May 07, 2026 Hell Creek Loop Trail Report

I rode from Grama campground and added up 15.4 miles, so I was pretty tired and butthurt, but the trail is great. There are punchy climbs and short descents galore. The most difficult sections to me were actually on Golden Belt Loop and Marina Loop sections that I used to get to Hell Creek Loop when on two occasions there were short steep climbs with loose rock where I had to get off and walk up. If you treat them as challenges they are doable with a speedy approach or a strong, very steady pedal. Hells Creek was a great showcase of the local terrain. On a couple of hilltops I felt a bit like a lookout for hostiles approaching from the north on paints and stolen horses. There were rock gardens, twisty short descents, and views of fishermen on the lake as well as of the Kansas prairie. The junipers and some other plant life along the trails smelled divine here in early May. I scared up a non venomous snake and saw some awesome lizards that would stand up on their back legs and run straight up the trail - not good survival skills but cool trail buddies. I enjoyed my ride, and I’m pooped.