Review Date
September 5, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Fattony ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I was happy with this trail it was a good all around trail it kept my heart rate up and my lungs working hard. There are a few spots that were a little sketchy for my likings (the bassackwards switch backs) but the trail was great the whole way up and down. towards the end the hills get to be a little steeper, but if you ride up that means you get to ride down. I think this is a great trail for new comers to the sport, it has every thing you need to learn to get good at navigating a trail.

Recommended Route:
the only thing I would say is take the low trail through the water instead of going over the bridge ya it takes of a little milage but no one likes having to deal with traffic flying past you at 60 miles an hour.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
this is the first one i have ridden in this area but if you make it to Reno go to Keystone Canyon its a blast there. or if you like steep angle try Jones creek.

Review Date
August 22, 2005

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: dustdemonx ,  Downhiller

Summary:
Excellent cross-country roller coaster ride. I rode it Saturday, August 20, 2005. Trail was in good condition with no ruts or soft-spots. Two of the bigger, faster switchbacks are sloped in the wrong direction :( But other than that, no complaints. This trail is best ridden on a hardtail or light-XC bike as it is mostly smooth. There are maybe two short rocky sections and three or four dry creek crossings. I must recommend disc brakes as you can travel at very high speeds for most of this ride. You don't need to hit them often, but when you do it is critical. There are a number of small, optional bump type jumps and 1' booster rocks. I encountered numerous male and female bikers as well as three joggers and two horsy riders. This trail is very popular, especially among beginners.

Recommended Route:
Using the most excellent trail directions found at: http://www.mtbwest.com/emigrant-02.html I rode "backwards" from the Prosser Lake group campground and effectively started at Mile 10.48. From there I rode to the trailhead and back. The direction indicated by the mileage is the direction that is more fun. I crossed the creek that they recommend riding out to HWY 89 to avoid. This was a fun, technical challenge because it is late in the season and the water level is just low enough. Riding out and back tested my physical limits. I drank two litres of water and wished I'd brought more.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I've heard hole in the ground is excellent but very difficult to navigate. Of course Northstar is nearby. 4x4 on Dog Valley Rd. back to Boomtown was ok.

Review Date
June 19, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Visitors rate this review
2.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: MarcHach ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I've ridden all over CA, and I think this is the best in the state! Such fun, fast, great scenary, well maintained, lack of hikers. It's got everything.

Review Date
June 21, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: MarcHach ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
For pure, fast fun, I don't think there is anything better.

Recommended Route:
Only one route

Review Date
May 6, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: jbowland ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Nice easy trail good for beginer rider, but still fun for anyone. I would call it buff single track, goes through pine trees and sage brush over rolling hills, no climb is longer than a minute or so. From donner park it was 22 miles in 2h 15 min.

Recommended Route:
Start at Donner park or earlier, for more miles, easy to follow, easy to find off of hwy 89.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Hole in the ground after the snow melts, N. Star, Flume, other rim trail rides.