Review Date
December 31, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: NewMexicoGrayHair ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Rode this trail today! The end of the year and the weather couldn't have been nicer. The trail is pretty rocky with a fair amount of loose "baby heads" in the trail. I had a good time and would concur that the upper portion is a little tedious. Lots of snaking around and micro switches.
The drop to the lower portion was nice and the transition to the climb also. The climb was mostly a walk for me. The trail is full of loose rocks and maybe a rider with better technique and conditioning could get up those sections. 9 miles exactly on my computer. A good trail.

Recommended Route:
I followed the large red arrows. After finishing I realized that they are the markers for the race course.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
New to the area and am unfamiliar with local trails. Any help would be great.

Review Date
December 20, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: boisebomber ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
this trail is alive and well. 8 miles of intermediate and 2 miles advanced.

most of trail is intermediate over soil and embedded rock with dozens of small rock gardens. there is no elevation gain for 1st half of trail. the 2nd half has real challenges as you descend and ascend bluffs down to lake. as you cut across the grain you will ride loose scree and baby heads. you must be alert or you will end over. coming up to the bluff from lake level to TH is a real grind.

8+ miles. 75% shade. 200' elevation change overall.

the advanced trails off intermediate trails are hump busting grinds. probably take an expert level rider to navigate devil's backbone. even with dismounts , you will be tired.

2+ miles. 90% shade.
+600' elevation change overall


BLORA(Belton Lake Outside Recreation Area) is administered by FT. Hood , US Army. there is signage at TH that tells you what you need to know regarding admission, etc. $3.00 daily . well worth it.

There is a trail map at TH or park office has trail maps. trails are not all marked but there are makers at all junction so you can easily navigate using free trial map.

also BLORA offers all kinds of activities of all varieties. especially if you want to swim or camp. this would be good spot for a family outing including riding.

Review Date
July 10, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: TheMachine ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
ATTENTION ALL! BLORA Park administrators are thinking about shutting this trail system down since it has not been maintained in a long while. The Trailblazer Club is no longer I'm afraid and the trails have suffered. I have started doing maintenance a little bit at a time and may have the whole loop done by the end of the year. I NEED HELP! I can only get out there a few hours a week (usually Saturday mornings 7-10am) and the going is pretty slow. I am concentrating on getting the babyheads off the trail as well as cutting the foliage back at the head and derailuer levels. I've worked it out with the management that I don't have to pay for parking and they've given me basically free reign of the course while I am maintaining it. I am sure they'll extend the same curtiousy for you as well. If you are interested in helping please drop me an email. Hell, I'll even take thanks and praise if you can't offer your time.

Recommended Route:
Stick with the clockwise route for safety, watch out for the occasional cow pattie and watch for cattle grazing at the entrance. Stay home if it is raining as they close the trail. Sections A-D are pretty clear as are some of the sections near the lake. All sections of the main trail are rideable if you have the legs and skills. Having a good shock up front will help you keep your dental work in some sections. Come ride this trail!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Stillhouse Lake is an alright trail as long as it is dry. Watch for runners and horses!

Review Date
March 30, 2005

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: jhowe007 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I used to ride this trail frequently. Today (3/30/05) was the first time in 4 years that I hit this trail.... What happened. It seems there hasn't been any maintenance at all in a long time. You can totally get lost in the first section of the trail. Virtually all signs and markers are broken and/or downed. It is easy to get lost in the top section. As mentioned in other reviews, the first part and the last section (Devil's Backbone) are extremely rocky (A bunch of loose rock) which I am not to fond of. I am not sure if the Trail Blaizers still exist...if so, I hope they organize some maintenance soon. As is, it is not that fun as it used to be...they had a NORBA race here 5 years ago...it rocked..sorry only an overall rating of 2!!!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Cameron Park; Barton Springs Creek; Rocky Hill Ranch;

Review Date
January 5, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once