Swoop's Loop (Spring Valley Loop)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Drops/Jumps · Views

Please note this is private land and while the college is currently welcoming visitors, it is important to abide by their rules. Specifically ride at your own risk. Observe the no dogs rule and remember it's a dry campus.

While there are several ways to access this loop, the trailhead across the street (to the south) from the Ascent Center is easy to find. Descend singletrack with optional jumps and drops through the forest until you hit a marked intersection. You can go either direction as it's a loop, but i'd suggest going straight (right) for your first time to enjoy the descent. The original trail design sought to get students from the dorms to the bottom of the hill with minimal pedaling in hopes of committing unmotivated students to the entire loop.

Descend a few fun turns navigating rocks and trees before you cross a dirt road; Go directly across it (marked with blue/yellow sign) and continue descending on swoopy singletrack through pinyon forests and sage fields. At the bottom of the descent, the trail swings east and begins a meandering climb through the sage fields. There are numerous options for side-trails to extend your ride, although many are currently unmarked (and some go out onto private land or BLM) and require a bit of adventurous exploration. Beware of cactus!

Reach the top of the sage field and swing north for a short descent with an abrupt turn at the bottom. Begin climbing through the sage field and turn west up through the forest on a good climbing trail. The trail begins as an old two-track for 20 meters and has a left turn back onto singletrack. Grind up an awesome climb (this trail rides well in both directions), cross the pipeline with some cool rock features (optional) and connect with the intersection you rode past at the start. Turn right to get back to the trailhead or go left for another lap.

All too quickly, it's over. Please note this area is seeing quite a bit of construction on trails right now, so pre-ride and scope features before you commit. Also the signage isn't perfect, so bring your phone to navigate the first time.