to stop in the middle of a difficult section is a sure way to fall. Riding through it usually is successful.
If you are riding across a steep slope and feel your bike beginning to slide down and off the trail, force yourself to move your weight toward the direction in which the bike is sliding (the downhill side). This will cause the bike to stop sliding and to turn uphill! If you allow fear to cause you to move your weight away from the direction of the slide, your bike will slide out from under you for sure!
The front brake can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It is the most effective brake and can be safely used when traveling straight on a stable surface. But when turning or riding on a loose surface, ease off on the front brake, get your weight back, and rely more on the rear brake.
It takes more than one person to cause a conflict, so here are some ideas for all trail users to help decrease the severity and amount of conflicts on singletracks.
The first thing that we must do is check our attitudes. We must not judge others who use the trail. Regardless of the manner in which they use the trail, they are basically out there to enjoy nature and to enjoy their sport, whether it be hiking, backpacking, horse riding, or mountain biking. These forms of trail use have been shown to be similar in impact, and are all valid ways in which people enjoy natural areas.
All trail users are responsible for being alert and for watching and listening for others. But the faster that a trail user is moving, the more alert that user needs to be. Headphones, loud conversations, and daydreaming contribute to a loss of alertness.
All trail users should stay to the right of the trail. This allows people to approach and pass each other easily, and removes any indecision about the proper side on which to pass.
Faster users should slow down when approaching blind curves so as to not surprise a user on the other side. Sometimes this requires a much slower speed than the customary 5 MPH. In general, you are riding too fast if:
-you must slide your tires to stop or slow down when you are surprised by the presence of other trail users.
-other trail users seem nervous as you approach.
-you cannot look up and smile at other trail users as you pass.
-you feel out of control.
Faster users should take care so as to avoid throwing dust or mud onto other users.
Uphill mountain bikers usually have right-of-way over downhill riders. (It is hard to get going again after stopping on an uphill climb.) The rider of the cliff-side of a trail usually has right-of-way over the rider on the bank-side of a trail. (The rider on the bank-side can easily lean on the bank, allowing the rider on the cliff side to safely pass.)
Hikers and equestrians have right-of-way over mountain bikers. This means that you should stop and move your bike to the side of the trail or off the trail, if necessary, before hikers and equestrians feel compelled to do so. Horses feel more comfortable when you are below them rather than above them. Talk to the horses as they approach. It doesn't have to be anything intelligent; just use a soothing voice. If you approach hikers and equestrians from behind, let them know that you are approaching before you get so close that you frighten them. You may have to wait until equestrians have found a wide place, have moved their horses off the trail, and have turned the horses around so that they may see you. Please be patient! Horses vary a lot in their responses to mountain bikers. More experienced horses may pay no attention to you. Less experienced horses may panic easily. Follow the instructions of the rider.
Trail users need to get used to (desensitized) other trail users. This will decrease fear. It is interesting to note that bicyclists are not afraid of other bicyclists, and that hikers are not afraid of other hikers, and that equestrians are not afraid of other equestrians. The more we know of each other, the less we fear each other. Concentrate on similarities -- not differences.
We are all out there for the same reasons: To enjoy nature, and to enjoy what we are doing...
Location: This is the general location of the ride, in reference to a city or other major landmark.
Distance: This is the total distance that one travels, either in a loop (loop), or out to a point and back again (out-and-back), or from one point to another point (point-to-point) -- as measured by my trip cyclometer. Mine will probably be adjusted differently than yours, but is usually within 5% of the signed mileage.
Time: This is how long it should take intermediate riders -- such as myself -- to do the ride, allowing time to stop and look at the scenery and check this book and maps. It does not include time for lunch, swimming, napping, etc. Please include extra time for these important activities!
Elevation gain: This is the total elevation gain. My cyclometer keeps track of every climb on the ride and adds all the climbs together for a cumulative elevation gain. The total elevation gain, more than any other parameter, will help you to judge the effort and energy that will be needed for the ride.
Tread: This describes the surface of the trail: wide or narrow, paved, hard-packed, sandy, rocky, loose, rutted, etc.
Maximum aerobic level: Maximum aerobic level describes how physically demanding a section of the ride becomes. A "strenuous" rating usually involves at least 30 minutes of steep climbing -- enough to break a good sweat. An "easy" rating will not involve long segments of strenuous climbing.
Total effort: Total effort is determined by the length of the ride, the amount of time that the ride requires, and the amount of climbing that is involved. A ride that extends for 5-10 miles and lasts for 1-2 hours in which you climb up to 1000 feet will probably be listed as easy. A ride that extends for 10-15 miles and lasts for 2-3 hours in which you climb for 1000-3000 feet will probably be listed as moderate. "Strenuous" means that you will be exercising hard for a long time. A ride that extends for 15-30 miles and lasts for 3-6 hours in which you climb for 3000-5000 feet will probably be listed as strenuous. Please do not attempt a strenuous ride unless you are in very good physical condition. Take extra food and water for strenuous rides.
Technical difficulty: "1" = smooth asphalt or smooth dirt: technical skills are not needed. "2" = minimal technical skills are needed, such as being able to ride on a narrow trail, being able to ride on gravel or other loose surfaces, and being able to ride over small water bars, bumps, ruts, roots, and rocks through gentle terrain with little exposure. "3" = intermediate technical skills are needed to ride the majority of it, such as being able to ride over larger water bars, bumps, ruts, roots, and rocks through steeper and looser and more exposed terrain. "4" = advanced technical skills are needed to ride the majority of it, such as being able to ride steeply downhill on a loose and rocky surface. Basically, I consider myself an intermediate rider. If I find myself walking a large portion of a trail because it is too demanding technically, then I assign it a rating of "4". If I can ride all or most of the trail, but it takes my full concentration and sometimes takes me to my limit, then I assign it a rating of "3". If I can ride all or most of the trail without concentrating much and am not challenged by its technical nature, than I assigned it a rating of "2". And, of course, a "1" is assigned when no technical skills what-so-ever are required so that I could ride without my hands if I could. A ride usually involves several technical designations. Be sure that you can ride the maximum technical designation, or that you will be able to carry your bike through the more technical sections.
Highlights: These are the things that I really appreciated about the ride, and hope that you do to.
Land status: The land administrator.
Maps: I always list the USGS maps that cover the area for each ride, but many of these singletrack trails have been built since the USGS maps have been updated, and therefore are not shown on the USGS maps. Many private topographic or shaded relief maps are being printed. I will recommend these when appropriate. Sometimes the only map of a trail will be a hand-drawn, photocopied map provided by the public agency involved. Sometimes there will be no map other than the one in this book.
Access: This explains how to get to the trailhead, and states the services available at the trailhead.
Notes on the trail: These notes contain general information that you might want to know about the ride: the trails, the scenery, the natural history, the history.
The ride: This is list of mileage landmarks: trail junctions, creek crossings, vista points, points of interest, general landmarks, and anything else that might help you find your way or add to your education, enjoyment, and safety.
The hand-drawn or traced maps are not meant to be substitutes for detailed U.S.G.S. or local trail maps, but should prove to be helpful in combination with other maps. Each map should be used in conjunction with the ride description.
On these maps, a dotted line connotes a singletrack, a double-dashed line represents a dirt road, and a double-solid line represents a paved road. Arrows show the suggested direction of travel. Each map is aligned so that the top is north. A section map of northern California is also provided, with the approximate location of the ride indicated.
The elevation graphs show changes in elevation for each ride. In general, the steeper the graph, the steeper the climb or descent. Again, dotted lines are used for singletracks, double-dashed lines are used for dirt roads, and double-solid lines are used for paved roads. Technical difficulty of each segment of the ride is also shown. Each graph should be used in conjunction with the ride description.
I have promised land managers that their trails will be no worse for wear, and might even be better off because of this book. I trust that you will use the following ride descriptions respectfully, trying to minimize your impact on the trails and on other trail users. I also ask that you try to educate others to the need for low-impact riding and for considerate riding.
Spread your hard-earned money around: Pay for parking at the trailheads, buy things from local stores, stay in local motels. Singletracks will stay open to mountain bikes if the local people want them to stay open. Give them a reason to keep these trails open to you!
I hope you enjoy these rides as much as I have! See you on the trail...
This section includes rides from Monterey to San Francisco.
In many places valleys will separate "inland" coast ranges from their coastal counterparts. These inland coast ranges seldom experience summer fog and usually receive less winter precipitation, and experience significantly higher summer temperatures than their coastal counterparts. Conversely, the "outer" coast ranges experience frequent summer fog and associated cool temperatures during the summer, and significantly higher precipitation during the winter. The summer fog contributes to the growth of redwoods in the "outer" coast ranges.
In general, the wildflower season begins early in the coast ranges, with the first flowers appearing in January in the warmer areas, and the last flowers fading in August in moister areas. Grasses turn green as early as December and remain green until May in dryer areas and until July in moister areas. California's coast ranges are known for their bright green color in winter and spring, and for their golden color during the summer and fall.
Poison oak is heavy in all regions. Ticks are also common throughout the coast ranges from early spring through summer
Vegetatively, Monterey Bay marks the southernmost extent of significant redwood forests. Beautiful examples of redwood forests exist in Wilder State Park and in Soquel Demonstration State Forest. Fort Ord Public Lands are composed of live oak forests, chaparral, and grasslands.
In general, trail surfaces are usually composed of compacted sand that has been uplifted. As a result these trail surfaces are easily eroded, and extra care is required to prevent the rear tire from sliding. Concentrate on keeping your weight back and use the front brake more when descending, unless you are in the process of turning. These sandy trails are especially vulnerable to damage when they are wet.
Campgrounds and motels are abundant throughout the area, but usually require reservations during the summer months. If all the campgrounds are full along the beaches, try Mt. Madonna County Park on State Highway 152 between Watsonville and Gilroy. Forget about finding a place to camp on a summer weekend without reservations! Bikes shops are to be found in Monterey and in Santa Cruz.
Location: These public lands are located about 6 miles west of Salinas and about 7 miles east of Monterey on State Highway 68.
Distance: 10.6 mile loop.
