29.5 miles
Distance
3,126 ft
Climb
-3,094 ft
Descent
1,010 ft
High Point

Starts at Big River parking lot and makes a big loop with about half single track and half dirt road with a short section of paved road.

Detailed Description
Big River Big Loop is a 30 mile popular intermediate route located near Mendocino California. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 45 trails. This route climbs 3,126 ft with a max elevation of 1,010 ft then descends -3,094 ft.
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Trail Products

61 Reviews & Comments

  • + 1
Tastybite (Aug 9, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Took my 8-year old on his first "real" mountain bike ride here. This is a great place for an intro to riding singletrack - a few roots to maneuver, but mostly smooth redwood dirt and and nothing too steep.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Tastybite (Aug 9, 2022 at 10:29)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Took my 8-year old on his first "real" mountain bike ride here. This is a great place for an intro to riding singletrack - a few roots to maneuver, but mostly smooth redwood dirt and and nothing too steep.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:59)
Trail Rd 508
Detour from the road below it, little more elevation change id say than the road. More fun I’d say, adds time whichever direction you’re going. Old road that just had singletrack worn in now
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:53)
Trail Lindquist Loops
Trail is open. Major pain going up, pushing half the way. Good to go down of course. Wouldn’t say its better or worse to lose elevation on than ez out, just different. End up on road 410, anywhere you go from there is up.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:27)
Trail Big River Haul Road
I can only speak for the western half of the trail where it meets up to a bunch of other trails in the middle. It’s a scenic fairly flat ride, good views of the river, easy to carry speed either direction. Kind of a road, kind of single track in spots. Would be a good beginner, xc, or gravel ride. Your wife or child could enjoy this, just pick a distance you want to go
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:23)
Trail Ames Lodge
Decent spot to ride up from big river rd to get to mo betta trails to go down. It’s a climb. Can only be so much fun. There’s better trails to drop elevation on I’d say
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:20)
Trail Pole Line
Flatter and less densely wooded than the rest of the forest. The single track splits a few times in different directions, I guess some is private property
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:20)
Trail Pole Line
Flatter and less densely wooded than the rest of the forest. The single track splits a few times in different directions, I guess some is private property
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:20)
Trail Pole Line
Flatter and less densely wooded than the rest of the forest. The single track splits a few times in different directions, I guess some is private property
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Oct 3, 2021 at 21:20)
Trail Pole Line
Flatter and less densely wooded than the rest of the forest. The single track splits a few times in different directions, I guess some is private property
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:09)
Trail Gunslinger
Good to connect with the ride thru stump in either direction. Nothing too techy, just a fun ride. Not too fast, not too slow. Just about right. Be sure to say hi to the invisible man cooking bacon on his bbq
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:09)
Trail Gunslinger
Good to connect with the ride thru stump in either direction. Nothing too techy, just a fun ride. Not too fast, not too slow. Just about right. Be sure to say hi to the invisible man cooking bacon on his bbq
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:07)
Trail Ride Thru Stump
Can go either direction, kinda steep going up but you can do it, I believe in you. More fun coming down of course. And there’s a stump you can ride through and get cool pictures!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:02)
Trail Parallel Action
Easy both ways. Works as a good connector to the other stuff. Easy to carry speed
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:02)
Trail Parallel Action
Easy both ways. Works as a good connector to the other stuff. Easy to carry speed
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:02)
Trail Parallel Action
Easy both ways. Works as a good connector to the other stuff. Easy to carry speed
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 22:00)
Trail Confusion
Not much climbing either way, goes good both directions. Fun single track.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 21:48)
Trail E-Z Out
Fun on the way down. Flowy. Scenic.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Chasebeck734 (Sep 25, 2021 at 21:48)
Trail E-Z Out
Fun on the way down. Flowy. Scenic.
[Reply]
  • + 1
marlinmajnoon (Aug 15, 2021 at 22:44)
Trail Parallel Action
This is an easy trail that parallels the dirt access road. It is single track and gets a lot of use in both directions. It is not clear why it is rated blue. It should be green. In any case, beats riding on the dirt road.
[Reply]
  • + 1
marlinmajnoon (Aug 15, 2021 at 22:44)
Trail Parallel Action
This is an easy trail that parallels the dirt access road. It is single track and gets a lot of use in both directions. It is not clear why it is rated blue. It should be green. In any case, beats riding on the dirt road.
[Reply]
  • + 1
marlinmajnoon (Aug 15, 2021 at 22:44)
Trail Parallel Action
This is an easy trail that parallels the dirt access road. It is single track and gets a lot of use in both directions. It is not clear why it is rated blue. It should be green. In any case, beats riding on the dirt road.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:52)
Trail Pole Line
Fast straightaway through pockets of chaparral
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:52)
Trail Pole Line
Fast straightaway through pockets of chaparral
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:52)
Trail Pole Line
Fast straightaway through pockets of chaparral
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:52)
Trail Pole Line
Fast straightaway through pockets of chaparral
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:46)
Trail Orchard
Trail isn’t much used. Lots of vegetation through the meadow. Parts of it are pretty rutted out. Stepped over creek which was still running but low.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:46)
Trail Orchard
Trail isn’t much used. Lots of vegetation through the meadow. Parts of it are pretty rutted out. Stepped over creek which was still running but low.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:46)
Trail Orchard
Trail isn’t much used. Lots of vegetation through the meadow. Parts of it are pretty rutted out. Stepped over creek which was still running but low.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Weenlien (Jul 23, 2021 at 6:46)
Trail Orchard
Trail isn’t much used. Lots of vegetation through the meadow. Parts of it are pretty rutted out. Stepped over creek which was still running but low.
[Reply]
  • + 1
tomjoad773 (May 24, 2021 at 17:47)
Very solid route. Not too terrible elevation. Most of the singletrack parallels forest service roads so if you want to save some gas for later you can bail on a section and still stay on route.

