Name:
High Sierra, Coyote Ridge
Organizer:
Walt (
)
Date:
July, 2007 (Contact Walt to find out the exact date)
Details:
Could this possibly be the best mountain bike trip in
California? Many believe it is. This exceptionally remote full-day epic route
has everything! Approximately 24 miles of jeep trails, doubletrack, singletrack,
technical climbing and descending, route finding, stream crossings, and
stunning scenery rivaling anything in the country.
This route begins from Bishop Creek, climbs 2700' over
11,000' Coyote Ridge (tough climb), descends 1,500' to Coyote Flat then
traverses the Flats 5.5 miles to the Baker Creek cabin. Along the way the Sierra
Crest comes into view as the trail wanders towards the Palisade glaciers and
14,000 peaks. At Baker Creek, 6 miles of spectacular technical singletrack
begins as the trail climbs and dips over ridgelines and through pine forests
enroute to a final 2600' descent into Big Pine Canyon. Here, an additional 9
mile 3,400' drop on pavement leads to the town of Big Pine and shuttle
vehicles.
Although only 24 miles on the dirt this ride kicks a**.
There is over 4,500' of climbing (with some hike-a-bike and sandy areas) and
the altitude averages 10,000'. Coupled with the technical descending and the
route finding difficulty and this ride is best suited to a small group of NO
MORE THAN 6-8 STRONG ENDURANCE RIDES. (If you're in shape, this ride is very
reasonable)
This 3-day weekend trip is not all about the ride. To help
create a real enjoyable trip the plan is to leave very early on a Friday morning,
drive to Big Pine or Bishop to drop a shuttle vehicle(s), and continue up to
the Bishop Creek Lodge by noon. The lodge is well known to trout fisherman
across the states and features cabins, a convenience store, restaurant and
saloon. We stay here Friday evening and return Saturday night after the ride.
Depending on the number of riders we can book one or two cabins, which can
sleep up to 4 per, 1 queen & 2 singles. As a bonus, the Lodge Bar looks out
across the valley to the start of the route.
After arriving on Friday, the Lodge owners will have sack
lunches and beverages waiting for us to take up the road to South Lake, a spectacular
alpine lake. After hang'in out awhile, folks can head back to the lodge and a
siesta, go hiking or hit the saloon (Best idea!!) til dinner. The restaurant
cuisine is excellent. Next morning, an early breakfast to provide digest time
before THE CLIMB. No one wants to stumble onto someone else's trail debris. Do
the route, and return to the Lodge for dinner again or stop in Bishop for eats.
Leave Sunday whenever.
A 4-person cabin runs apprx. $200/night. Do the math.
(Camping is also available, just not recommended). Dinners at the lodge are
from $12–25. Sack lunch ??. Shared gas for the trip, $10,000.!!!! Gas is so
damn expensive.
As of May 24, there is still room for 3 more, but no guarantee of a cabin. Camping might be available.
Attached are links to a photo set and the Lodge. Click on
individual photos for a description.
