FATMAP by Strava

Big Mamba -> Hank's Hideaway -> Son of Simba

Vail

A flowy intermediate line all the way down the mountain.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
8.1 km
Ascent
15 m
Descent
659 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.5 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
Big Mamba -> Hank's Hideaway -> Son of Simba Map

Big Mamba leads naturally into Hank's Hideaway and Son of Simba but technically, Big Mamba is the only directional downhill trail. While Hank's and Son of Simba both ride great downhill, they're technically open to two-way traffic.

Description

Vail characterizes Big Mamba as "an exhilarating combination of flowing rollers and smooth switchbacks that will take you across open meadows, into dense pine forests, and through sunny aspen groves," and while early intermediate riders may find it entertaining, upper intermediate and advanced riders will realize that this trail is overly flat for what the flow that it tries to achieve. There isn't enough gradient to keep and maintain speed to fully hit the jumps and rail the berms as they're built.

In addition, since this trail is so visible and easily-accessible, it often gets blown out due to significant traffic. But if you're a beginner rider looking for your first experience on a flow trail, Big Mamba could be just the ticket!

Hank's Hideaway winds through some beautiful aspen groves that are drop-dead-gorgeous in the fall. Bring your camera!

Son of Simba feels like a natural intermediate extension of Hank's but if you decide that you want to up the technical difficulty, at the junction, opt for the black diamond portion of Hank's.

Sources: https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/mountain-biking.aspx

Difficulty

Moderate

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

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

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • Shuttle-run
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Jumps
  • Tabletops

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area