The section EZ Out is the most technical singletrack on the route.

Not many views except near the top of Observatory Hill
[Reply]
  • + 1
Zepgirl (Aug 27, 2019 at 9:13)
Trail Wuss Hill
This is not a trail, it is a crappy dirt road and if you are thinking you might make a loop with speedway, good luck. Don't waste your time. Stay on the trails south of Casper Orchard Road.
[Reply]
  • + 1
yooperjb RCMBA (Aug 26, 2019 at 22:10)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Great little trail right out of the gate. Great little pump features, rooty sections, and some fun little punchy steep sections through the trees.
[Reply]
  • + 1
yooperjb RCMBA (Aug 26, 2019 at 22:10)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Great little trail right out of the gate. Great little pump features, rooty sections, and some fun little punchy steep sections through the trees.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Nicksand5 (Aug 21, 2019 at 15:04)
Trail TV Trail
Pretty bad trails in this area. Gunslinger is ok ride through stump is a 2 star trail. Go ride the other area. Manley gulch area trails are 4+ stars. This was not worth our time.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Nicksand5 (Aug 21, 2019 at 15:04)
Trail TV Trail
Pretty bad trails in this area. Gunslinger is ok ride through stump is a 2 star trail. Go ride the other area. Manley gulch area trails are 4+ stars. This was not worth our time.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TallSkinnyGuy (Aug 17, 2019 at 22:23)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Very nice ride in either direction, although a little more fun towards parking area since that direction has more downhill sections. Lush ferns and other foliage line trail and redwoods surround trail. Some sections have a bunch of roots adding a technical challenge but overall a fairly easy trail that can be ridden faster than many other trails in this forest that have much tighter trees.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TallSkinnyGuy (Aug 17, 2019 at 22:23)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Very nice ride in either direction, although a little more fun towards parking area since that direction has more downhill sections. Lush ferns and other foliage line trail and redwoods surround trail. Some sections have a bunch of roots adding a technical challenge but overall a fairly easy trail that can be ridden faster than many other trails in this forest that have much tighter trees.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TallSkinnyGuy (Aug 17, 2019 at 22:16)
Trail Jackaroo
Very pretty trail with thick ferns and redwood trees. Some rooty sections add a bit of technical challenge, but trees are mostly spaced away from trail allowing it to be ridden faster than some other trails in this forest.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TallSkinnyGuy (Aug 17, 2019 at 22:08)
Trail Gunslinger
Very tight trees require good slow speed bike handling.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TallSkinnyGuy (Aug 17, 2019 at 22:08)
Trail Gunslinger
Very tight trees require good slow speed bike handling.
[Reply]
  • + 1
chilewings (Aug 12, 2019 at 9:26)
Trail Wuss Hill
