The Mack Ridge Classics

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Generally intermediate with some advanced or hike-a-bike sections, this route keeps you out of the mess of the crowds of the main Loma lot while still letting you hit most of the best trails in the system. That said, at 24 miles, it's not a gimmie ride. Expect a mix of flow and technical riding, with absolutely stunning views.

Starting from the Mack Ridge/Steve's Loop/Moore Fun Parking lot at the top of the hill, begin by turning back and heading down the road. This get's your mile of road riding out of the way right at the start of the ride. (Keep in mind, the road up to the parking lot is steep, rutted, and full of sharp rocks; it's not for all vehicles, so you can also park at the small lot along the road).

Once at the next trailhead, turn in to head up Hawkeye Trail. Though perhaps controversial, I personally believe that Hawkeye Trail is a WAY better climb than a descent. Its flowy, fun, and the perfect grade for climbing. At the very top you find a hike-a-bike section, unless you're a master of technical riding (I know you're out there). Head along the top of the ridge enjoying the views but make sure to bang a left at Mack Ridge to head back down the hill. The first section of this descent is highly technical (for most people it's a hike-a-bike) but even if you can ride it, it's still worth a walk down to check the line. This desenct off Mack Ridge is one of the most fun sections in the system. Its fast, flowy, and technical, all in a single trail.

Once down, you'll find yourself back at your starting parking lot. From here, head over the cattleguard, and down the hill, make sure you take the left for Wrangler North (it comes up fast). It's generally a decent climb to the top of the ridge and once up top, you'll have great views while you traverse the rocky ridge. Once down the tight switchbacks (why people insist on biking up this way, I'll never understand), you'll have several options to bail out and head towards Mary's. If you have the gas in the tank though, the rest of Wrangler is quite fun. The trail smooths out and becomes more flowy all the way down to your turn off. You COULD head all the way to the road and ride Mary's from the very bottom, but you're not missing much by cutting off the lower 0.3 miles.

As you approach Mary's make sure you're in the right gear, though. The big step-ups in this section can toss riders who aren't ready. To the junction with Horsethief Bench, Mary's is pretty cruisy, and you'll have nice views of the river. Once at the junction, you'll find the nearly mandatory hike-a-bike down the bench. It's chunky, big, and technical, with large gaps between large boulders covered in sand. On nice days, there will always be someone(s) trying to ride down it, though I've personally only ever seen one person clean it with no dabs.

The bench is probably the most classic and well-known trail in the system. It is adored by all who have ridden it. Its beautiful, fun, flowy with some really fun technical spots that will challenge you. The views are incredible and you can often stop at one of the overlooks and watch rafters floating by on the Colorado River. Once back at the bench, watch for descending traffic before taking your bike for another walk up the rocks.

Back at Mary's enjoy the cruisy trail while it lasts. As it nears the first junction with Steve's Loop, Mary's shows its true colors and gets a bit rocky and more technical with a couple of hearty climbs. At the first junction, you could choose to join Steve's here, but frankly, it's just not worth riding it in a clockwise direction. Instead, stay on Mary's and head towards the (technically) third junction and join Steve's Loop here. The counterclockwise direction is way more fun and more of a descent than a climb. It's just better this way. Enjoy the views, the flow, and some of the surprising technical pieces on Steve's. In the spring, there are even quite a few wildflowers dotting the landscape.

Climbing out of the ravine on Steve's Loop, you're nearing the end. Take whatever energy you have left to rally up the hill back to the parking lot to finish.