Noonchester Mine Road (14N34A)

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Noonchester Mine Road climbs from McKinney Rubicon Road to Homewood Ski Area and into the "Homewood Summer Trail System." The road continues as Noonchester Traverse to Lake Louise. The road is steep and loose in places, but has some amazing panoramic views of the lake.

It's a tough climb with great views. Although it's a fire road, the Forest Service put in massive water bars with a nice transition on both sides. Almost like a series of tabletops for the descent. If you are inclined, it's around a two mile jump line on the descent.

You can continue to Lake Louise and drop into Homewood as well. It is also possible to make the connection from Ellis Peak Trail (downhill only, unless you like pushing bikes uphill). The Ellis Peak to Homewood connection is still shown on several maps, but is unmaintained and may require a local guide.

Noonchester Mine Road is named for the defunct Noonchester mine about halfway up the climb (at the big sweeping left hand corner). There are remnants of the mine (piping, foundations, etc.) and test shafts scattered all over the hillside for those with a sense of adventure (and can wade through waist-chest high brush).

There are great views of Quail Lake below as well.