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2.1 miles
Distance
49 ft
Climb
-1,143 ft
Descent
00:16:36
Avg time
-1,096 ft
Altitude change
3,484 ft
Altitude min
4,608 ft
Altitude max
4,606 ft
Altitude start
3,510 ft
Altitude end
-9.8%
Grade
-67.2%
Grade max
21.5%
Grade min
955 ft
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
266 ft
Distance flat
00:16:36
Avg time
Third Divide Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
- Dirtbike/Moto
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Riding AreaDownieville Trail Network
Downieville, California -
Ref Number#11E07
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Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlue (1 vote)
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Local Popularity100 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 100 in E-Biking
- 100 in Trail Running
- 95 in Hiking
- 90 in Dirtbiking
- 5 in Horseback
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Global Ranking#25737 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #3952 in E-Biking
- #1615 in Trail Running
- #50274 in Hiking
- #1036 in Dirtbiking
- #1210 in Horseback
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionDownhill PrimaryPopular Direction Shown
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingModerate
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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SeasonSpring, Summer, Fall
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 3
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Land OwnerUSFS
Third Divide makes up part of the classic Downieville downhill route. It is considered the "fast and flowy" section--quite a bit smoother overall than Butcher Ranch with a great downhill pitch. It is typically maintained at a high level due to its popularity and use.
Access Info
After crossing Pauley Creek on Butcher Ranch trail and climbing out of the valley, the trail will split, with Third Divide continuing uphill to the right, and Second Divide splitting off left and down. The top of Third Divide and also be accessed from Big Boulder trail from the north.
Trail Supporters
Santa Cruz BicyclesSponsor
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 14 rides
- 17 miles average
6 Months
- 119 rides
- 18 miles avg distance
All
- 1,369 rides
- Last: Jul 5, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Third Divide Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
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- < 50%
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- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
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- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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Directions to third-divide trailhead
(39.611840, -120.750730)
Photos
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Trail Lists
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NorCal Dreamin'
7 trails
Routes with this trail
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This is the quintessential Downieville route. If you are planning your first trip to Downieville, or have...
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Nearby Trails
- Second Divide 49 ft
- Big Boulder 2 miles
- Red Oak Ohv Trail (lower) 2 miles
- Mine Shaft Singletrack 2 miles
- Lavezzola Road 3 miles
Downieville Trail Network
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Frequently Asked Questions About Third Divide
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Where is Third Divide located?
Third Divide is located in Downieville Trail Network, Downieville, California, United States. It is part of the Downieville Trail Network trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.61184, -120.75073.
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How hard is Third Divide?
Third Divide is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 9.8%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for Third Divide?
Third Divide has 49 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,143 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,484 ft to 4,608 ft.
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Is Third Divide a point to point trail?
Third Divide is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
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