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Summary: If you are like me - an intermidiate rider, then my experience may help you. OK, it seems most of the posters for this trail are experts. In fact most of the riders I saw on my ride were all very good. I guess a lot of these folks are local from Tahoe area. I am from the Bay Area where there is no trail close to this in terms of challenge. I covered most of the Bay Area trails in the last few years, but this one really stretches my ability to the limit. So I am not really well trained for this like the local riders.
Some sections of the rocky descents are just insane. If you are not completely focused on what's coming up, you will crash - as I did too. I walked several places, simply because it was impossible for me to ride thru. Like many other said and as I witnessed, walk, when you are not comfortable.
The local bike shop owner told me that every time he rides this trail the moment he gets into the rocky descents, he wishes he has not clipped in. With that, I replaced my egg beater pedals with flats and I am glad I did that as I would otherwise be constantly clipping in and out thru the ride and may wind up in more crashes. So, if you are not 100% confident with your clipless like me, do it with flats.
Finally, if you are also a intermidiate rider like me, I think you should try it, but be ready to face something beyond your ability and even a few crashes. After this ride, you will feel you are more capable.
Recommended Route: The ride from the exit to Boreal parking was the worst part - I was tired but had to face the 3 mile climb thru some ridiculously rough and steep fire road. So, if possible, get a shuttle vehicle at Soda Spring exit.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Also did Flume and Emmigrant in one single vacation in Tahoe area.
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Summary: First off, This is an advanced trail. Don't step to this trail thinking its gonna be like Emigrant Gap or the Forrest Hill DLT. No sir. This will check you and quickly. Full suspension is a must. Yes, one can complete this trail with a hard tail but their tail might be hard afterwards:) Hella climbing....Hella! And on the down, be ready to concentrate and hard. Super chunky shisnit my man. I smoked Rasta style on this trail but don't recommend it. I also, don't recommend riding it alone, although, I did. You might wanna get crazy and push it so bring a bail out buddy. Full face and chest protector for those insane adrenal crack heads out there. What else. Yes, Imaculate scenery, BOMB!!! Majestic and Magical at the same time. Bring food, bring lots of water, bring a good nights rest, and a big ole phat breakfast too. Constantly ask for directions. The direks off this site are good up until you get to the dirt road. Then there lots of splits and stuff and forgive me but I couldn't understand that map at all. Dope trail. If your intermediate. This will challenge you. Not an everyday trail though, not at my level.
Recommended Route: Hard to explain after the pavement ends.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Emigrant Gap
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There is a lot of road work on I80 at Soda Springs and Boreal. The off ramp on I80E at boreal is closed. You have to go to Soda Springs and turn back. There is lots of work at Soda springs as well but the ramps are open.
The trail is still in great shape. It isn't too dusty yet. The upper staircase is awesome. The lower staircase is pretty sketchy with lots of babyheads around.
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Summary: Without a doubt my favorite no ca trail. Has it all. Good aerobic climb, remarklable serpentining downhill singletrack, beautiful vistas. Be forwarned, the last section lovingly referred to as "the stairs" will kick your behind if you are not careful. I left a sizable DNA sample about halfway down. Also, I caution all of those not accustomed to elevations to be prepared. EPIC and in my opinion much more enjoyable than the Flume.
Recommended Route: FRom Sac take I-80 to Soda Springs Exit. Stay right and park in large parking area near gas station. Proceed up Sode Springs Road for one mile. Take a left a snow lab road. Road will continue on to Boreal Ridge parking lot. Proceed through parking lot to road that will lead you to Interstate underpass. Continue on road as it runs ajacent to highway for a bit. COntinue ascent to fire gate. Road becomes dirt. Continue for a mile o so to a left that will lead to trail in principal.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, The Flume Trail, Downieville.
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Summary: I loved the trail when it was singletrack, but when it turns to fire road (for about 5 miles) to complete the loop, that kind of sucked. The views to Castle Peak was incredible. As far as the riding, there is some very good tight singletrack that twists and turns with options to play on rock faces. There is nothing too too technical except when you come close to the end of the singletrack, there is a section called the stairs which goes for maybe a half a mile. It drops down and down and down on man made stair logs, which gets pretty hairy. I have never ridden anything like this section. It was very very fun and will definitely keep you on your toes.
Recommended Route: Take the Boreal Ridge exit off of I-80, take a left and drive on the road till it turns to dirt. Park here and ride up about 1.5 miles till you a trail head sign and follow this.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Foreshill Loop, Pioneer, Downieville
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