Time: 1 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 1800 feet. Lowest elevation = 250 feet; highest elevation = 600 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack; some dirt road.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenous.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 2-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Views of Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay, wildflowers and green hills in spring (March - June), and abundant wildlife. (Bobcat sightings are common; I even saw a road-runner!) No motorized vehicles may use the dirt roads and trails.
Land status: Bureau Of Land Management.
Maps: USGS Salinas. A free well-drawn topographic map is available at the trailhead.
Access: Coming from the south of Salinas on U.S. Highway 101, take the "Monterey Peninsula" exit. Coming from the north of Salinas on U.S. Highway 101, take the second "Monterey Peninsula" exit just south of town. This road eventually becomes State Highway 68. Continue west as State Highway 68 becomes a freeway. The trailhead is located at the end of a long grassy strip 0.8 miles after the freeway becomes a 2 lane road. If you find yourself at the turnoff to Laguna Seca, you have gone too far. Turn back and again look for the long grassy strip beside the Toro Creek Estates.
Notes on the trail: I had ridden here several times during the Sea Otter Classic cross-country race, and looked forward to returning to ride at a more aware and leisurely pace. I also wanted to include as much of the good singletrack that I remembered and exclude some of the dirt road. By accident we noticed the entrance beside Toro Creek Estates. Fortunately, a free map was available to help us plan the ride. We quickly learned that a "Trail" was often something that was impossible to ride, whereas a "Single Track Mountain Bike Trail" was just what I was looking for! We also noticed that the "Goat Trail", Trail 41, was the longest Single Track Mountain Bike Trail on the map, and wanted to include it. Basically, we started out on Toro Creek Road, climbed up through grassy hills on Trail 45 to Oil Well Road, climbed up Trail 10 to the top of the ridge, descended on the technically challenging Redrock Ridge Trail, Trail 42, through chaparral and oaks and poison oak, rode a short distance on Skyline Road before heading up Trail 43, and descended for a long way on Goat Trail, which roller-coastered down to a small lake at its terminus. We then returned to the car via Oil Well Road and Toro Creek Road. Although the ride was not a long one, it was worth riding because of the quality of the singletracks and the scenery. Most of the trails are sandy and become rideable within a few days of a major winter storm. Please do not ride them when they are wet. The temperatures are moderate during spring and fall. During the summer, temperatures may be either uncomfortably hot, or cool and windy if the fog is "in". These trails are easily erodable; please prevent your rear wheel from sliding or walk your bike down sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Many people use these trails, please slow down when your visibility becomes limited to avoid surprising them, and yield right-of-way to them when you meet.
The ride:
0.0 Begin riding on an unnamed dirt road.
0.1 Turn right at the T onto Toro Creek Road.
0.8 Dive down into a sandy creek bed (keep your weight back!).
0.9 Turn left onto Trail 45.
1.0 Ignore Trail 46 and continue to climb steeply on the singletrack/recovering dirt road.
1.3 Turn left onto Oil Well Road (dirt).
1.9 Turn right onto trail #10. This is another dirt road recovering to singletrack.
2.5 Ignore Goat Trail for now and bear left to continue a short distance on Trail 10.
2.6 Major intersection. Turn right and head up the old dirt road (Trail 10). After the initial steep climb, this road turns into a gentle roller-coaster.
3.1 Top of the Redrock Ridge Trail. You might want to put your seat down a bit, as this next trail involves some fairly technical downhill! Keep your butt back to avoid sliding your rear tire. Walk your bike if you cannot ride without sliding. Use the front brake more except when turning.
3.4 Look out for the steep, rocky dropoff, followed by sandy sections and a very steep downhill.
3.8 Bottom of Trail 42. Turn left and ride a short distance on Skyline Road (dirt).
4.0 Turn left onto Trail 43. This is a nice singletrack on which to ride up. Watch for poison oak!
4.5 Back at the major intersection. Bear left onto Trail 41 (Goat Trail). This wonderful, hard-packed, and mostly smooth singletrack is basically downhill, but it roller-coasters a lot, especially toward the lower end.
6.6 Fork in the trail -- you may take either way down.
6.8 A picnic table next to a small lake.
7.3 End of Trail 41. Turn right onto Oil Well Road (dirt).
9.1 Turn left onto Toro Creek Road (dirt). This road is unsigned and is not well traveled. In some places it looks more like a singletrack; in others it looks more like a trench or creek bed and may not be ridable.
9.5 The "road" becomes ridable again.
9.7 Back to the junction with Trail 45. Head down into the wash.
10.5 Turn left onto the unmarked trail leading a short distance back to your car.
10.6 Back at your car!
Location: 5.1 miles northwest of the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, on State Highway 1.
Distance: 13.2 mile loop.
Time: 2 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 2200 feet. Lowest elevation = 200 feet; highest elevation = 750 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack, mostly hard-packed.
Maximum aerobic level: Moderate.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 2-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Shady redwood groves, flower-filled meadows, views of Monterey Bay, small streams. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
Land status: Wilder Ranch State Park.
Maps: USGS Santa Cruz. A free, good topographic map is available at the bookstore in the working ranch.
Access: At 5.1 miles northwest of the intersection of highways 17 and 1 in Santa Cruz, turn left off of State Highway 1 at the sign for Wilder Ranch State Park. Park in the spacious parking lot. The trailhead begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Bathrooms and water are available.
Notes on the trail: This is a very busy place -- especially on weekends -- with other mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. Please slow down considerably when visibility becomes limited to avoid surprising other trail users, and yield right-of-way when you meet them. Unfortunately the trail surface is packed sand, and therefore is easily erodable. It is imperative that you ride without sliding your rear tire. Keep your weight back and use the front brake heavily when not turning. This is also the habitat of a rare species of red-legged frog whose existence is being threatened by people stirring up sediment as they cross the creeks. Please carry your bikes across all creeks that do not have bridges and walk carefully on the exposed rocks when crossing. Having said that, the singletracks pass through beautiful redwood forests with a bright green ground-cover of redwood sorrel. Although poison oak is abundant, the trails are wide enough so that you will usually not come in contact with it. But to be safe, wash up after the ride -- and also check for ticks. Because of the easily erodable soils, riding at Wilder within a couple of weeks of a major Pacific storm is not appropriate. In fact, portions of Wilder do not dry out (and are closed) until early or mid-summer, depending on the year. It is wise to call ahead to ask about the conditions of the trails. I would hate to see you arrive and not be able to ride some of the trails!
The ride:
0.0 Leave the parking lot at its northeast corner and follow the paved service road down to the working ranch.
0.2 Turn into Wilder Ranch at the sign. A sign will instruct you to dismount and walk your bike through the ranch. Stop off at the bookstore to pick up a free topographic map of the State Park. Ride through the tunnel. The paved road turns into a dirt road.
0.4 Ride over the cattle guard. There is place for donations at the large map. If you can't afford to donate to trail maintenance and live nearby, the State Park staff will gladly accept your help in maintaining these trails. Days and times for trail work are listed. You might also want to check out the poison oak display on the bulletin board.
0.5 Go right at the dirt road junction.
0.6 Several dirt roads take off at this point. Take the one to the far left. You will see a sign for Wagon Wheel Trail. It will soon turn into a singletrack and is designated one-way uphill so as to minimize trail conflicts and trail erosion.
Note: The Wagon Wheel Trail has been closed to all users until a way to protect the habitat of the red-legged frog along this trail can be found and implemented. Hopefully by the time you read this, the trail will be reopened. If it is not, please turn onto the Engelsman Loop Trail at this point, turn left onto the Wild Boar Trail at mile 1.8, and arrive at the top of the Wagon Wheel Trail at mile 2.0. Then skip ahead in this description to mile 2.2.
0.9 The trail travels alongside a creek through a cool and shady area. The trees growing in the creek with grayish bark are alders.
1.1 Everything looks very lush. The bright green ground cover is composed of redwood sorrel. Redwood trees are appearing -- and giant chain ferns. Don't forget to carry your bike across the stream whenever the trail crosses it and to walk lightly across the rocks.
1.6 Until now the trail has been climbing unnoticeably. Now it begins to climb more steeply. Sticky monkey flowers and wild morning glories appear among the rocks.
1.9 As you climb, please do not ride around water bars and obstacles, as this widens and erodes the trail. If you can't ride what the trail presents you, please get off and walk your bike.
2.2 You are at the end of the Wagon Wheel Trail. Hang a left onto the dirt road and pedal up.
2.5 Trail junction. Turn left onto the Old Cabin Trail (singletrack). Remember to gauge your speed by the degree of visibility as you head down to the creek. If you catch a trail user by surprise as you head down, you are going too fast! Keep your butt back and use your front brake more, unless your are turning, to avoid sliding.
2.8 Dismount and carefully cross the creek in order to protect the red-legged frogs.
3.4 You are now crossing over an area that stays wet and muddy late in the season. Please prevent any more resource destruction by carrying your bike through the mud, if it is present.
3.4+ Trail junction. Turn left onto the Eucalyptus Loop Trail. At this point it is a dirt road.
3.7 The dirt road narrows down to a wide singletrack as it enters the live oak forest.
3.9 The trail heads steeply down to the creek. Only advanced riders will be able to ride down without creating resource damage, and even they should carry their bikes across the water to prevent siltation and damage to the organisms that live downstream. Take a moment to appreciate the ferns that line the creek.
4.0 The wide singletrack narrows down and passes through a redwood forest carpeted with redwood sorrel.
4.1 Dodge the poison oak.
4.3 Another chance to carry your bike across a creek.
4.4 Trail junction. Bear left onto the Twin Oaks Trail and pass through an oak forest, followed by a redwood forest, followed by a bay forest, followed by a meadow of wildflowers.
4.6 Ignore the old trail coming down from the right.
5.3 The Twin Oaks Trail ends as you are dumped out onto the Wilder Ridge Loop Trail (dirt road). Turn right and climb steeply!
5.5 Take the left fork for 100 feet to a view of the entire Monterey Bay area and return and continue the way you were going.
6.0 Pass by Zane Gray Cut-off and continue climbing on the Wilder Ridge Loop Trail.
6.5 Ignore the singletrack that takes off.
6.5+ Ignore the connector trail to the Twin Oaks Trail and follow the dirt road as it makes a sharp turn around the fence.
