Magnolia to Cronan West Ridge Figure 8

Overview

This is the best tour of the ranches. The first 3.3 miles is part of the out and back and is part of Magnolia Ranch and the connector trail.<br><br>The start of ride is the loop trail which is easy to follow. After a long climb and descent, take the Up Down Trail and head south (left). You're now at the bottom of the figure 8 Loop that you're going to ride. If you ride this loop going to the right at the Up Down Trail, you're in for A LOT of climbing.<br><br>The figure 8, as shown, picks up both the East Ridge Trail and West Ridge Trail, which have great views of the valley and the American river. The valley crossing is on a fire road and the ascent up to the Western ridge is also fire road, but the ridge run is amazing! The singletrack runs right along the crest of the ridge and is almost all downhill. The valley and American River open up on your left as you fly along the ridge. There is nothing very technical along the whole route but the western ridge alone makes this a destination ride. In the 14 miles, you get 4 very solid singletrack descents. The best part of this ride is the spacing between climbs and descents allowing for a fast ride with flats long enough to recover before the next climb.

Trail Stats

Photos

Ridgeline

Ridgeline

Fat mountain biking is a blast!

Fat mountain biking is a blast!

Turn Around Point Buildings

Turn Around Point Buildings

View down the valley from yet another kiosk

View down the valley from yet another kiosk

spring bloom-age

spring bloom-age

Old dwelling.

Old dwelling.

good spot for a picnic, snack break, maybe even some tantric yoga on a quiet day, its all good............

good spot for a picnic, snack break, maybe even some tantric yoga on a quiet day, its all good............

View of the American River and descent start

View of the American River and descent start

View from American River Trail Connector.

View from American River Trail Connector.

Ridge Section

Ridge Section

Gerle Loop

Gerle Loop

Start of West Ridge

Start of West Ridge

Great views on the American river looking south west during the first few miles of the trail

Great views on the American river looking south west during the first few miles of the trail

View along West Ridge

View along West Ridge

Shunk Hollow

Shunk Hollow

At the top of West Ridge

At the top of West Ridge

Enjoy sweet singletrack on West Ridge!

Enjoy sweet singletrack on West Ridge!

Springtime poppies blanket the side of the trail.

Springtime poppies blanket the side of the trail.

Springtime on South Fork ART.

Springtime on South Fork ART.

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