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24HR Course
5 reviews
4.4 of 5
Trailhead starts at the back of the campgrounds thru the slot in the gate, another gate at the
halfway point(PLEASE CLOSE!)
Off Hwy. 74 between Hemet and Palm Desert almost directly adjacent to Hemet Lake. Exit Apple Canyon Rd. Park in Hurkey Creek Campgrounds($2). Get free maps from camp office.
Summary: Prior to visiting- I made two mistakes. a)I didn't dress warm enough b)I decided to ride the hardtail, that day. Arriving at 9AM on a quiet, COLD spring Sunday, I should have taken note of the steam coming form the Rangers mouths. Luckily, my partner came equipped with adequate clothing, because it wound-up snowing lightly that morning.
This was my first time there, and certainly wont be my last. The initial 3-mile climb got my heart pumping real good. The fast singletrack descent through Johnson Meadow, caked my face and bike with fresh, hardpack mud, and snow granules. The presence of long, interconnected fire hoses along the trail had me laying the bike down once, as the bike tripped from an aluminum hose coupling. The second climb had me walking the hardtail up it, due to traction issues, caused by the snow flurries. By the time I reached the wet clay singletrack DH of the Exfoliator Trail- I was caked in red clay, and Lichen-coated mud from head to toe. Big fun! The final descent on the fire road was a great cooldown run, as we entered back to camp. This challenging 6.5-mile ride was a bargain....for a $2 park admission!
Recommended Route: First-timers, get acquainted with the 6.5-mile short loop. Do it slow, at first- then blaze through it the second, or third time. A great course for the 24-Hours of Adrenalin Series!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Art Smith Trail, Pinyon - Don't do it when warm! Most wildlife are hibernating, and pose no threat, when colder. Plan to car shuttle, and bring fatter camelbacks!
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Summary: Have only ridden it once so far, but can't wait to go back. The singletrack is a lot of fun, and there's plenty of it. The beginning climb is definitely challenging, but not impossible. I walked a few parts, and also over on the downhill. The only other rough parts were the climb after the creek (didn't even attempt it!) and the boulder. More experienced riders had no problem throughout the loop. Even with the 24-hour race coming in two weeks it wasn't too crowded. We did leave at 9:30, so I'm sure it may have been more crowded earlier in the morning. Was still not very warm at first, but you warm up really quickly.
Recommended Route: Hurkey Creek Loop. Trail map available at the ranger station/campground check-in.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Little further east, but Santa Rosa Plateau, Daley Ranch, etc.
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Summary: Beaitufil course. Did this race at the end of last year and could not believe how pieceful it was while at the same time challenging. The course is very fast with lots of moderate climbs, but nothing would require you to hike it. The return single-track is the sickest single-track I think I've been on in any race. A full suspension bike rules this place. The night-riding is accompanied by packs of howling coyotes. Definitely puts the wild in idylwild.
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Review Date April 26, 2002
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: Franklin Coopersmith
, from Idyllwild
Summary: This is probably one of the best trails that you can find for biking in these mountains. I'm 14 years old and it is a pleasure to take friends after school on it. I would rate this trail as a 3 in a 1-5 on toughness and experience. People who are just starting, should think twice before riding the trail. The trail is about half and half on up and down hill. The trail is all dirt and parts are very rocky. This is a trail that you won't want to miss!
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Review Date May 13, 2000
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a month
Reviewed by: skid-mark
, from The hills out yonder
Summary: This trail is epic with a twist on everything, lots of tricky stuff that can spring up on you. sweet shyte! Hurkey Camp is a great facility, and theres lots of activities adding a lake nearby. Get a map from Randy at the entrance office.......
Recommended Route: get the map from the camp entry office, this trail Rocks!!!!!!! all kinds of variables, and some good climbs too.......
Other recommended trails in the same area: If you know the area, another fun way to add some miles
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