15.1 miles
Distance
1,240 ft
Climb
-1,239 ft
Descent
739 ft
High Point
4 ft
Altitude change
605 ft
Altitude min
707 ft
Altitude start
712 ft
Altitude end
-27.6%
Grade max
23%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat

A clockwise route around the majority of Palos singletrack starting at Maple Lake East parking lot at Resurrection Trail and heading east towards the triangle via Burrito Hill and Stonehouse. After a challenging climb up Three Ravines, you'll ride down the "Zip Tie" portion of Campground to Turf. Take Turf north to the road and climb up the road back to the Campground crossing. This time you'll take Campground north to a downhill section people refer to as The Fun Way or Flowy McFlowface. Continue on Campground until it reaches Maple Lake. A quick climb up Grass Hill and a side trail to Half Acre will bring you back to the multi-track. Take the multi east toward the top of Bullwhip. Bullwhip to Hickory Smoked to Maple Lake East will bring you back to the Maple Lake East parking lot. Toss in a loop of Cemetery Hill if you feel like you need a few more miles.

Detailed Description
Palos Loop - Clockwise is a 15 mile popular intermediate route located near Willow Springs Illinois. This mountain bike only route and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 11 trails. This route climbs 1,240 ft with a max elevation of 739 ft then descends -1,239 ft.

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (cambr.org)
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Stats

  • Distance
    15 miles
  • Altitude min
    605 ft
  • Altitude start
    707 ft
  • Altitude end
    712 ft
  • Climb
    1,240 ft
  • Descent
    -1,239 ft
  • Grade max
    -27.6%
  • Grade min
    23%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Palos Forest Preserve
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Physical rating
    Moderate

Directions

  1. Bike south on Resurrection (TAN).
  2. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  3. Bike southeast on Yellow Multitrack.
  4. Continue for 100 meters.
  5. Bike northeast on Yellow Multitrack.
  6. Continue for 200 meters.
  7. Turn right onto Burrito Hill (GREEN).
  8. Continue for 500 meters.
  9. Bike south on Burrito Hill (GREEN).
  10. Continue for 200 meters.
  11. Bear right onto Stonehouse (BLACK).
  12. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  13. Bike south on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  14. Continue for 90 meters.
  15. Turn right to stay on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  16. Continue for 700 meters.
  17. Turn left to stay on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  18. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
  19. Bike north on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  20. Continue for 500 meters.
  21. Turn left to stay on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  22. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
  23. Bike east on Stonehouse (BLACK).
  24. Continue for 700 meters.
  25. Turn left onto One Day (ORANGE).
  26. Continue for 900 meters.
  27. Bear left onto 3 Ravines (ORANGE).
  28. Continue for 100 meters.
  29. Bike west on 3 Ravines (ORANGE).
  30. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
  31. Bike northeast on 3 Ravines (ORANGE).
  32. Continue for 50 meters.
  33. Bear right onto Dynamite Road (BLUE / ORANGE).
  34. Continue for 500 meters.
  35. Bear left onto Old Argonne Access Road.
  36. Continue for 100 meters.
  37. Bike northeast on Old Argonne Access Road.
  38. Continue for 50 meters.
  39. Turn left onto Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  40. Continue for 200 meters.
  41. Bike northwest on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  42. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
  43. Bike southwest on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  44. Continue for 300 meters.
  45. Bike northeast on TURF (ORANGE).
  46. Continue for 40 meters.
  47. Bike north on TURF (ORANGE).
  48. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  49. Turn right onto Old Argonne Access Road.
  50. Continue for 100 meters.
  51. Bike south on Old Argonne Access Road.
  52. Continue for 300 meters.
  53. Bike southeast on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  54. Continue for 80 meters.
  55. Bike east on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  56. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  57. Bike north on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  58. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
  59. Bike southeast on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  60. Continue for 300 meters.
  61. Bike east on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  62. Continue for 600 meters.
  63. Bike southwest on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  64. Continue for 40 meters.
  65. Bike southeast on Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE).
  66. Continue for 80 meters.
  67. Bike east on Grass Hill (GREEN).
  68. Continue for 300 meters.
  69. Bike southwest on Grass Hill (GREEN).
  70. Continue for 200 meters.
  71. Turn right onto Half Acre.
  72. Continue for 300 meters.
  73. Bike east on Orange Multitrack.
  74. Continue for 300 meters.
  75. Bike north on Bullwhip (YELLOW).
  76. Continue for 800 meters.
  77. Bike northeast on Bullwhip (YELLOW).
  78. Continue for 800 meters.
  79. Bike east on Maple Lake Boating Center Parking.
  80. Continue for 100 meters.
  81. Bike northeast on Hickory Smoked (YELLOW).
  82. Continue for 200 meters.
  83. Bike northeast on Hickory Smoked (YELLOW).
  84. Continue for 1 kilometer.
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    • Singletrack

    Photos

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    mtb
    113
    mtb
    70
    mtb
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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Hickory Smoked (YELLOW)
    Sep 2, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Chicago)
    Sep 2, 2026
    Bullwhip (YELLOW)
    Sep 2, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Chicago)
    Sep 2, 2026
    Maple Lake East (YELLOW)
    Sep 2, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Chicago)
    Sep 2, 2026
    Resurrection (TAN)
    Sep 2, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Chicago)
    Sep 2, 2026
    Campground Trail (YELLOW / BLUE)
    Sep 2, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Chicago)
    Sep 2, 2026
    more reports »

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