Name: Summit School
Rating: 4.4

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Labeled difficult for the steep grade on the southern 1/3rd of the trail segment after crossing the paved street. It's also worth noting that the very southern portion of the trail just prior to meeting up with Rago is one of the worst places for holding moisture in the Back 40 System, and it will be very wet following a rain. It's best to avoid this trail if there has been recent rain.

Description

This trail is labeled as "Black Diamond," and it's strictly based on some very steep and punchy climbing/descending on the southern half of the trail. There's nothing else that is above beginner/intermediate, and the steep climbs can always be "hike-a-biked."

It could also be argued that descending the last 1/3rd going north to south does require some braking and bike control skills, and there is a pretty substantially steep hill that wouldn't be fun to roll down if you crashed and "exited stage left."

A tale of "up and down." Either direction, you're going to climb up to Sandhurst Dr., and then descend the opposite side.

South to North: You'll climb up some very steep sections on your way up to a paved road, Sandhurst Dr, that bisects the trail into a "north section" and a "south section." Once you reach the paved road, a very nice flowing descent will follow with a rock kicker jump, and some nice rollers and a few doubles. There's nothing that can't be rolled.

Once you reach the creek crossing at the bottom, following a hard right-hand turn to watch out for, you'll have a combination of ups and downs with some nice berms to help maintain speed. Many would argue that this is one of the most fun descents in the entire Back 40 system. The end of the trail "T's" into Pinyon Creek Trail.

North to South: This direction starts with a much less steep, gradual climb. Once you get to the top, you'll cross a paved road. BUCKLE UP. From here, it is a VERY steep, loose descent that is over in the blink of an eye. There are a few places to catch air, but the trail is a very steep grade, and you would want to be a pretty accomplished rider to attempt some of the doubles here, because of the speed required. The trail "T's" into Rago.

Most of the locals I speak with prefer the south to north direction, as labeled on the map outline, because following the very difficult climb (that will result in most riders walking at least part of it), you are rewarded with a fun, flowing descent that takes better advantage of the elevation change. It's actually closer to 1/3rd climbing, and 2/3rd's descending if you are going south to north.

However, I'm sure there are some riders who prefer the longer climb, and blazingly fast short descent going north to south. Either way, it's up one side, and down the other with a smile on your face!