Nice long ride. 2 1/2 hours of straight climbing. Then an hour of crazy downhilling.
How to get there: (2
places two start)
1. Drive up the Central Camp road to Whiskers Campground and park. Ride up the
Central Camp road to the 7 Mile Turnoff (it's seven miles to the summit from
here) and head to the lookout at the top. At this point, ride back the way you
came, or head down the trail on the south side.*
2. Park at the turnout at the bottom of the Central Camp road. Ride up 007 and
then continue up the Central Camp road to the 7 Mile Turnoff. Head for the
summit, then ride the trail on the south side.*
Directions for the Trail: As you head up
the jeep trail near the top, keep your eyes open for the trail. This will make
it easier when it's time to descend the trail. As you're climbing up the jeep
trail, you'll ride up a long, steep section with a couple of switch-backs at the
top. After the switch-backs the trail makes a left turn and you'll see a huge
rock bluff on your left as you come out of the trees. Just before this left
turn, take a look to the right. You should see a couple rock cairns, which marks
the start of the trail. The trail is quite easy to follow most of the way. The
first quarter mile is the trickiest, and after that it's an obvious trail. As
you head down the trail from the top, you'll ride a rutted trail with some
drop-offs, which leads to a large rocky area. The trail bears to the left, and
seemingly disappears. You should be able to follow it since it's marked with a
few rock cairns. At the bottom of the trail, you'll end up on a dirt road, then
a pea graveled road. Once you hit the pea gravel, don't get going too fast,
because the road tee's, and you want to go to the right. Follow the road to the
fork in the road, and head to the right on Road 7S02. This part of the ride is a
blast. You can ride all the way back to Gaggs Camp, but this will involve some
climbing. The better choice is to take the road on the left (this is the first
turn to the left, and it is a sharp left!) and head down to the Central Camp
road. When you get to the sandy left hand turn, you'll come to a road where
you'll turn right. Ride a mile or so and take a left onto the Central Camp road
and head back to Whiskers just a little way down the road.
