Alta

Rode Alta from San Juan Lookout to Alta Trailhead today. Started at the Altra trailhead and lead the main road all the way to San Juan. Alta from San Juan Lookout to the ridge line is 85% hike-a-bike, and some segments/switchbacks are dangerously steep with jagged rock which makes riding them either direction borderline impossible. The real fun and flow starts around the ridgeline – epic 1000’ descent into the valley below. Most switch backs are sharp, but are much more reasonable than the north side of the mountain.

If I ever come back to do this ride, I will be starting at the Altra trailhead, riding up to the ridgeline and riding back down. That’s what I recommend for anyone looking to do this ride and avoid spending an hour hiking their bike. Unless you’re a pro MTB’r I’d say stay away from climbing or descending the north side of the mountain.

Did an out and back on the east side of Alta up to the Ridgeline. It's a bit of a slog up with those tight switchbacks, but back down it has its own kind of flow. I'll post a video. Not really for the faint of heart with the exposure and tight switchbacks, but no problem if you run trails like Nat'l, Ranger, Bursera, etc.

Lot's of hike-a-bike getting up to the top mainly cos it is very steep. Then more intermittent hike-a-bike as you make your way along the "top". When you finally get to the all-out descent you will be met with many brutal tough sharp switchbacks. There is good challenging stuff but beware of the off-camber rock slabs and general jank.