6.7 Turn right onto the paved road.
6.8 Ignore the singletrack taking off to your right.
6.8+ The pavement turns into dirt. Three singletracks await you on your left. Take the one that requires making the sharpest turn, almost 180° from the direction that you were going. This is the beginning of the Enchanted Loop Trail.
7.0 After traveling through a dense forest you suddenly find yourself on another dirt road. Turn right.
7.5 Leave the dirt road and bear right onto the singletrack to continue on the Enchanted Loop Trail.
7.5+ When the singletrack forks, take the right fork. At the junction 100 feet beyond, again take the right fork. This is a continuation of the Enchanted Loop Trail. It is a steep, downhill, technical singletrack, passing through a forest of redwood trees, sword ferns, and redwood sorrel. Unfortunately the soil is very fragile. If you cannot ride down it without tearing it up, please walk your bike down. Also please ride over obstacles, such as roots and water bars, rather than around them so that you do not turn the singletrack into a dirt road. If you choose to ride it, keep your weight back behind the seat and use your front brake heavily except when your front wheel is turned. If you begin to "lose it" in a technical section, let go of both brakes and roll through it. Let off the brakes when riding over water bars or roots.
7.7 Get your weight way back and release the brakes as you go over the drop-off. Glide gracefully down into the forest.
8.2 You have a choice: You may proceed straight ahead, or turn right. Both will get you to the top. I prefer the right fork...
8.7 You are back where you started riding on the Enchanted Loop Trail. Turn left onto the dirt road, ride for 100 feet through a sandy section, and turn right onto the singletrack. You are back on the Eucalyptus Loop Trail.
8.9 This is where we turned down the Twin Oaks Trail. Bear left to continue on the Eucalyptus Loop Trail -- the same trail that we rode up earlier. The trail is very tricky as you enter the forest, with a steep drop-off followed by an angular water bar. Unless you are an expert, you had best walk your bike.
9.7 Turn right onto the Old Cabin Trail (You also rode this earlier!)
10.5 Cross the creek. Listen for the nervous song of the canyon wren as you pump or push uphill.
10.8 Turn right onto the dirt road and head down.
11.1 You are back at the top of the Wagon Wheel Trail. Now bear left onto the Wild Boar Trail. (You can't go down the Wagon Wheel Trail as it is one-way.)
11.3 Turn right onto the dirt road (Engelsman Loop Trail) and stop for a moment for one last look at Monterey Bay. Warning: It is easy to gain too much speed on this dirt road. Erosion trenches and sand pits sometimes await you. What's the hurry anyway? If you hit a sand pit, force your weight far back, let go of the brakes, keep your front wheel pointing straight ahead, and float through it.
12.3 Steep descent.
12.5 Steep descent. You are at the bottom of Wagon Wheel Trail. Proceed down the dirt road for another 100 feet and take the left fork. Head for the corral, ride along the fence, go over the cattle guard, ride through the tunnel, and get off and walk your bike through the working ranch.
13.0 Hop back on your bike, turn right onto the paved road, and pump up to the parking lot.
13.2 Back at your car. I advise you to wash your body as soon as possible to remove poison oak oils and to check for ticks. And take that silly smile off your face!
Location: 9.7 miles east of State Highway 17 on Highland Way, about 1/2 hour south of San Jose.
Distance: 14.3 mile loop.
Time: 3 hours.
Elevation gain: About 2600 feet. Lowest elevation = 600 feet; highest elevation = 2500 feet.
Tread: Paved road, dirt road, and hard-packed singletrack with short rocky sections.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 1-4 (mostly 3).
Highlights: This region really feels remote, and it is! No motorized vehicles are allowed on the singletracks. The singletracks themselves are challenging and fun, and pass through dense forests of madrone and redwood, with occasional views of Monterey Bay.
Land atus: Soquel Demonstration State Forest, managed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, for forestry education and research.
Maps: USGS Laurel, Loma Prieta (trails not shown.) A free map of the trails is available at the trailhead.
Access: From San Jose, take State Highway 17 south toward Santa Cruz. Take the Summit Road exit as you approach the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and follow it south east as it becomes Highland Way at 5.0 miles. (The Summit Center Store at 3.7 miles is your last chance to get bottled water, cold drinks, and food.) Continue on Highland Way until a dirt road is seen passing over a bridge to your right at mile 9.7, and park. A small green sign beside the bridge reads Soquel Demonstration State Forest. (This bridge and parking area are located at a low point in a redwood forest. If you find yourself driving back uphill, you have gone too far.) Grab your bike and get ready to ride south on Highland Road. (You will be returning to this spot via the dirt road passing over the bridge.) No water is available at the trailhead.
Notes on the trail: Even though this ride requires one to climb up 350 feet on a paved road and another 700 feet on dirt roads to reach the upper part of the singletrack, and another 1000 feet on a dirt road to return from the bottom of the singletrack, it is well worth the workout! Although it is tempting to ride fast on these trails, one needs to be prepared for other users, including other mountain bikers, and slow down considerably when visibility becomes limited. When you meet other trail users, please yield right-of-way to them by stopping and moving off the trail. The land manager is especially concerned that equestrians and hikers feel safe and welcome. Please be extra considerate of them. Realize that these trails are for the use of equestrians and hikers as well as mountain bikers. The land manager is also concerned that you stay on the trails, that you do not trespass on private property, and that you stay away from areas that are closed due to logging. The singletrack varies from lightly technical to highly technical. The more technical sections are short, making it easy to carry your bike over them if you cannot ride down them without sliding your rear tire. The singletrack traverses a north-facing slope on the boundary between madrone and redwood forests along the top of the ridge, and through redwood forests on the way down from the ridge to the bottom of the canyon. The last leg of the ride passes along a shaded creek for several miles. These trails shed water amazingly well, but there are times after large winter storms when it would be best to let the trails dry out for a week or so before using them. Summer temperatures are often moderate because of the close proximity to the ocean. At times it can even be cold and foggy in the summer.
The ride:
0.0 Climb on paved Highland Way along Soquel Creek under shady and cool redwoods.
1.9 Turn right onto Buzzard Lagoon Road (dirt) and continue climbing.
2.9 The road forks at this point. Bear right onto Aptos Creek Fire Road (no sign) toward the sign for Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This is a good place for a break because it is cool and shady, and because you will soon be climbing on a hot, exposed, south-facing slope.
4.0 Go under the closed State Park gate and continue to climb on Aptos Creek Fire Road beside manzanita, ceanothus, and live oak shrubs.
5.1 When the dirt road widens out a bit and a view of Monterey Bay appears on your left, look for a (currently) unsigned singletrack taking off to the right. This is the entrance to the upper part of Soquel Demonstration State Forest. It is also the high point on this ride. (If you find yourself going downhill on the dirt road, you have gone too far!) Once inside the State Forest, there is a display with maps. Get ready for a bumpy ride with dips, trenches, and stumps on which to catch a pedal.
5.8 Trail junction. You have been riding on the Ridge Trail. Bear left and continue riding on the Ridge Trail. (The right fork would take you down the Corral Trail.) Before the next junction you will be faced with two extremely steep, but short, hills to climb. Keep watching for stumps that can grab your pedal. Also watch for a rocky downhill section that tends to funnel one right into a tree; Remember to keep your weight back and the wheels rolling to avoid an embarrassing and painful face plant, and to avoid tearing up the trail.
6.6 Trail juction. You have just passed by an unsurfaced heliport surrounded by bright blue bush-lupines, and providing a nice view toward the northwest. Bear left to continue on the Ridge Trail.
7.3 View spot. After winding through a forest of madrone trees, the trail passes by a picnic table with a view of Monterey Bay. This is a perfect place for a rest/snack/lunch break! The trail becomes very smooth and playful until the next intersection. Watch your speed on this section. I saw a large tree claim the bike of a rider that was going too fast. He had a long walk back to the car...
7.7 Trail junction. Bear left to continue on the Ridge Trail. After a short, playful section, the trail becomes steep and rutted. For the sake of the trail, walk your bike if you cannot ride without sliding your rear wheel. (Keeping one's butt behind the seat helps a lot!)
8.4 This short section is very steep and loose. Rocks and roots will try to divert or stop your front wheel. Only experts should ride it! Shortly thereafter is an impossible-to-ride uphill section. Ride up as far as you can and get off and push.
8.6 This looks like it should be a trail junction, but it isn't. The sign marks the end of the Ridge Trail and the beginning of the Saw Pit Trail. It also marks the last -- and best -- section of singletrack. Warning: This section will throw everything at you, including steep downhills, sharp drop offs, sharp turns, water bars, trenches, pits, and strategically placed trees in a dense grove of redwoods. While concentrating on the trail, please remember to be aware for other trail users. Even when you are riding downhill, other trail users -- including mountain bikers coming up -- have right-of-way. When you see them coming up, please stop and pull off the trail before they feel compelled to do so.
9.8 Junction with the Hihn's Mill Road (dirt). Well, its all uphill from here! Fortunately, the dirt road follows a stream through cool redwood forests, and it is a middle chain-ring climb.
10.5 Tractor trail meets Hihn's Mill Road at this intersection. Continue on Hihn's Mill Road.
11.8 Sulfur Springs Trail meets Hihn's Mill Road at this intersection. Continue on Hihn's Mill Road. If you smell noxious gases, it could be your riding partners, but it is more likely a result of the numerous sulfur springs in the area. If you don't want to go back to your car just yet, then ride up Sulfur Springs Trail to the junction with Corral Trail, then up Corral Trail to the junction with Ridge Trail, and do the ride again!
12.5 This is a great creek for cooling off on a hot day -- or for washing off any poison oak oils that you may have accumulated on your legs and arms.
14.1 Locked gate. Bike around the gate, past the sign for Soquel Demonstration State Forest, and continue on Hihn's Mill Road.
14.3 Bridge and parking area at the junction of Hihn's Mill Road and Highland Way.
This western, outer, coast range receives an impressive amount of rainfall, and frequently experiences summer fog. As a result, temperatures are moderate and lush forests tend to grow there. Where fog tends to linger, redwood forests grow.
