Description

The Peterson Ridge Trails in Sisters aren't nearly as well-known as the Phil's Trails in Bend, and yet they provide a very similar ride experience with easy, swoopy singletrack through the ponderosa pine forest.

In addition to the swoopy singletrack, this loop provides stupendous views of the surrounding volcanoes! Indeed, Sisters' location to the north of Bend opens up much more spectacular views of the neighboring peaks of Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, and Black Butte, while also providing views down to the Three Sisters near Bend. The ride begins right from the edge of town and can be accessed via a quick pedal from downtown.

The trail starts off mellow before the steepness of the hillside kicks up a bit as you climb higher onto the mesa.

That said, the climbing is quite mellow on this loop, logging a mere 950 vertical feet in 17 miles round-trip. As yoi ride, you'll note numerous trails bisecting this loop, which provide the possibility to shorten it if you need.

But if you get all the way to the southwestern end of this loop, you'll be greeted by the most incredible views, thanks to a steep hillside that's been carved away over the eons by the stream below. From here, the trail experiences a few more rocks as it rolls along the top of the ridge, but overall, this ride is extremely non-technical.

It's the quintessential cross-country mountain bike ride. The descent off the ridge does have its moments, with fast, flowing turns through the woods, but it's over pretty quick and—due to the mellow grades—is still fairly pedally.

While perhaps Phil's has better downhill rewards than Peterson Ridge, this is still an absolute cross-country mountain biking gem that you need to get out and ride!