5.4 hr
Overview
This cross country trail has a mix of temperate zones. It's about 70% singletrack and 30% fire road. The trail is rolling singletrack with a few flat riding areas - you're usually always climbing or descending. It's very scenic and remote for a foothills ride with no visible homes, roads or signs of civilization for most of the ride. <br><br>It's really no easier or harder in either direction, making it a fine out and back.
Trail Stats
18.3 km
514 m
297 m
151 m
—
Photos
Ridgeline
Ridgeline
Turn Around Point Buildings
Turn Around Point Buildings
Ridge Summit
Ridge Summit
Summit Pine
Summit Pine
Old dwelling.
Old dwelling.
View of the American River and descent start
View of the American River and descent start
Ridge Section
Ridge Section
View from American River Trail Connector.
View from American River Trail Connector.
Gerle Loop
Gerle Loop
Valley Switchbacks
Valley Switchbacks
American River View
American River View
Panoramic view along the American River Trail
Panoramic view along the American River Trail
Looking down at the river...
Looking down at the river...
Good fun!
Good fun!
Start of West Ridge
Start of West Ridge
Trail begins here right behind the bathrooms in parking lot and then goes up!
Trail begins here right behind the bathrooms in parking lot and then goes up!
South Fork American River and the Sierra in the background.
South Fork American River and the Sierra in the background.
Shunk Hollow
Shunk Hollow
An amazing day of riding on some prime singletrack.
An amazing day of riding on some prime singletrack.
Sticking a deep crossing while loaded!
Sticking a deep crossing while loaded!
Springtime poppies blanket the side of the trail.
Springtime poppies blanket the side of the trail.
Descending South Fork ART.
Descending South Fork ART.
Springtime on South Fork ART.
Springtime on South Fork ART.