This area is very close to major metropolitan areas and therefore receives a lot of use -- especially on weekends. Extra care must be taken so that you do not surprise other trail users. Always yield to them by stopping and moving off the trail before they feel compelled to do so. Motels and bike shops are abundant in the nearby cities. Campgrounds exist at Portola State Park and at Big Basin State Park. Reservations are suggested during the summer -- especially on weekends.
Like most of the trails in the coast ranges, the surfaces are easily erodable and require that you prevent your rear tire from sliding by keeping your weight back. They should not be ridden in wet weather.
Ride 5: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Location: At the junction of State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and State Highway 9, about 1 hour south of San Francisco.
Distance: 13.2 mile loop.
Time: 3 hours.
Elevation gain: About 2700 feet. Lowest elevation = 1400 feet; highest elevation = 2750 feet.
Tread: Hard-packed singletrack and dirt roads.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Strenuous.
Technical difficulty: 2-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Dense forests of live oaks, Douglas firs, madrones, and bays, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildflowers in spring and summer, and quite a lot of very nice singletrack! Motorized vehicles are not allowed to use these trails.
Land status: This loop passes through Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, and Upper Stevens Creek County Park.
Maps: USGS Mindego Hill. A well-drawn topographic map is available at the trailhead.
Access: Junction of State Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd) and State Highway 9. You may reach this junction by driving south from San Francisco or west from Saratoga. Park in the large parking area on State Highway 35. No bathrooms or water are available. Carefully ride across State Highway 9 to reach the trailhead.
Notes on the trail: This loop is composed of several nice singletracks tied together with narrow to wide dirt roads. The first part of the ride is gentle; the second half dives deeply into a canyon and then climbs steeply out. Avoid doing this ride in the middle of a hot day, as the long climb out of the canyon in the heat can be brutal! A beautiful creek runs through the bottom of the canyon -- a perfect place for a picnic! These trails become quite muddy in winter, and are usually closed to horses and bikes. Even if they are open, please do not ride them when they are wet. Most of the trails meander through forests of live oaks, madrones, bay, and Douglas fir. Poison oak is abundant, and so are ticks. Please be gentle with these trails by preventing your rear tire from sliding as you descend and turn. Walk your bike through technical sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Many people use these trails, especially on weekends. Please slow down considerably when visibility becomes limited, and yield right-of-way to other trail users. The land manager asked me to remind you that helmets are required, there is a 15 mph speed limit, and the preserve is open between sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset.
The ride:
0.0 Begin this ride with a 1.7 mile singletrack. I have given this section a class 3 rating as there are quite a few rocks and roots and steep downhills and sharp turns to negotiate. Keep that butt back to avoid sliding the rear tire!
0.2 The large and beautiful orange-barked tree on your left is a madrone. Meander down now through a shady forest.
0.7 Ignore the singletrack descending from State Highway 35.
1.7 Cross over the dirt road and head for the singletrack on the other side. The forest becomes quite lush at this point.
2.1 The trail spits you out onto State Highway 35. Cross very carefully, as vehicles travel very fast on this section of road. Head for the singletrack on the other side.
2.1+ The short singletrack joins a narrow dirt road.
2.2 Dirt road junction: Swing to the right.
2.3 The dirt road heads to the right. A singletrack heads to the left. Take the singletrack, of course!
2.4 Take the short trail up to the view rock, if you wish. Enjoy the views of the surrounding hillsides covered with forests and the distant Pacific Ocean filled with water.
2.6 Turn left onto the dirt road.
2.7 Leave the forest and climb a steep, grassy knoll.
3.1 Bear right onto the singletrack and head for Grizzly Flat Parking.
3.4 Intersect a dirt road (Ward Road). Bear left onto the dirt road "To Grizzly Flat Parking".
3.4+ Junction of Ward Road and Long Ridge Road. Turn right onto Peters Creek Trail (singletrack). This is a beautiful singletrack that switchbacks down the hillside. Many of the turns are quite tight. Be sure that you don't slide your rear tire, and watch out for other trail users. It would be easy to surprise someone on this section of trail.
3.9 Cross a bridge over a small creek and ride through a lush forest.
3.9+ Cross over the damn of a small lake to your right. (The lake is on private property.) The singletrack ends at a dirt road. Turn left onto the dirt road.
4.1 Notice the scarlet larkspur in bloom in late June. Pass through an older forest. The trail is lined with stinging nettles -- very nice to look at because of their bright green color -- and pretty good to eat after boiling -- but not good to touch -- especially with bare legs! Its hard to tell if this is a narrow dirt road or a wide singletrack...
4.5 Turn right to continue on Peters Creek Trail toward Grizzly Flat Parking. The narrow dirt road has now narrowed down to a singletrack.
4.9 Turn right "To Grizzly Flat Parking".
5.0 Cross over a wooden bridge and turn right to continue toward Grizzly Flat Parking. Get ready to climb!
5.4 You are spit out onto State Highway 35 again. Carefully cross the highway and head straight down the Grizzly Flat dirt road. (Ignore the dirt road that heads off to the right.) Get ready for a long descent.
6.6 Ignore the wide singletrack coming up from the right.
7.4 Trail junction: To your left is a sign which reads: "Canyon Trail, .5 Miles". To your right is a fence with a sign that explains that this is a wintering site for lady bugs. In late June there were thousands of them flying around! You might as well travel straight and down to Stevens Creek to wash off, have a rest, and enjoy the coolness of the place. It looks like the trail should cross the creek at this point, but it doesn't! After you are ready to ride on, go back to the sign and take the singletrack toward the Canyon Trail.
7.6 Cross the stream where a large Douglas fir has fallen over. The singletrack switchbacks sharply and climbs steeply through a shady forest. There is a lot of poison oak along this section.
7.9 Turn right "To Stevens Canyon Road" on a narrow dirt road.
8.2 Turn right "To Saratoga Gap, 4.8 miles" onto a singletrack. A sign alerts you to the fact that bicycles must ride one way. Fortunately this is the way that you are going! Cross over Stevens Creek again. Now the singletrack becomes class 3 and climbs steeply. Fortunately you are climbing through a shady forest.
9.5 Turn right onto the dirt road. You might want to rest on the stumps in the shady place, because you have a lot more climbing to do.
9.6 Ignore the narrow singletrack on the right. (It is closed to bikes.)
9.7 Bear right onto a larger dirt road.
9.8 Notice the little grove of young giant sequoias. They are remnants of an old Christmas tree farm.
10.0 Follow the sign that requests that bicycles travel one-way to the right. Continue to climb through a live oak and madrone forest.
10.6 Take the dirt road to the right at the T (uphill, of course).
11.0 The term "unrelenting" comes to mind...
11.3 You are at the top of the climb!
11.5 After a short downhill, arrive at an intersection that you have seen before. Bear left onto the singletrack for the last 1.7 miles back to the car.
12.0 Notice the large, mature Douglas firs that line the trail.
12.5 Ignore the singletrack coming down from the right.
13.0 You are back at the large madrone. It is all downhill from here!
13.2 You made it! Suggestion: Wash off the poison oak oils and look for ticks as soon as you can.
Location: About 1 hour south of San Francisco near the north/west corner of State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and Alpine Road.
Distance: 4.4 mile loop.
Time: 3/4 hour.
Elevation gain: About 900 feet. Lowest elevation = 2300 feet; highest elevation = 2600 feet.
Tread: Narrow to wide singletracks with some dirt road; Hard-packed sand.
Maximum aerobic level: Moderate.
Total effort: Easy.
Technical difficulty: 2.
Highlights: Just some nice singletracks passing through grasslands and oak forests with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance and wildflowers in the spring. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. This is a good ride for beginning singletrackers.
Land status: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Maps: USGS Mindego. A well-drawn topographic map is available at the trailhead.
Access: From Interstate Freeway 280 in Los Altos Hills, take the Page Mill Road exit and head west for 8.5 miles. Cross Skyline Blvd (State Highway 35) onto Alpine Road and immediately turn right into the parking area for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. An outhouse, but no water, is available at the trailhead.
Notes on the trail: I was at first disappointed when the wide singletrack turned into a dirt road, but was thrilled when I found that the Ancient Oaks Trail was a high quality singletrack! I was again disappointed when it suddenly came to an end on another dirt road, but could not believe the great singletrack that took off again along the top of the ridge and then back into the oak forest. For a short ride it has some pretty wonderful singletrack! The land manager asked me to remind you that helmets are required, there is a 15 mph speed limit, and the preserve is open between sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset. Lots of people use these trails, so please be extra careful that you do not catch them by surprise! When you encounter them, yield right-of-way by coming to a stop before they feel compelled to do so. To prevent erosion, please do not ride these trails when they are wet, and prevent your rear tire from sliding by keeping your weight back or by walking your bike down steep sections.
The ride:
0.0 Ride uphill on a wide singletrack.
0.3 The wide singletrack turns into a dirt road.
0.5 Trail junction. Go left "To Ancient Oaks Trail" onto another dirt road.
0.9 Take the singletrack to the right. This is the beginning of the Ancient Oaks Trail.
1.1 Don't forget to take your eyes off the trail and look at the Pacific Ocean on the horizon.
1.2 Turn left "To Mindego Trail" to continue on the Ancient Oaks Trail.
1.5 Very lush!
1.6 You are rudely dumped onto a dirt road (Mindego Trail). Turn right. Gear up for a granny gear climb. I hope it is not the middle of the afternoon on a very hot day, as there is no shade whatsoever along this dirt road!
2.3 You are at the Vista Point entrance to the preserve. Turn right onto the narrow singletrack and enjoy a middle chain-ring climb to the top.
2.9 Turn right toward the Ancient Oaks Trail and head downhill on a sweet and narrow singletrack into the oak grove again.
3.2 You are back on the Ancient Oaks Trail where you were at mile 1.2. Turn left and retrace your "steps" back to the car.
3.5 Turn left onto the dirt road ("To Ridge Trail").
3.8 Turn right onto the dirt road ("To Alpine Road Parking").
4.1 The dirt road turns back into a wide singletrack.
4.4 Back at the car. Do you have time to do it again?
Location: In the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 1/2 hour south of San Francisco and about 3/4 hour north of San Jose, on State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard).
Distance: 14.8 mile loop.
Time: 3 hours.
