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A fun and technical trail going over the summit of Mt. Elwell. Great views!


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Map Key

4.9

Miles

7.8

KM

Singletrack

7,736' 2,358 m

High

6,081' 1,854 m

Low

776' 237 m

Up

1,892' 577 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

This trail is best ridden going north. The climb up the south side is mostly rideable except for the last tenth of a mile or so, where a few sections need to be walked because they get too steep and rocky. The trail passes right next to the summit block at the top of the mountain. The views from here are great, with the Feather River in the valley to the north and the Lakes Basin to the south.

The descent down the north face immediately becomes steep and rocky. It's worth looking at it before plunging in. The whole descent is rideable for expert riders, but most people will be walking down a few steep, loose, and rocky sections. Farther down it becomes faster and less rocky, with some nice flowing turns. At the bottom, you'll intersect the Smith Lake Trail, where you can go left and in a few minutes be relaxing at the edge of the water in a beautiful alpine setting.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joel Wilson

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 6 votes

#4

in Lakes Basin

#7231

Overall
  4.5 from 6 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Lakes Basin

#423

in California

#7,231

Overall
9 Views Last Month
4,791 Since Jun 17, 2016
Very Difficult Very Difficult

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Photos

Snow on the north face near the top of Mt. Elwell.
Aug 21, 2016 near Downiev…, CA
Nice singletrack, looking towards Long Lake and Mills Peak.
Aug 21, 2016 near Downiev…, CA
Heading up Mt. Elwell.
Aug 21, 2016 near Portola, CA

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Check-Ins

Sep 24, 2018
Gee Toe
Oct 9, 2016
Barry Sherwood
Started at Grassy Lake. Rode to Silver Lake, then continued west, high above and around Long Lake to Mt. Elwell, then down to Smith Lake. 17mi — 4h 30m
Jun 19, 2016
Jack OH
Start of an epic adventure through Lakes Basin into Downieville
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