Description

Bootleg Canyon is renowned for rocky, challenging singletrack, regardless of whether you're shredding on a big downhill bike or pedaling a long-distance cross-country loop.

While you can never escape the rocks entirely, this loop on Par None, IMBA, and POW avoids most of the rocks for an intermediate-friendly ride that can be lapped multiple times for more mileage. The parking lot shown here lies at the bottom of POW so that you finish with a fantastic downhill.

However, you can begin from the main Bootleg Canyon parking area instead, connecting into this loop from the southeast. After climbing the initial stem of the lollipop on POW, the route mapped here splits right onto Par None for a smooth, rolling singletrack climb that slowly makes its way through the sloped desert landscape.

This section of trail is delightfully smooth, but that won't last.

Shortly after the left turn onto IMBA, you'll be faced with some steep, challenging rock gardens on a short climb to reach a low pass.

The rocks continue downhill off of the pass, but once you finish the initial descent and reach the bench of the trail, the technicality diminishes substantially.

The rocky up-and-over to cross the pass is the crux move of the trail, helping earn it the "Difficult" FATMAP rating. POW finishes this ride off strong with a fast, flowy downhill that rips back down through the arroyos and washes of Bootleg Canyon, all the way to your car below! This swooping, flowing singletrack flies down the sides of the arroyos before rocketing back up the next one.

Some sections feature fantastically fun whoops that can provide air opportunities.

There are a few embedded rock sections along the descent and even some small ledge drop opportunities.

However, most of these sections should be achievable by intermediate mountain bikers.

If you find them challenging, pedal a few loops and spend some time practicing—this is a great place to hone your skills!