Wikiup Mesa Big Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Technical

This loop starts with some easy singletrack and a nice view of Montezuma Well, before becoming a chunky technical challenge for a couple of miles, ending with a pleasant descent down a little-used 4X4 road.

The route starts and ends at the best parking for the area, the Forest Glen Trailhead east of McGuireville.

Starting at the trailhead, the route follows the Cedar Knoll Trail to the junction with the Sunset Loop Trail. There are numerous side trails intersecting the trail, but the official trails are all nicely signed. Following the Sunset Loop Trail clockwise (turn left), the route climbs a while to the intersection with the Montezuma Well Overlook Trail. The Montezuma Well Overlook Trail is an optional side-trip to a nice overlook and back.

Continuing around the Sunset Loop, the route soon comes to the intersection of the Elmore Wash Trail and leaves the loop heading east. The Elmore Wash Trail is the challenging part of the route, defining its medium-difficult rating. The Elmore Wash Trail begins deceptively easy, heading gently downhill on smooth dirt singletrack. However, after about 1/2 mile, the trail becomes increasingly rocky (the normal limestone of the area). The trail also begins to increase elevation until it comes out onto FR 618. Non-technical riders might have to walk much of the last mile. Technical riders might enjoy the chunky challenge.

The remainder of the loop is comparatively smooth. FR 618 is followed about 1 mile south to the intersection with OHV Road #09202Y. This forest road is very smooth. Then the route follows OHV Road #09202Y west then north back to the trailhead. This 3 1/2 mile long road is very lightly trafficked and flows mostly downhill with a few ruts and rocks to negotiate, but not in any way difficult. This road terminates back at the trailhead, ending the route.