Esmeralda Trail

Overview

One of the longer trails at <b>Beacon/Sekani</b>, Esmeralda Trail offers a moderately challenging climb from the edge of the upper parking lot of the Esmeralda Golf Course to the top of Beacon Hill. The trail can be ridden in either direction; as part of an out-and-back or added to a loop with several of the other trails in the area. \n\nSometimes referred to as the <i>Izzy Trail</i> for short, the bottom portion of the trail climbs through woodlands typical of the Spokane area. As the trail progresses the trees continue to thin until the hillside is left predominatnely bare.\n\nOnce at the top, the hill provides views of the Spokane River and the city below. Descents are easy with only a few sections of climbing. First time visitors will likely want to keep their speed in check because many turns are sandy.\n\nIf you started your trip at the Camp Sekani parking lot and don't feel like climbing back up the Esmeralda Trail, there is a path that leads through the Minnehaha Park and then connects onto E. Frederick Ave which in turn connects to E. Upriver Drive and back to the Camp Sekani Parking lot.\n\nSpring and fall are the best times to ride, both for temperature and traction. Summer is rideable as well but temperatures can be high and much of this trail is exposed to sun.\n\n<b>Getting to the trail</b>: from the base, find the opening between the cement pylons on the East edge of the upper Esmeralda Golf Course parking lot. Head diagonally left until you've passed the final row of cement pylons the trail begins, a little ways past, to the left. From the top, the trail has two adjacent entrance points that connect almost immediately.\n\n<b>Parking</b>: Parking can be found adjacent to Minnehaha Park on E. Liberty Drive. Take the paved path through Minnehaha until it turns to gravel/dirt and heads North up to the Esmeralda Golf Course parking lot.

Trail Stats

Photos

Jen enjoying one of the many rideable rocks along this trail.

Jen enjoying one of the many rideable rocks along this trail.

The trail overlooks Spokane with some great views.

The trail overlooks Spokane with some great views.

A little optional rock sender adds some zest to the descent of the Esmeralda Trail, Beacon Hill, Spokane.

A little optional rock sender adds some zest to the descent of the Esmeralda Trail, Beacon Hill, Spokane.

Enjoying the downhill on the spring dirt.

Enjoying the downhill on the spring dirt.

A fast spring run down Esmeralda Trail.

A fast spring run down Esmeralda Trail.

A beautiful spring climb on the Esmeralda Trail.

A beautiful spring climb on the Esmeralda Trail.

Charlie Sponsel races down the Esmeralda Trail at Beacon Hill.

Charlie Sponsel races down the Esmeralda Trail at Beacon Hill.

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