Elevation gain: About 3100 feet. Lowest elevation = 1430 feet; highest elevation = 2465 feet.
Tread: A mixture of singletracks and dirt roads; mostly smooth and hard-packed.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Strenuous.
Technical difficulty: 2-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
Land status: El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve, Midpenninsula Regional Open Space District.
Maps: USGS Woodside. (A free and well-drawn topographic map is available at the Skeggs Point parking area.)
Access: From U.S. Freeway 280, take the State Highway 92 exit west, toward Half Moon Bay. At the top of the ridge turn left onto State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and drive 8.8 miles to Skeggs Point parking area. An outhouse, but no water, is available.
Notes on the trail: Please do not attempt this ride without strong intermediate technical skills. Doing so places not only you in danger, but also other trail users, and adds significant erosion to the trails. This is a very popular area for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. Please approach other trail users slowly and yield right-of-way to hikers and equestrians by stopping and moving off the trail. Help to preserve these sandy and easily erodable trails by keeping your weight far enough back that you do not slide on descents and turns. Please dismount on sections that you cannot ride without sliding. I first rode here several years ago and encountered mostly dirt roads plus some sketchy singletracks that were badly eroded. Since then the open space district closed some of the inappropriate singletracks, and with the help of volunteers, repaired others, and built several new singletracks. The result is several miles of high quality singletracks extending through beautiful redwood forests composed of California redwoods, tan bark oaks, and Douglas firs. Many thanks to the open space district, to the juvenile work crews, and to members of ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers). I have tried to create a ride that includes the most and the best sections of singletrack. After experiencing what is available, you will probably want to come back and ride some of them in the opposite direction. Basically, this ride includes the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail, Resolution Trail, Fir Trail, Sierra Morena Trail, Methuselah Trail, Manzanita Trail, Timberview Trail, Giant Salamander Trail, Leaf Trail, El Corte de Madera Creek Trail, and Tafoni Trail -- in that order. You will encounter many hikers from the Sandstone Formation to Skeggs Point. Extra caution and consideration will be required in this section -- especially on weekends. Please avoid riding when the trails are wet. Give them a few days to dry out after a major winter storm.
The ride:
0.0 Begin by riding north on the highway for 100 yards. Carefully cross the highway to the gated dirt road on the west side of the highway. At the gate a sign will lead you in the direction of the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail.
0.2 Turn right onto the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail (dirt road). You will be riding steeply downhill. Keep your butt back, control your speed, and watch for other trail users. Be prepared for ruts, humps, and dips!
0.9 Turn left and cross the wooden bridge to continue on the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail (singletrack). Ascend gradually on the class 2, medium width singletrack.
1.8 Junction with Tafoni Trail. Continue straight on the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail as it becomes narrower, more exposed, and more technical.
2.4 Bear left to begin climbing on the Resolution Trail (singletrack). This narrow, class 3 singletrack starts off gradual and smooth, and ends up quite steep and rocky.
3.6 Turn left onto the Fir Trail (dirt road).
3.7 If you wish, travel a short distance up to Vista Point. This would be a great place for a picnic! On a hot day it is a good place to enjoy the ocean breeze, if there is one...
3.9 Intersection with the Tafoni Trail. Bear right to remain on the Fir Trail.
4.1 Intersection with Methuselah Trail. Bear left to remain on the Fir Trail.
4.6 Turn right and head down the Sierra Morena Trail (singletrack). It is tempting to ride fast on this smooth, downhill singletrack, but you are very close to the road, and to another access to the preserve, and might meet another trail user at any time. In addition, fast riding often requires fast stopping, and fast stopping results in skidding and damage to the trail. Please just glide gracefully down.
5.1 The singletrack has dumped you out onto the Methuselah Trail (dirt road). Turn right.
5.4 At the junction with the Timberview Trail, bear right to remain on the Methuselah Trail and prepare mentally for a steep climb.
5.9 Turn left onto the Manzanita Trail (singletrack). Let's talk... The Manzanita Trail passes through very sandy and easily erodable terrain. In the steeper sections riders have caused a lot of erosion by sliding their rear tires and by trying to ride around rocks and ruts and roots. To preserve this singletrack, please do not allow your rear tire to slide by keeping your weight way back. If you need to put your belly behind the seat, do it. If you can't ride it, walk it. If you can't ride over something, don't ride around it. If you want to turn this singletrack into a dirt road, why not just ride on dirt roads? That being said, I hope you enjoy this section of trail as much as I did! Feel free to stop at the viewpoint in the middle of the manzanita section at mile 6.5.
7.0 Turn left onto the Timberview Trail (dirt road).
7.2 A currently unsigned, but mapped, and therefore legal, singletrack takes off to the right. It is not currently named on the map. This fun little singletrack passes through a cool redwood forest.
7.3 Bear right to continue on the little singletrack.
7.8 Bear left to rejoin the Timberview Trail (dirt road). This section is a lot of fun to ride, but keep an eye out for other trail users that might be heading down to the Old Growth Redwood.
8.1 Turn right onto the Giant Salamander Trail (singletrack). First the name: Giant Salamanders occur along streams in redwood forests. I have only seen one in my lifetime -- a huge individual, over one foot long! They are very rare. Please watch carefully for them, both to enjoy them, and to avoid hitting them. Second the ride: review my speech at mile 5.9, then get your belly behind the seat, or get off and walk your bike down this initial steep, loose, and fragile section. Be advised: This trail is going to throw a little bit of everything at you -- sharp corners, trees, dips, humps, steep uphills, and steep downhills. Please enjoy this trail as much as possible without tearing it up and without terrorizing other trail users and wildlife. Riding cleanly and considerately is next to godliness!
9.0 Turn left onto the Methuselah Trail (dirt road).
9.3 The dirt road becomes a singletrack that meanders gently down through a moist and cool redwood forest to El Corte de Madera Creek.
9.5 This year 'round creek provides a cool and shady place at which to rest. If it is a hot day, I suggest wetting your hair before you begin the climb out of here. (You are at the lowest altitude on this ride and it is mostly up from here to the car!) Cross the creek on the rocks or on the planks provided so that you do not stir up sediments and cause siltation downstream. (Siltation kills aquatic organisms, including the endangered red-legged frog larvae!) Climb out of the canyon on a well-built singletrack.
10.3 Turn right, onto the Leaf Trail (singletrack). The abundant leaves are from the tan bark oaks above. This trail roller-coasters high above the creek.
11.0 Bear right onto the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail (dirt road) and descend to the creek. On a hot day it really feels good gliding down this smooth dirt road!
11.3 Turn right at the pump house to continue on the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail (dirt road).
12.0 You are back at the lower end of the Resolution Trail. Turn left to continue climbing on the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail (singletrack).
12.6 Turn right onto the Tafoni Trail (a sweet little singletrack) and continue to climb.
12.8 The singletrack turns into a dirt road that begins to roller-coaster steeply up and down. This section may not be very enjoyable if you are tired...
13.5 If you feel like exploring without your bike and have the energy to do so, hide your bike and hike up to the Sandstone Formation. You will find a variety of cave-like structures in the eroded slab of sandstone.
13.6 Bear left to remain on the Tafoni Trail (dirt road). This is the beginning of a long, smooth downhill. Many trail users will be encountered on this section, going and coming from the Sandstone Formation -- including people pushing baby strollers, complete with babies! Concentrate on gliding gently down in a controlled and unthreatening manner. Now is your chance to show other trail users how unthreatening and considerate you can be...
14.7 After a short uphill grind, arrive at the paved road. Carefully cross the road and head along the shoulder for the parking area.
14.8 Arrive back at your car. I don't know about you, but I'm tired but very happy! Stores with soft drinks and deli sandwiches are located about 3 miles north and about 4 miles south of here.
Location: On State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), about 1/2 hour south of San Francisco.
Distance: 7.0 miles, out-and-back.
Time: 1 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 1700 feet. Lowest elevation = 550 feet; highest elevation = 2100 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack, mostly smooth and hard-packed. Some dirt road with one steep, rocky, rutted, and loose downhill section.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 2-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Superb singletrack, both descending and ascending, views of forest-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, wildflowers blooming late into the summer, moist redwood groves. No motorized vehicles are allowed on any of the trails.
Land status: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Maps: USGS Half Moon Bay, Woodside. A well drawn topographic map of the trails is also available at the trailhead.
Access: When taking U.S. Highway 280 from the north or from the south, take State Highway 92 exit west toward Half Moon Bay. When you reach the top of the ridge, turn left (south) onto State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Drive for 4.5 miles and turn right into the parking lot. It is not well signed, so watch carefully! The parking lot is located adjacent to Kings Mountain Country Store. An outhouse is available, but no water. Bottled water and other cold drinks are available at the store.
Notes on the trail: North Ridge Trail is actually a dirt road. The first 0.3 miles is a steep descent with loose rocks and ruts. Past that point, one can concentrate on how green the surroundings are -- even in late summer! Fog frequently baths this hillside in moisture during the summer. The Whittemore Gulch Trail is a wonderful switchback descent into the redwoods below. Wildflowers adorn the hillside from March to September. Winter rains make the trail quite muddy, necessitating a closure to bikes and horses, usually in November. The trail usually reopens in April or May, but may not become totally free of mud until mid summer. This trail is highly vulnerable to erosion. Please do not ride this trail when it is wet. If you cannot ride a section without sliding your rear tire, please walk your bike through the section. Do not slide around turns. Ride or walk your bike over water bars, not around them. Many other trail users will be encountered, especially on weekends. Please ride in such a manner that you do not surprise them, and yield right-of-way to them by pulling off the trail. Summer weather varies from warm when the fog is not "in", to cold, wet, and windy, when the fog is "in". Although you may extend this ride by incorporating dirt roads, you should return to the trailhead via the Whittemore Gulch Trail, as it is such a great ride! As with any out-and-back ride, look back at each trail junction to make sure that you will be able to get back to the trailhead.
The ride:
0.0 Beginning of North Ridge Trail (dirt road). This section of dirt road can be quite technical because of its steepness, loose rocks, and ruts.
0.3 Junction with Harkins Ridge Trail. Continue straight on the dirt road. The road flattens out and becomes smoother past this point. Begin to notice how green everything is, even in late summer!
