FATMAP by Strava

Dig Deep Loop

Anchorage's technical test piece.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
5.8 km
Ascent
258 m
Descent
258 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
145 m
High Point
287 m
Gradient
Dig Deep Loop Map

Dig Deep is Anchorage's most infamous tech trail. It's renowned for breaking local bikes and riders left and right, and rumor has it that the damage this trail doles out creates enough business to keep an entire bike shop running. The reason? Because all the other trails in Anchorage are downright easy. Dig Deep actually approaches the technicality of advanced trails in other areas of the world, and thus it gets a black diamond rating on the map and a "Severe" FATMAP rating.

Description

Dig Deep is a techy, chunky, rooty trail with some rocks in it, some big roots, and some fairly extended root web sections. The roots are truly the most challenging feature, and if they're wet, this trail can get downright treacherous.

However, there are two factors that keep Dig Deep from not being all that intimidating on a national or international scale. The first is that the grade of the trail isn't all that steep, especially compared to trail systems in the Yukon and British Columbia. The second factor that keeps it approachable is that even though there are big, challenging root webs, there are big smooth flat spots in between them. So instead of a relentless sea of roots, it's more like riding one feature, resting for a bit, and then riding the next feature.

Regardless of whether or not it's truly difficult, Dig Deep is downright fun! With the right finesse or a little bit of practice on the lines, you can blast through this trail and really push yourself. Advanced riders will also spot places in the trail where you can gap over the roughest features, thereby increasing your speed and flow.

If the extent of your mountain biking experience consists of Alaskan trails, then proceed with caution when you drop into Dig Deep. If, however, you've honed your skills on the technical test pieces in Canada, be sure to put Dig Deep at the very top of your must-ride list when you visit Anchorage!

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Drops
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area