Seems like private property and most of the attempts to get around failed. After looking around, continued to end of Mitchell Creek Drive then can work your way on rideable trails back to connect with the 2nd half of the trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
aguynamedjoe SCMTS Staff (Aug 7, 2019 at 6:18)
Trail Wuss Hill
Finding the Trailhead on the north end is challenging. It appears to start off a dirt driveway. We found it by hike a bike off the paved road.
[Reply]
  • + 0
MudLust (Jun 8, 2019 at 11:39)
Trail Ride Thru Stump
super fun trail
[Reply]
  • + 0
MudLust (Jun 8, 2019 at 11:39)
Trail Ride Thru Stump
there is a hard right turn that’s easy to miss, if you come out on an old dirt road, you missed it. the exit has some boulders and comes out on a well used gravel road.
[Reply]
  • + 0
MudLust (Jun 8, 2019 at 10:47)
Trail Wuss Hill
says private property, saw what i thought was a connector, completely overgrown, impassable
[Reply]
  • + 0
Kkindred (Oct 2, 2018 at 21:36)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Easy warm up through a beautiful enchanted Forrest.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Kkindred (Oct 2, 2018 at 21:36)
Trail Parallel Rd 500 Trail
Easy warm up through a beautiful enchanted Forrest.
[Reply]
  • + 0
taospinner (Sep 23, 2018 at 22:15)
Trail Lindquist Loops
Looks like the Forest is closing this trail for logging. Not sure if it's permanent.
[Reply]
  • + 0
vicalcazar (Jul 26, 2018 at 12:08)
Trail Parallel Action
Trail closed for logging July 25, 2018.
[Reply]
  • + 0
vicalcazar (Jul 26, 2018 at 12:08)
Trail Parallel Action
Trail closed for logging July 25, 2018.
[Reply]
  • + 0
vicalcazar (Jul 26, 2018 at 12:08)
Trail Parallel Action
Trail closed for logging July 25, 2018.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Cliff-Lecker (Aug 9, 2017 at 17:58)
Trail Wuss Hill
Garbage! Wide dirt graded boring road. Turned around in about a mile. Waste of time! D-
[Reply]





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Mendocino
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    2
More Stats for Big River Big Loop mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    23 ft
  • Altitude start
    25 ft
  • Altitude end
    56 ft
  • Grade max
    -57.4%
  • Grade min
    61.3%
  • Distance climb
    13 miles
  • Distance down
    12 miles
  • Distance flat
    5 miles
Avg: 4.5 (2 votes)

  • view (1)
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  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Photos

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Videos

more videos »
Wet Fun in Jackson Demonstration Forest
Wet Fun in Jackson Demonstration Forest
14:41 | 65 | comments: 0 | favs:
May 13, 2022
Wet Fun in Jackson Demonstration Forest
Wet Fun in Jackson Demonstration Forest
trail: Jackaroo
14:41 | 52 | comments: 0 | favs:
May 13, 2022

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Parallel Action
Aug 27, 2022 @ 9:06am
Aug 27, 2022
Confusion
Jul 23, 2022 @ 4:33pm
Jul 23, 2022
Pole Line
Jun 21, 2022 @ 2:37pm
Jun 21, 2022
Big River Haul Road
May 28, 2022 @ 4:43pm
May 28, 2022
Very pretty access road with little to no climbing. About 6 miles in, it turns to beginner-friendly single track for a few miles. I only did the first 10 miles & turned around at the bridge marked "Structure Unsafe".
Ride Thru Stump
May 22, 2022 @ 10:19am
May 22, 2022
more reports »
  • By JackCoul & contributors
  • #6250 - 2,185 views