0.8 Turn left onto Whittemore Gulch Trail. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding forested hills and the ocean. Sunsets are particularly nice from here. (Planning to arrive at this point on the return trip at sunset is ideal!) Ride first through a Douglas fir forest and then down through chaparral with lots of yellow sticky monkey flowers and yellow bush lupines.
1.3 Trail junction: Take the steep switchback to the left to continue on Whittemore Gulch Trail.
1.8 A series of wonderful turns drops you down into a redwood forest. Thistles, stinging nettles, and poison oak are abundant alongside the narrow trail.
2.5 Pass over a bridge over a small stream in a redwood/alder forest. It is always cool and moist here -- even in the driest of years! The character of the trail changes now, from a narrow singletrack with a gradual descent, to a wider, steeper, rockier, and often muddier trail without switchbacks. It is easy to pick up speed here, but please realize that this trail is heavily used, and that you are approaching the lower trailhead. Please ride slowly enough so that you do not startle anyone or their horses!
3.5 End of Whittemore Gulch Trail. You may turn around now and enjoy the trail in the other direction, or you may spend some time exploring the redwood groves around the lower trailhead before heading back. On the way back up the Whittemore Gulch Trail you may find sections from here to the bridge to be too steep to ride. While pushing your bike, enjoy the views of the creek rushing below and the trees towering above you.
7.0 Back at your car!
Options:
1)If you have energy to burn, you may ride up the Purisima Creek Trail (dirt road) as far as you wish, and ride back, before heading back up the Whittemore Gulch Trail.
2)It is also possible to return to the car on the Harkins Ridge Trail (mostly dirt road), but it is incredibly steep, rocky, and loose in places!
This area is dominated by Henry W. Coe State Park, which is about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco. Henry W. Coe State Park contains a wealth of wildlife, including the introduced wild pigs that can sometimes be seen rooting under the oak trees, and turkeys! The best times to see wildlife is in the early morning and in the evening. Wildflowers are abundant from March through May. The hills are green from January through May.
It can become quite hot here during the summer, making mountain biking less than enjoyable and even dangerous. If you do decide to ride in the summer, I suggest that you finish your ride by noon, or begin your ride in the late afternoon. (If you choose the late afternoon, please be prepared to spend the night on the trail in case you or your bike has a serious problem! Take extra food, extra water, and something warm to wear.) Summer is also the season for small, annoying, sticky seeds that stick to your shoes, socks and leg hair. I advise wearing long socks if you have leg hair, and wearing old socks so that you can throw them away at the end of the ride! Ticks and poison oak are also abundant. Wash your body thoroughly and look for ticks after every ride! Spring and fall are the best times to mountain bike in Henry W. Coe State Park, although summer days when the fog is "in" can be quite pleasant, as can warm winter days between storms. To reduce erosion, trails are closed for 48 hours following storms in which more than 1/2 inch of rain falls. Crossing streams can become dangerous in the winter or early spring. If you are biking at these times, please ask about current conditions at the headquarters.
The rides described in this chapter are not appropriate for beginning singletrackers, as they tend to be narrow and technical. If you are not in good "shape", please do not attempt any ride other than the Frog Lake Out-And-Back.
The first two rides begin at the southern entrances to the park. No facilities of any kind exist at these entrances -- except for outhouses. The singletracks tend to be highly technical and the climbs tend to be long. Signs may or may not be present. These trails are not heavily used, and are seldom used on week days. This means that you will probably be on your own. If you are biking alone and become injured, and no one knows where you are, you may have to wait for days for someone to come along. If you have to ride alone, ride extra carefully and let someone know where you are. Take extra water and food and something warm to wear in case you become injured and are forced to spend the night on the trail. There is a campground at nearby Coyote Lake Park.
The last three rides begin at the headquarters at the main entrance. Rangers are on duty at the visitor center to give you advice. Maps and books are for sale. Bathrooms, water, and a campground are available. The newer trails, such as Flat Frog Trail and China Hole Trail, are very well built. Grades are less than 10%, which discourages water from running down the trail and often eliminates the need for water bars, and which eliminates the tendency for some mountain bikers to lock up their rear wheels and gouge out the trail on descents. They are also built to be narrow, which prevents water from forming puddles, prevents mountain bikers from traveling much faster than other trail users, and makes mountain biking much more pleasurable. The names of some of the dirt roads in this part of the park are currently being changed. I will use the new names, but will include a key for the changes here: Northern Heights Route is being renamed to Hobbs Road; Pacheco Route is being renamed to Poverty Flat Road; Coit Route is being renamed to Manzanita Point Road.
Good maps are available from: http://www.mindbird.com.
Location: Hunting Hollow Access to Henry W. Coe State Park, about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco and 9 miles northeast of Gilroy.
Distance: 11.7 mile loop.
Time: 2 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 2250 feet. Lowest elevation = 900 feet; highest elevation = 2300 feet
Tread: Paved road, dirt road, wide singletracks, narrow singletracks, mostly hard-paced with some rocks.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 1-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Isolation, wildflowers in spring, abundant wildlife, open vistas, oak forests and grasslands, and a nice descent on a narrow singletrack. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
Land status: Henry W. Coe State Park.
Maps: USGS Gilroy Hot Springs. A free topographic map is available at the trailhead.
Access: From Interstate Freeway 101 in Gilroy, take the Leavesley Road/State Highway 152 West exit. But instead of heading west on State Highway 152, head east on Leavesley Road. After 1.7 miles, turn left (north) onto New Road. After 0.6 miles, turn right (east) onto Roop Road. Follow Roop road for 3.3 miles until it turns into Gilroy Hot Springs Road at the turn-off to Coyote Lake County Park. Continue on Gilroy Hot Springs Road for 3.4 miles until you reach the Hunting Hollow Access. Turn right and park. Outhouses but no water is available. A nominal fee is charge for parking and day-use.
Notes on the trail: You start off riding on a dirt road (Hunting Hollow Road), but quickly turn onto Lyman Willson Ridge Road, which is really a singletrack -- sometimes quite narrow! Then you climb forever along the top of a ridge to the intersection with Wagon Road. This dirt road leads you down gently to the intersection with Grizzly Gulch Trail, which starts off as a dirt road, becomes a wide singletrack, then becomes a narrow, downhill, frolicking singletrack that brings you down to the paved Coyote Creek Road and back to your car. Don't expect to meet anyone on the ride during the week. You may be the only human being for miles! Signs of other animals are abundant though: coyote tracks and scat, deer tracks, fox tracks and scat, bobcat tracks, jack rabbit tracks, and evidence that feral pigs (wild boars) have been rooting under the trees. You will be riding through oak forests and grasslands. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring (March-May). Do not attempt this ride during the afternoon on a hot day! Most of the climb is without shade on a south-facing slope. If you do the ride in the evening, be prepared to spend the night in case anything happens to you or to your bike. (Take extra food, extra water, and something warm to wear.) Ride with someone, if you can. You are on your own out here - no one may come along for days... These trails are easily erodable. Please do not ride them when they are wet. Please do not allow your rear tire to slide when descending or turning. Walk your bike through sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Ride or walk your bike over water bars, not around them.
The ride:
0.0 Begin by heading toward the metal gate and up Hunting Hollow Road (dirt). Just past the gate is a turn off to Steer Ridge Road. Stay on Hunting Hollow Road. As you cross the creek/creek bed, depending on the season, notice the large native sycamores that grow along the creek. These are common in the coast ranges from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but do not occur in the northern coast ranges nor in the Sierra Nevada.
0.7 A sign on the left directs you to Willson Camp via Lyman Willson Ridge Road. Pass through the gate and head up the singletrack. Ignore the seldom used dirt road/trail just before the fence, about 200 feet up the trail. Go through the fence to continue on the Lyman Willson Ridge Road. Ride or push steeply up through a forest of live oaks (bright green) and blue oaks (blue-green). If the day is hot, take advantage of the occasional shade and take it easy on the climb so that you do not overheat. The poison oak can be very colorful in mid to late summer.
1.3 This is the last shade before a steep climb! If you find yourself looking down at the trail, watch for animal tracks in the dust: deer, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, pigs, foxes, jackrabbits.
1.4 The trail becomes narrower and leaves the top of the ridge to climb more gently among the trees.
1.6 The trail swings left and continues to climb.
1.7 Pass through a gate. If it is open, leave it open. If it is closed, leave it closed. (Cattle inhabit this area from late fall to early spring.) Look down into the canyon to see how far you have climbed!
2.0 The trail forks, but they come back together on the other side of the knob. The right fork is easiest.
2.3 The trail levels off. The grasslands allow for open vistas
2.5 A small reservoir is on your left.
2.8 Trail junctions! At the present time they are unsigned, although the posts are in place. Turn right at the first fork to continue toward Willson's Ranch on The Bowl Road (singletrack).
3.0 A small spring-fed pond.
3.7 The sign says "Willson Camp". An outhouse is available, but I hope you brought your own T.P.!
3.8 You suddenly come across a graded dirt road in the middle of nowhere! This is Wagon Road. Turn left.
3.9 Multiple junction! You don't want the road to the extreme right. You don't want the road straight ahead. You don't want the road to the extreme left. Instead, you want to bear left onto the remaining road that climbs gradually. This is an extension of Wagon Road.
4.2 This is the high point of the ride!
4.8 You have just passed by a small reservoir and are facing a currently unsigned dirt road to your left. This is the beginning of the Grizzly Gulch Trail. Take it! This "trail" starts off as a dirt road that follows a small seasonal creek gently downhill.
5.1 Ignore the wide singletrack that comes down on your left from Willson Peak and bear right to stay on the Grizzly Gulch Trail.
5.4 Pass by another small reservoir.
5.6 Cross the small seasonal creek and enjoy the fact that the dirt road is looking more like a wide singletrack.
5.8 You plunge down into a creek bed -- hopefully dry! Work your way downstream for 50 feet and the trail will again appear.
6.9 Another small reservoir.
7.1 A sign in the middle of nowhere directs people up to Kelly Lake, but continue straight and down on the Grizzly Gulch Trail.
