Review Date
July 29, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: biga6462 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
It has been three years since I last rode this trail and I am still impressed with it. My only negative about this place is that it seems like the trail length shortens everytime I come back. The trail was well marked all the way and was in very good shape. I really enjoyed the new Gas Pass and the new dirt mound jumps near the pond. These two areas are engineered to make you grab some major air without any effort. It was quite the rush. There is nothing too technical about the trail just a few climbs. A beginner may have trouble in a few spots but it is manageable. It is well worth the trip from Houston if you have a free weekend. The guy who owns this place is first class and makes this a place I will go back to.

Recommended Route:
There is really only one way to go when it comes down to it.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Rocky Hill Ranch

Review Date
September 21, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: soccerdude ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I've heard about Bluff Creek Ranch since I first started riding 3 years ago and I must say it's worth all the hype. It's a quick 1 hour 45 minutes from downtown Houston and actually has hills that aren't part of the freeway system. For the most part the trail is ridable for most beginners if they take their time and are carefull but a few sections including Gass Pass and Mule Trace are for experienced riders only. Not only are they very steep, long 100+ yard descents but later on you get to climb equally long steep accents that will wear out all but the healthiest riders. It's no joke that you can fall over the side of some of the trail and not stop for a good 100 feet or so. Without a doubt this is the most well planned, thought out, accomodating bike park anywhere near Houston. The owners have gone to great lengths to create an excellent trail that will keep you on your toes for nearly 10 miles. On top of that it's one of the few places where you can rest comfortably in a well maintained barn with moquito netting, cots, showers, and nice restrooms. Plus after a long, hot ride you can drop by his house, sit at the bar in his kitchen, and savor one of the best burgers you'll find anywhere in Texas. Make sure to get some of the awesome homemade bbq sause on that monster burger! Bacon, cheese, and a huge supply of tater tots come with the meal at no extra charge. On the side of the house is an industrial ice maker where you can fill your hydration pack (or stuff your head in) for free. I recommend you bring plenty of bottled water to drink, some cash to pay the entrance and buy a burger, plus a set of swim trunks so you can take a dive at Turkey Tank. There's an old bike near the Tank (actually a pond) that you can ride down onto a ramp and sail off into the lake. Be sure to bring a nice, thick bone and a throwing stick (or old shoe) for their lovable dog Bogart to play with. Five stars for the trail and ten for the hospitality! These people and this place is what Texas is all about!

Recommended Route:
Pull in to the main house, sign in, gear up, and follow the map! Ask the owner where to start and he'll tell you all you need to know.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Rocky Hill Ranch

Review Date
September 17, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: RiderTwoNiner ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
(I've posted a more complete review of this trail under the "Austin" listing also. Please see that summary for the correct GPS location of Bluff Creek Ranch. The one on Houston's is wrong.)

I love this place. The trails were great. The owners are terrific too. There were honest-to-goodness bathrooms and showers which is a nice change.

Recommended Route:
Follow the one-way trail (watch for ribbons). Enjoy the huge, scary downhills at the bluff and remember you're going to have to climb back up.

Review Date
June 26, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: lesismore90 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Just went out to Bluff Creek this past weekend for the first time with our group of 5 from Houston...had a blast! We were very impressed. The ranch is gorgeous, complete with horses, longhorn cattle, rolling hills, and lots of pines. The facilities were very nice. They have showers/bathrooms, first aid, and free purified water available. The trail was fun and winding, and best of all...quiet! We felt like the only riders out there. We had a great hamburger (one of his own cows!) cooked up by the owner, who was very nice, and then hit the trail again for more. A really great place, highly recomended!

Review Date
January 8, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: roadrunner1 ,  Racer

Summary:
Bluff Creek is actually in Warda Texas. Just outside La Grange. Warda is a good course and great for a beginner. Advanced riders will still have tons of fun. It is mostly flat and you can get some serious speed going thru. However, take caution as there is sand in some of the switchbacks and you can easily wash out and slam into a tree if not carful. There is an extremely steep downhill that is concreted with little speed bumps on it. They call it "GAS PASS". It's pretty cool but take caution you're 1st time down as it can be unforgiving and intimidating. At the bottom of GAS PASS there is a hair pin turn to the right. I've done both a solo race and a 12 hour night race. My best time at Warda was at the 12 hour night race (4pm-4am). Ride this trail at night and the level of difficulty increases. Especially at 3am after you've down 3-4 10 mile laps! Have fun!

Recommended Route:
Ask the owner where to start. Once you hit the start you can't get lost.