As mapped, the route begins from Freestone Creek trailhead. For a gentle warm-up, begin on the Mountain Cove trail, which goes barely uphill. You could begin in the opposite direction instead, but it goes sharply uphill right away. Mountain Cove soon connects with Ridge Crest and then Bucktail, which rises a bit more steeply and quickly reaches satisfying views over the city.

Shane's and Three Bears trails together make the upper loop, which traces a panoramic ridgetop and flows along grassy hillsides. This upper section is the best part of the route. The descent on Central Ridge is fast and fun, with constant views of the city below. Near the bottom, watch for the correct trail junction to drop back down to the trailhead.