Big Chief
Big Chief- Our latest and greatest accomplishment, completed in the fall of 2018. This 8.1 mile non-motorized downhill single track trail is open to hikers and equestrians but was designed for as a Mountain Bike trail.
The upper section provides a little different flavor to the lower part of the Big Chief trail. There are 2 decent sized rock drop features, a large rock armored turn and a slough of other rock rolls and techy sections.
As you move across the 06 road near Robie Park you come into a more mellow fun section that ties in great views of the sierra crest and Squaw Valley. You will also come across some of the most elaborate rock work of the trail “Nathaniel’s Bench” Further on down the trail you’ll find some good flowy turns and twisty singletrack that takes you to the beautiful rock rolls and Big Chief climbing area.
After a long log ride you will cross into a short pedal section that ties into the lower piece of the trail where you’ll find small tabletops, some built up berms and bit of rippin’ fun.
Difficulty: The top portion is black diamond (hard) for it’s technical rock features, but after you cross the 06 road near Robie Park, we label this blue square (moderate).
Directions: This trail is best done as a shuttle and is designed to be ridden downhill. The trailhead is on the paved Fiberboard Freeway, Also known as Mnt Watson Road or Carnelian Bay Avenue. Once you reach Brockway summit and the 16N73 road, the drive is approximately 6 miles from the hwy 267 turn. You can also get there by driving up the 06 road for about 35-40 minutes, then take a left once you’ve hit the paved fiberboard, trailhead is on the west side of the road.
*Shuttle Options* Leave a car at the bottom of the 06 road, near the Sawtooth trailhead. By continuing onto the Sawtooth trail you will add another 7 miles to your ride. Option 2, drive up the 06 road for about 20minutes (it’s slow and rough) until you see a large parking lot near some power lines; the lower Big Chief parking lot is lined with boulders and wood chips, if you go through a green FS gate, you’ve gone a bit too far.