54 min
Overview
Despite being the \u201ceasiest,\u201d Black Rock\u2019s oldest trail is no slouch when it comes to a good time. The five sections of Bonzai Downhill are packed with scores of optional features and a lot of variety.<br><br>From the top, segment BD1 begins with an optional slanted ladder that\u2019s great fun when dry, but probably worth skipping when wet (a sentiment that\u2019s worth dwelling on for all the wood features to come). As the speed picks up, well-built berms guide riders through the trees and into a series of tables, ladders, wall rides, and jumps. All are rollable and many have ride-arounds. This freeride infused segment flies by pretty quickly, but there's still an impressive raised wooden platform to carry riders to the end.<br><br>Bonzai Downhill crosses over the Summit Access Road and starts the BD2 segment with a large wooden table that's followed by a massive wood coaster that perches on the hill like the bones of a colossal serpent. Next, the trail darts into a gully and begins to play back-and-forth, cresting up the walls before dashing back through the center. Four optional ladder-rolls provide a little more zest as riders race down to the Upper Road Spur.<br><br>Hang a right, and pedal to the start of BD3 on the left. There's a little rock mixed into the singletrack, but the easy ascent isn't very technical as it climbs up a lush, mossy ridge. Pretty soon, it's time for the next descent. <br><br>BD3 embraces a less freeride approach with only a few optional features and small in-trail booters through the straightaways and into the berms. Instead, the builders concentrated on the straightforward joy of classic singletrack until this section ends at three large ladder rolls above the Lower Road Spur.<br><br>Turn right toward the log arch that marks the start of BD4. As the trail sidehills away, there\u2019s a series of optional wood and dirt table tops. Next, a ladder roll and sweeping left-hand turn funnels riders into a rocky chute. Ahead, a small bridge spans a seasonal creek before a ti
Trail Stats
3.6 km
7 m
587 m
261 m
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Photos
Top of Mount Brown.
Top of Mount Brown.
Ashley rides the end of the large coaster on Bonzai Downhill on a perfect fall afternoon at Black Rock Mountain Bike Area.
Ashley rides the end of the large coaster on Bonzai Downhill on a perfect fall afternoon at Black Rock Mountain Bike Area.
Hitting a jump in the skills area to warm up before dropping in.
Hitting a jump in the skills area to warm up before dropping in.
The sun sets as we coast down the bottom of Bonzai Downhill at the end of a great day of riding.
The sun sets as we coast down the bottom of Bonzai Downhill at the end of a great day of riding.