Guardians and South Rim Loop

Overview

Start down a steep fire road (10 Mile House Trail) to the Guardians Trail turn off (left) and travel down smooth singletrack for about a mile before you run into any rocky/technical riding. As you continue, the difficulty increases as well as the grade. There are steep drop-offs on the left but amazing views of the park and the valley. There are several areas to stop and watch the hawks flying BELOW you. <br><br>The start of South Rim trail is rocky and overgrown but still easy to follow. There are several drop offs over 4 feet along a washout, then the trail picks up again and heads uphill through rocky volcanic rock gardens along the rim of the gorge. Follow singletrack and creek beds uphill all the way back to 10 mile road. Continue up the fire road for more than a mile of steep climbing back to your start point. <br><br>Good shape or not you'll be gasping after this climb.

Trail Stats

Photos

View of the Gorge from Guardians Trail

View of the Gorge from Guardians Trail

View of the Valley and the Gorge

View of the Valley and the Gorge

Guardian Trail Drop off (One of Many)

Guardian Trail Drop off (One of Many)

More of singletrack on Guardians Trail

More of singletrack on Guardians Trail

Trail divide leading to Bloody Pin Trail (Advanced)

Trail divide leading to Bloody Pin Trail (Advanced)

Singletrack on Guardians Trail

Singletrack on Guardians Trail

Wildflowers near Big Chico Creek.

Wildflowers near Big Chico Creek.

Guardians Trail, where the real fun begins

Guardians Trail, where the real fun begins

The infamous "toilet bowl" section. Should you attempt to clean it, be sure you don't get flushed.

The infamous "toilet bowl" section. Should you attempt to clean it, be sure you don't get flushed.

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