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12.2 miles
Distance
2,927 ft
Climb
-2,921 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
6 ft
Altitude change
3,763 ft
Altitude min
3,787 ft
Altitude start
3,793 ft
Altitude end
-85.3%
Grade max
40%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
2,018 ft
Distance flat
A classic backcountry ride, pioneered by Gearz of the MTBR.com WA forum, back in 2005. Pretty short at about 12 miles but with a couple tough climbs it makes a great 'intro to backcountry epics' ride. Spectacular views from the saddle on Esmeralda trail and at Galagher Head Lake. Steep and rocky descent down to Fortune Creek jeep road. The final DeRoux descent is more moderate and very fun. The ride takes 3 to 5 hours for most people.
Detailed Description
Esmeralda loop is a 12 mile popular intermediate route located near Washington. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 2,927 ft with a max elevation of 5,978 ft then descends -2,921 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Closed: 1 trail (newest: Sep 9, 2025)
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 2 trails (newest: Jul 4, 2026)
Local Trail Association
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Trail Products
Stats
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Distance12 miles
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Avg time4 hr 22 min
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Altitude min3,763 ft
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Altitude start3,787 ft
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Altitude end3,793 ft
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Climb2,927 ft
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Descent-2,921 ft
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Grade max-85.3%
-
Grade min40%
-
Distance climb6 miles
-
Distance down5 miles
-
Distance flat2,018 ft
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Trails in Route
| 1,214 ft | |||||
| 5 miles | |||||
Details
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Route TypeLoop
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Bike typeAM
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DirectionOne Direction
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Physical ratingModerate
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Photos
Videos
mtb
Boulder-De Roux | Mountain Bike Teanaway, WA
trail: Boulder-De Roux Trail
15:32 | 339 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 11, 2022
mtb
Esmeralda Basin Fortune Creek DH | Mountain Bike Teanaway, WA
trail: Esmeralda Basin
7:49 | 242 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 11, 2022
Recent Trail Reports Along Route
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- By i-g-o-r
& contributors - #8471 - 5,062 views
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