Review Date
October 5, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 1 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: Ajax29 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Shoshone Ridge offers some of the best views in the area and there is no part of the trail without a view. This is a short and relatively easy ride with some rocky sections and a couple of short steeper climbs. Starting at 5500 feet elevation there is a gradual climb past Downey and Bennett Peaks to crest over Little Sentinel Peak at 6134 feet. Between Little Sentinel and Sentinel Peaks there is a wonderful exposure of Cambrian shales and mudstones that preserve ripple marks or cracked and dried mudflats of the past but this section of rocks is the only tough part of the trail to ride. At 4 miles the old road to the top of Pond Peak is met and turning left will take you 3 miles to the north trailhead and FR992 (5000 feet elevation), turn right and you go a short distance to Pond Peak (6136’) where again the views are 360 degrees and beautiful.
For those into car shuffling there is a trail about ½ mile north of Pond Peak that drops down to the Big Hank Campground and the Highway 5 miles and 3000 feet below.
The last 3 miles back to the start is a gradual descent on excellent single track that can be taken very fast with little or no pedaling or braking.
This ride is not 35 miles long, doesn't climb 4000 feet nor is it super technical, it just has more rewards for the effort than any I have seen. It should not have to be said that a clear day is a must.

Recommended Route:
If you have less than intense riders in the group the trip to Pond Peak is the highlight and makes an excellent turn around point.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Coeur D'Alene River Trail

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Review Date
September 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: Ajax29 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Shoshone Ridge offers some of the best views in the area and there is no part of the trail without a view. This is a short and relatively easy ride with some rocky sections and a couple of short steeper climbs. Starting at 5500 feet elevation there is a gradual climb past Downey and Bennett Peaks to crest over Little Sentinel Peak at 6134 feet. Between Little Sentinel and Sentinel Peaks there is a wonderful exposure of Cambrian mudstones that preserve ripple marks or cracked and dried mudflats of the past but this section of rocks is the only tough part of the trail to ride. At 4 miles the old road to the top of Pond Peak is met and turning left will take you 3 miles to the north trailhead and FR992 (5000 feet elevation), turn right and you go a short distance to Pond Peak (6136’) where again the views are 360 degrees and beautiful.
For those into car shuffling there is a trail about ½ mile north of Pond Peak that drops down to the Big Hank Campground and the Highway 5 miles and 3000 feet below.
The last 3 miles back to the start is a gradual descent on excellent single track that can be taken very fast with little or no pedaling or braking.
This ride is not 35 miles long, doesn't climb 4000 feet nor is it super technical, it just has more rewards for the effort than any I have seen. It should not have to be said that a clear day is a must.

Recommended Route:
If you have less than intense riders in the group the trip to Pond Peak is the highlight and makes an excellent turn around point.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Coeur D'Alene River Trail