This is a loop my buddies and I used
to ride on our mountain bikes almost every weekend. We usually
started from our houses or the bike shop on Main Street and ended
at the Packards coffee shop for some ice cold Sobe or hot
chocolate, depending on the time of year.
From town it’s a 20-25 mile loop depending on
where you start. You could also make it an out-and-back if you
start in Pamo Valley on the west end or near the old Black Canyon
campground on east end and follow Santa Ysabel Road (12S07). This
actually is the best part of the ride with some grueling climbs and
fast downhills. Just watch for vehicles on the west end near Pamo
Valley and you will need your Adventure pass to do this. On 12S07
you will come across 3 gates along the way which may or may not be
open. They were all open when I placed the caches and there was
evidence of vehicle traffic. I’m not sure if vehicle traffic is
allowed on this road, but it would definitely need to be high
clearance.
The main loop you’ll be following is Pamo Road to
Santa Ysabel Road (12S07) to Black Canyon Road to Pile
Street.
There are more than a few ways to get into the
loop, so that choice is yours, and you can change the loop if you
wish. There are no rules here.
Remember to bring plenty of
water and some snacks and start your ride early in the
day.