8.1 Another sign in the middle of nowhere directs people up to Jackson Field, but continue straight and down on the Grizzly Gulch Trail, which now becomes a narrow singletrack. The first section is steep. Notice that some mountain bikers have been gouging out the trail by sliding their rear tires. Get your weight all the way behind the seat if you have to, to avoid doing this, or walk your bike down this section! After the steep section, the trail becomes quite playful and fun as it wanders down through an oak forest.
8.6 A sign directs people up the Anza Trail, but continue straight and down on the Grizzly Gulch Trail. Notice that these sign posts look like they are made out of concrete, but they are made out of recycled plastic. Good idea!
8.9 Cross a large creek/creek bed. This could be dangerous to cross after a major storm. Use caution!
9.3 Ignore the trail that heads up to the left. Bear right to continue down. (Grizzly Gulch Trail actually ends here, and you have joined the Timm Trail.)
9.3+ At the fork, take the right fork down to the picnic table and outhouse, then turn left onto the dirt road (a continuation of the Timm Trail), and ride a short distance to join the Coit Road (dirt). Continue to ride downhill along Coyote Creek to the gate at the Coyote Creek entrance.
9.6 Pavement awaits you on the other side of the gate. It is all downhill beside a cool and shady creek back to your car.
11.7 Back in the parking lot.
Location: Coyote Creek entrance to Henry W. Coe State Park, about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco and 11 miles northeast of Gilroy.
Distance: 16.9 mile loop.
Time: 4 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 4150 feet. Lowest elevation = 900 feet; highest elevation = 2675 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack, hard-packed and smooth, to rough and rocky.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Strenuous.
Technical difficulty: 2-4 (mostly 3).
Highlights: A long singletrack adventure through a secluded part of the park. Bike beside and through a creek in the spring. Visit a lovely lake. Enjoy distant views from the top of Jackson Peak and a long downhill with 2 dozen switchbacks! No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails.
Land status: Henry W. Coe State Park.
Maps: USGS Gilroy Hot Springs, Mt Sizer. Free topographic maps are available at the trailhead.
Access: From Interstate Freeway 101 in Gilroy, take the Leavesley Road/State Highway 152 West exit. But instead of heading west on State Highway 152, head east on Leavesley Road. After 1.7 miles, turn left (north) onto New Road. After 0.6 miles, turn right (east) onto Roop Road. Follow Roop road for 3.3 miles until it turns into Gilroy Hot Springs Road at the turn-off to Coyote Lake County Park. Continue on Gilroy Hot Springs Road for 5.5 miles until you reach the end of the road at the Coyote Creek entrance. An outhouse is available near the trailhead, but no water. No parking lot is available. Please park completely off the pavement along the side of the road. Do not block the gate! Do not leave valuables in your car. If you have to, make sure that they are not visible.
Notes on the trail: This is not just a ride, it is an adventure! Be sure that you are prepared for an adventure: Go with someone else or let someone know exactly where you will be riding. Take extra water and food and something warm to wear in case you become injured and are forced to spend the night on the trail. Do not attempt this ride unless you are in excellent condition. Do not attempt this ride on a hot day. In order to maximize the amount of singletrack on this ride, I have suggested that you ride up the lower switchbacks on the Anza Trail (singletrack), ride gently down the Anza Trail to Grapevine Spring, ride/push all the way up to the Coit Route on Grapevine and Coit Spring trails (singletracks), glide down the Cross Canyon Trail West Trail (singletrack) to the bottom of Kelly Cabin Canyon, ride/push up the Cross Canyon Trail East (singletrack), zoom down the Coit Route (dirt road) to Kelly Lake, ride/push up Kelly Lake Trail (singletrack), Wasno Road (dirt road), and Jackson Trail (doubletrack) to the top of Jackson Peak, and then meander down two dozen switchbacks along the Jackson and Anza trails back to Coit Road. These trails are easily erodable. Please do not ride them when they are wet. Please do not allow your rear tire to slide when descending or turning. Walk your bike through sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Ride or walk your bike over water bars, not around them.
The ride:
0.0 Pass through the gate at the Coyote Creek entrance (no sign is currently present). (Be sure that you have parked completely off the pavement and that you have not blocked the gate!) Start riding north on the dirt road.
0.1 A sign informs you that you are on Coit Road, heading for Coit Camp. That's the dirt road you want to be on. If you need a bathroom stop, there is an outhouse above the sheltered picnic area. A notice on the bulletin board informs you that the wild pigs found in California are a cross between the feral pigs introduced by the Spanish in the 1700s and Eurasian wild boars introduced in the 1920s.
0.8 The top of a hill!
1.0 A signed post on the right indicates that the Anza Trail to Grapevine Springs starts here. Turn right onto the Anza Trail. Stop at the display and spend some time learning about what happened here in 1775-1776. After 100 feet turn left (turning right would take you to Woodchopper Spring) to continue on this newly rebuilt, narrow, singletrack trail up the switchbacks under a canopy of bay and live oak trees. Some unknowledgeable or thoughtless trail users have been cutting switchbacks here. Please drag some dead limbs over the short-cut trails, if you have the time and energy.
1.9 You are riding along a grassy slope and can see Coyote Creek way below you!
2.0 Currently unsigned intersection. To the right is the newly rebuilt Jackson Trail. We will be returning on the Jackson Trail at the end of the ride. But for now, bear left to remain on the Anza Trail toward Grapevine Spring. Prepare for a wonderfully gentle and mellow descent on a narrow singletrack on the side of a grassy slope with constant views down into the canyon.
3.0 A sign in the middle of nowhere reads "Anza Trail To Grapevine Spring, 0.1 Miles". Follow that sign!
3.1 A dirt road swings down to the left toward Coit Road. Continue on the singletrack. A number of small springs are seen. Sections of this trail become quite steep. Prepare to push!
3.4 Notice all the evidence of wild pigs rooting along the trail under the oak trees. This trail defines the phrase "narrow singletrack". It is also quite rocky and technical in places.
3.8 A huge rock formation appears on your left. You are now climbing at the rate of 100 feet per tenth of a mile. That's steep!
4.1 Currently unsigned intersection. Take the left fork (Coit Spring Trail) toward Coit Camp.
4.2 Signed intersection. The left fork would take you to Coit Camp. Take the right fork straight up the hill (Grapevine Trail) toward Coit Lake.
4.7 On the top of a grassy knoll you hit a dirt road that has been block off to the left. Turn right. Notice the forest of Blue Oaks surrounding the grassy knoll, and Lick Observatory on top of Mt. Hamilton many miles to the north.
4.7+ Intersect Coit Route (dirt road). Moment of decision: You have climbed a total of 1900 feet so far. If you continue on this ride, you will need to climb another 2250 feet. Once you ride down into the canyon, you are committed to continuing. There is no easy way to bail out! If you have any doubts in your mind, please go back the way you came, or bail out by turning left onto the Coit Route at this point, and then turning left onto Coit Road toward Coit Camp. If you are certain that you have enough water, food, time, and energy, head across Coit Route to the Cross Canyon Trail West on the other side, and enjoy the glide down to the bottom of Kelly Cabin Canyon on a medium width singletrack through chaparral, followed by a forest of digger pines and oaks.
6.3 Arrive at the creek/creek bed. The singletrack narrows down and becomes much more technical as it runs along the creek, crosses the creek several times, and runs right up the creek bed itself in places. You will have lots of opportunities to rub up against poison oak and to acquire ticks along this section of trail.
7.4 The Cross Canyon Trail East crosses the creek one final time before heading steeply up and away from it on a wide singletrack. If there is any water remaining in the creek, I suggest that you wash any poison oak oils off that you may have acquired. You will probably be riding up this portion in the afternoon. The trail will become quite exposed to the afternoon sun. Make sure that you do not overheat by drinking lots of water, going slowly, and resting in the shade often if the weather is hot.
9.2 Turn right onto the Willow Ridge Crest Trail (dirt road). You are now going to get a short break from climbing! Coit Lake (reservoir) is the body of water to your left.
9.7 Turn right onto the Coit Route (dirt road) and coast down to Kelly Lake (reservoir).
10.5 At the sign for Kelly Lake, grab your bike and carry it in the direction of the arrow up to the top of the dam. Enjoy the view of this natural-looking reservoir and don't look at the steep and loose trail heading up to the right of the lake. (I told you not to look yet!) Once you are fully rested, watered, fed, rejuvenated, and ready for another long climb, notice the steep and loose trail heading up to the right of the lake. Grab your bike and carry or push it up the beginning of the (currently unsigned) Kelly Lake Trail. Once you reach the top of the ridge, the medium width singletrack will rollercoaster up and down for awhile.
11.6 Turn right onto the signed Wasno Road. (As in, there wasno road here until it was built. Sorry, I couldn't help it!)
12.0 Turn left onto the Jackson Trail, heading toward the Coyote Creek entrance. The trail starts off as a dirt road and soon turns into a real doubletrack. It looks like service vehicles occasionally drive over the top of Jackson Peak to the spring, creating doubletracks. Look left as you climb. The Monterey Peninsula is clearly seen, and do I see the ocean?
12.4 As you near the top of Jackson Peak, views of the north and east appear. I'll bet you can see the Sierra Nevada on a clear day! Ignore the small singletrack that takes off on your right.
12.8 You did it! You should be standing on top of Jackson Peak, with good views in all directions. See that deep canyon to the west of you? You will now descend into it! Continue on the doubletrack as you head down through fields of green or golden grasses, depending on the season.
13.0 Ignore the Rock Tower Trail to Coit Camp and continue on the doubletrack.
13.0+ Ignore the Rock Tower Trail to Grizzly Gulch and continue on the doubletrack.
13.4 The first sign alerts you to the fact that a spring exists to your right. The second sign is currently incorrect! It should direct you to the Jackson Trail to the right -- not straight ahead. You are now approaching the nicest part of this ride! The narrow singletrack descends perfectly around two dozen switchbacks to the bottom of the canyon. To preserve this wonderful trail, do not let your rear wheels slide when descending or when turning. Keep your weight back and walk those portions that you cannot cleanly ride. Do not take short-cuts. Watch for other trail users that might be walking or riding up and yield right-of-way to them.
