Mt. Elwell Trail

Overview

This trail is best ridden going north. The climb up the south side is mostly rideable except for the last tenth of a mile or so, where a few sections need to be walked because they get too steep and rocky. The trail passes right next to the summit block at the top of the mountain. The views from here are great, with the Feather River in the valley to the north and the Lakes Basin to the south.<br><br>The descent down the north face immediately becomes steep and rocky. It's worth looking at it before plunging in. The whole descent is rideable for expert riders, but most people will be walking down a few steep, loose, and rocky sections. Farther down it becomes faster and less rocky, with some nice flowing turns. At the bottom, you'll intersect the Smith Lake Trail, where you can go left and in a few minutes be relaxing at the edge of the water in a beautiful alpine setting.

Trail Stats

Photos

Heading up Mt. Elwell.

Heading up Mt. Elwell.

Nice singletrack, looking towards Long Lake and Mills Peak.

Nice singletrack, looking towards Long Lake and Mills Peak.

Snow on the north face near the top of Mt. Elwell.

Snow on the north face near the top of Mt. Elwell.

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