Osha Canyon Trail #20

This trail has the same vertical gain as most of Comales Trail #22, but is much more pleasant. It stays down in the valley on soil instead of climbing steep slopes on rocks. Most of it is manageable, even in the uphill direction.

The only issue is at the start which requires riders to complete a full fording of the Rio Pueblo followed by a swampy mud pit and frequent small crossings. In the last mile or so, the trail will zig-zag up onto an old logging road (bear left). The final stretch involves a number of shallow creek crossings before the trail ends on Comales Trail #22.

There are two remarkable artifacts hinting at historic activity. In a meadow is part of a stationary steam engine. Near the top of the trail is a huge boiler sitting on a slight embankment. This appears to be an "Owens, Lane and Dyer portable steam engine and sawmill of circa 1870 vintage." (Special thanks to KRT for the analysis of these artifacts.)

Imagine the sound of the steam whistle reverberating through the canyon!

The area is open from late spring through fall.