14.6 Look out for some slippery roots on a left turn.
14.9 You are back at the intersection with the Anza Trail. Turn left and continue down the switchbacks.
15.8 A sign alerts you that Woodchoppers Spring is straight ahead and Coyote Creek entrance is to the right. Turn right.
15.9 You are dumped back onto Coit Road and are now faced with a slight insult -- an uphill climb on the dirt road to the top of the hill when you are probably very tired. But turn left onto the dirt road and just keep thinking about how wonderful those switchbacks were, and you will suddenly find yourself at the top!
16.1 You are at the top; let'er drift back to the gate.
16.9 If any water is in the creek it would be a good idea to wash your arms and legs to remove any poison oak oils. Check for ticks as soon as you can. Aren't you glad to be alive?
Location: Main entrance, Henry W. Coe State Park, about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco and 13 miles east of Morgan Hill.
Distance: 6.4 miles, out-and-back.
Time: 1 hour.
Elevation gain: About 900 feet. Lowest elevation = 2400 feet; highest elevation = 2600 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack, mostly smooth and hard-packed.
Maximum aerobic level: Easy.
Total effort: Easy.
Technical difficulty: 1-3 (mostly 3).
Highlights: High quality singletrack: narrow, mostly smooth and hard-packed, with gentle descents and ascents. Abundant wildlife, wildflowers in spring, large manzanita shrubs, and a pond. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the singletrack.
Land status: Henry W. Coe State Park.
Maps: USGS Mt Sizer (singletrack is not shown). A lovely and complete map of the park is available at the headquarters.
Access: To get to the main entrance, drive to Morgan Hill on U.S. Highway 101. Take the East Dunne Exit and follow the signs for Henry W. Coe State Park. It is 13 miles of windy road and 2600 feet of climbing from the freeway to "Coe". Parking is available adjacent to the headquarters for a nominal fee. Water and outhouses are available at the headquarters and at the adjacent main campground. The campground is seldom full during the week, but reservations are suggested on weekends. No food is available at the headquarters.
Notes on the trail: After riding a short distance on a smooth dirt road, one turns onto a wonderful singletrack -- Flat Frog Trail. (I don't know if the name refers to the fact that the trail to Frog Lake is flat, or that someone encountered a frog on the trail that had been flattened, but I suspect the former.) There are just enough technical sections to keep you alert, but each is short and only lightly technical. For the most part, the trail is narrow, hard-packed, and smooth, and passes through a forest of ponderosa pines, live oaks, and large manzanita "trees". This is followed by a short section of steep uphill, rutted dirt road, and a shorter section of steep, downhill, eroded trail. The pond is best visited before August. Even though this ride is listed as "easy" in terms of maximum aerobic level and total effort, it is not appropriate for first-time mountain bikers, as the trail is narrow and technical in places. It is a great ride for when you are feeling mellow, for when you have little time to ride, or as a "second ride". Since this is an "out-and-back" ride, be sure that you look back at every trail junction to make sure that you will know where to go on the return trip! This trail is easily erodable. Please do not ride it when it is wet. Please do not allow your rear tire to slide when descending or turning. Walk your bike through sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Ride or walk your bike over water bars, not around them. Be alert for other trail users and yield right-of-way to them when you meet them.
The ride:
0.0 Headquarters. Ride north on the paved road a short distance.
0.1 Take the paved road to the right. The sign reads "Manzanita Point Road". After a short distance pass through a gate. The pavement soon ends.
0.5 Junction with Hobbs Road. Take the right fork to continue toward Manzanita Point.
0.7 Beginning of Flat Frog Trail. There are three trails available. Take the one on the far left. The sign simply states "Frog Lake".
1.6 Read the sign that declares: "Caution, Walk Your Bike". You are approaching a series of wooden steps. They are ridable for intermediate riders, But, a mistake will result in a painful or fatal fall down a 75 foot cliff into a rocky creek bed. I walked, and suggest that you do too.
2.5 Forest of manzanita "trees". Notice how well the trail is built, with gentle climbs and descents, narrowly so that water will not puddle up in the middle, and with no excessive removal of trees or limbs.
2.9 End of Flat Frog Trail. Turn right onto Hobbs Road and climb or push steeply up.
3.1 Sign for Frog Lake Camp. Take this short, wide, steep, rocky, and rutted trail down to Frog Lake.
3.2 Frog Lake. In the spring and early summer this is a scenic and enjoyable pond. After having a snack or lunch, head back the way you came.
6.4 Back at headquarters (visitor center). Cold drinks are on sale within!
Location: Main entrance of Henry W. Coe State Park, about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco and 13 miles east of Morgan Hill.
Distance: 10.7 mile loop.
Time: 2 1/2 hours.
Elevation gain: About 2500 feet. Lowest elevation = 1300 feet; highest elevation = 2800 feet.
Tread: Mostly singletrack, both smooth and hard-packed, and rough and loose.
Maximum aerobic level: Strenuous.
Total effort: Moderate.
Technical difficulty: 2-4 (mostly 3).
Highlights: Abundant, high quality singletrack, technically challenging singletrack, abundant wildlife, including feral pigs, large specimens of manzanita, madrone and ponderosa pine forests, a cool stream, abundant wildflowers in spring. Motorized vehicles are not allowed to use the singletracks.
Land status: Henry W. Coe State Park
Maps: USGS Mt Sizer (not all trails are shown). A well designed and complete map is available at the headquarters.
Access: To get to the main entrance, drive to Morgan Hill on U.S. Highway 101. Take the East Dunne Exit and follow the signs for Henry W. Coe State Park. It is 13 miles of windy road and 2600 feet of climbing from the freeway to "Coe". Parking is available adjacent to the headquarters for a nominal fee. Water and outhouses are available at the headquarters and at the adjacent main campground. The campground is seldom full during the week, but reservations are suggested on weekends. No food is available at the headquarters.
Notes on the trail: After riding a short distance on a dirt road, one turns onto a newly and well-built singletrack called the Flat Frog Trail. (Refer to the previous ride description.) From Frog Lake to the top of Middle Ridge, a singletrack is being rebuilt to incorporate more switchbacks and a lesser grade to make it more rideable and to decrease erosion. The Middle Ridge Trail is a primitive singletrack that is very narrow and well-preserved in most places. Unfortunately, because of its sandy nature and steep design in some places, and because some riders have been gouging out the trail by locking up their rear wheels, some sections are becoming eroded. Please do not ride this trail unless you are good enough to ride it without locking up your rear wheels, or you are willing to walk your bike through the steep sections. Ride or walk over water bars rather than around them. Middle Ridge is particularly impressive because of its huge manzanitas and its colorful madrones. In mid-summer one may observe madrones with old reddish-brown bark toward the base, newer reddish-orange bark that is peeling off in plates, and new greenish bark that is being exposed. The Middle Ridge Trail delivers you to Poverty Flat, with a peaceful creek running through -- a great place for a snack or lunch, and a rest. There are three legal ways to get back to the visitor center. You may go back the way you came (This is not a practical option -- unless the creek is too high to safely cross!), ride up the very steep and rocky Poverty Flat Road, or you may push your bike up the Cougar Trail (singletrack) to the China Hole Trail (singletrack). The China Hole Trail is well-built and a pleasure to ride, but the Cougar Trail is too steep to ride and is surrounded by poison oak that reaches out to embrace you! This following ride description assumes that you will choose to bike up Poverty Flat Road. Perhaps by the time you read this, a trail will have been built from Poverty Flat to the beginning of the China Hole Trail. Check at the headquarters before you begin the ride. Lastly, "strenuous" means strenuous! If your only aerobic activity is on weekends, you should not do this ride. The park rangers have had so many people suffer from exhaustion and not be able to ride back up to the trailhead, that they have had to install bike racks on their rescue vehicles! These rangers do not need this added drain on their limited resources. Please be sure that you are in good enough aerobic condition that you can ride out of the canyon at the end of the ride. Be alert for other trail users and yield right-of-way to them when you meet them.
The ride:
0.0 Headquarters. Ride north on the paved road a short distance.
0.1 Take the paved road to the right. The sign reads "Manzanita Point Road". After a short distance pass through a gate. The pavement soon ends.
0.5 Junction with Hobbs Road. Take the right fork to continue toward Manzanita Point.
0.7 Beginning of Flat Frog Trail. There are three trails available. Take the one on the far left. The sign simply states "Frog Lake".
1.6 Read the sign that declares: "Caution, Walk Your Bike". You are approaching a series of wooden steps. They are ridable for intermediate riders, But, a mistake will result in a painful or fatal fall down a 75 foot cliff into a rocky creek bed. I walked, and suggest that you do too.
2.5 Forest of manzanita "trees". Notice how well the trail is built, with gentle climbs and descents, narrowly so that water will not puddle up in the middle, and with no excessive removal of trees or limbs.
2.9 End of Flat Frog Trail. Turn right onto Hobbs Road and climb or push steeply up.
3.1 Sign for Frog Lake Camp. Take this short, wide, steep, rocky, and rutted trail down to Frog Lake.
3.2 Frog Lake. In the spring and early summer this is a scenic and enjoyable pond. Cross the dirt dam, locate the sign "To Middle Ridge", and head up. Expect a steep climb! (This trail is presently being rebuilt with more switchbacks and a lesser grade.)
3.7 Arrive at the Middle Ridge Trail. Turn right (south) onto this trail. This first part of the Middle Ridge Trail is narrow, but gentle; filled with grasses and wildflowers in spring; and an absolute joy to ride!
4.3 The trail has been getting more extreme, with short steep climbs and descents. Gorgeous manzanita shrubs are appearing.
4.5 At the top of a steep climb, some of the largest manzanita shrubs in existence are seen. They look more like trees! Ponderosa pines and California black oaks are appearing.
5.0 Ignore Fish Trail to the ranger station and continue straight on Middle Ridge Trail.
5.7 This is the end of the climb for now. If you are feeling tired at this point, please turn back, as it is a long and steep climb out of the canyon below! After several miles of being gentle and fast, the trail now heads down through the forest on the east side of the ridge and begins to get really steep, loose, rocky, twisty, narrow, and exposed! Please be willing to walk your bike whenever the trail gets too steep or technical for you -- both for the sake of the trail and for your health. Take some time