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An epic ridge loop.


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Map Key

16.7

Miles

26.8

KM

80%

Singletrack

3,012' 918 m

High

572' 174 m

Low

3,349' 1,021 m

Up

3,356' 1,023 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

One of the more challenging loops in the area with great views of the Sacramento Valley. This is a long, hard ride and you'll be on your own; prepare accordingly. There is no water anywhere along this ride during most of the year.

Need to Know

This ride is severely overgrown and, as such, highly recommended to avoid. The route exists, but needs a good deal of work to clear the thorn bushes and vegetation that have grown in.

Blue Ridge Trail from the "helipad" up to the ridge top is a hike-a-bike and is very treacherous in spots and not recommended. Once on the ridge, the trail is overgrown with lots of bushwhacking and thrashing of legs and arms, all the way to Lowery Point and up until about a mile or so before Fiske Peak. The trail is not open/cleared until about a mile or so before Fiske Peak.

Then Fiske Peak down to the creek is super steep up top with switchbacks that require expert/elite skills. Most people will walk them, and walk a lot of them. This also needs to be cleaned/cleared.

Also, Fiske Creek Trail at the bottom is not rideable for much of the trail after the initial descent from the County Road 40. That was hike-a-bike and pushing bikes and bushwacking once in the creek bottom.

Description

After heading out across low water bridge and up the road past one big switchback, this trails starts at a metal gate about two miles up the fireroad. The gate is back behind you to the left as you head up the road, keep an eye out.

Start on a fast run across grassy oak lands. Before too long, the brush closes in on both sides and the trail starts trending downhill. Watch out for one nasty gully wash which you'll have to hike across. Another downhill section takes you to the creek bottom.

On the far side of Fiske Creek the trail climbs out of the bottom and winds along the east slope. Then you'll encounter three more creek crossings, one of which washes out in spring runoff. You may have to look across and upstream to get back on track. Once you trade out for the west bank and roll through a corridor of thick brush, you'll soon pop out on Fiske Creek Road, a barely passable jeep trail. From here you can challenge yourself to ride the entire climb all the way up to Helipad. The Helipad is a nickname for the small turn around at the end of the road. It's pretty much a hike-a-bike from the Helipad to the ridge, but it is fairly short. Once you top out on the ridge, spend some time embracing the view.

Follow a faint trail north, up to Lowery Point (3038'), then start descending, but stay on the ridge. The trail is pretty easy to follow but it has become overgrown and needs some work. After switchbacking down to a saddle there are a couple of steep but short climbs as you roll along the ridge. When the trail starts clearing up you'll be on or near Fiske Peak.
The trail from here on out is well used by hikers. It is all downhill from here! However, you'll need all of your skills to negotiate the switchbacks; most people will walk the corners. Once the lower elevations are reached, the obstacles diminish, and it's a quick zip back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Lance Buck

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 4 votes

#3901

Overall
  2.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
25%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
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1 Star
25%
Recommended Route Rankings

#509

in California

#3,901

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2,728 Since Feb 20, 2015
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Photos

Fiske Peak Loop Ride and Trail Work. The trail is really overgrown. I set out on a solo adventure ride to remove some of the brush and hopefully help put this trail on the map. The goal is to get more people riding and maintaining the trail.
Nov 30, 2018 near Dunnigan, CA
Blue ridge South to Lake Berryessa in the distance
Dec 3, 2014 near Hidden…, CA
Lake Barryessa  in the back- from Fiske Creek Road
Feb 23, 2015 near Hidden…, CA
Fiske Creek Trail, not well used...
Oct 21, 2014 near Hidden…, CA
Long climb to helipad - from Fiske Creek Road
Dec 3, 2014 near Hidden…, CA
Reststop on Fiske Creek Road
Dec 3, 2014 near Hidden…, CA

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