Have a good look at that drop before you commit, as you need to be sure you will have the energy to climb back out... both ways! If you're up to it, this is a unique and very entertaining ride. If you complete this route and are still fresh, hit the rest of the remaining six-mile Barrel Roll loop on the way out. If not, there's no shame in simply bypassing Barrel Roll and coasting back down Precipice or lower Barrel Roll back to the start

While Precipice is variable in technical challenge and Sidewinder is consistently intermediate, Suicidal Tendencies will throw a good number of challenges at you. The name may be a bit overstated, but there are hazards in the form of narrow tread with serious exposure to one side, and tight switchbacks where missing a turn can have very serious consequences. Once atop the second mesa, the exposure disappears and the loop will be a comfortable but fun jaunt for an advanced rider, and a great place for an intermediate to face a nice variety of rock obstacles.

After completing the loop, it's back down into the wash and up the big climb to the decision point: to roll Barrel Roll or not to roll Barrel Roll? You can either add on the Barrel Roll loop for additional mileage, or return directly to the trailhead for a shorter ride.

-Written by John Fisch