27.2 miles
Distance
3,980 ft
Climb
-3,976 ft
Descent
2,058 ft
High Point
3 ft
Altitude change
158 ft
Altitude min
158 ft
Altitude start
161 ft
Altitude end
-77%
Grade max
41.4%
Grade min
13 miles
Distance climb
13 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat

Good ride from the coast to Big Basin and Back. As always, heading down Middle Ridge is easier than going up.

Detailed Description
Chalks_Big-Basin_Loop is a 27 mile moderately popular extreme route located near Boulder Creek California. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 10 trails. This route climbs 3,980 ft with a max elevation of 2,058 ft then descends -3,976 ft.
Tags
Ridgeline

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Mar 31, 2025)

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (santacruztrails.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    27 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 36 min
  • Altitude min
    158 ft
  • Altitude start
    158 ft
  • Altitude end
    161 ft
  • Climb
    3,980 ft
  • Descent
    -3,976 ft
  • Grade max
    -77%
  • Grade min
    41.4%
  • Distance climb
    13 miles
  • Distance down
    13 miles
  • Distance flat
    1 mile

4 Reviews & Comments


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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Double Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
Avg: 2.5 (2 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
Big Basin Mountain Biking
mtb
Big Basin Mountain Biking
6:19 | 1111 | comments: 0 | favs:
Mar 9, 2019

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Whitehouse Canyon Road
Jun 10, 2025 @ 10:51am
Jun 10, 2025
The permanently closed section is private property West from Big Basin Park boundary. It is open within the park. Good condition, no trees down or washouts on the section from Gazos Creek road to Chalk road.. Big Basin state park Jan 2025 maps shows all fireroads in park open.
Chalks Road
Jun 10, 2025 @ 10:39am
Jun 10, 2025
Good condition, no trees down or washouts on the section from Whitehouse Canyon to Chalk Mtn lookout. Big Basin state park Jan 2025 maps shows all fireroads in park open.
Johansen Road
Mar 31, 2025 @ 8:50am
Mar 31, 2025
Wet but holding up well. A few muddy spots. Some big trees on the ground requiring maneuver ing to get through
Middle Ridge Road
Dec 4, 2023 @ 4:09pm
Dec 4, 2023
The section of road between Butano Rd (at the North end), south to the junction at elevation 2044 is mislabeled here. It's not Middle Ridge rd, but rather Johansen. The northern-most end of Middle Ridge begins at the jct at elev. 2044, and goes south to the jct w/Gazos Crk Rd. This is per the official state parks map at https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/540/files/BBRSP_WebMap_17x11.pdf
Gazos Creek Road
Oct 3, 2022 @ 7:45am
Oct 3, 2022
The road is open and in good condition. Nice way to survey the forest’s recovery from wildfire.
more reports »
  • By aguasonic & contributors
  • #14590 - 2,019 views

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