This is a challenging hike of moderate difficulty if you are in decent shape. Incredible 360-degree views! I would recommend a counter-clockwise direction around the loop. The the ascent is mostly in the shade and the decent is mostly in the sun. End with a nice dip in the creak at the lodge and with an ice-cream cone.
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This is a beautiful area with fantastic trails and many lakes. Big Bear, Little Bear and Cub lakes are an easy hike in the gorgeous forested Sierras.
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Fun loop with some steep climbing and lots of fun descending. This links up a bunch of new trails built by SBTS. Will definitely be 5 star when everything is linked with single track! 100+ degrees today, I recommend doing it in cooler temps.
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A beautiful hike through Lakes Basin. The trail is well defined and a mix of sun and shade. There are numerous lakes along the way, but bring plenty of drinking water or a filter.
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Short curated trail, beautiful and peaceful. A little creek follows part of the trail and empties into Madera lake. Lots of foliage and deer.
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Awesome vistas, both at Lake level and from the top of Mt Elwell. The lakes basin is a real gem
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I was last here in 2019. At the end of June, portions of the trail were still buried under snow. It's lovely hike with a little lake around every turn. This trail connects with others for a longer hike. Or relax and enjoy the peace and quiet at any of these little alpine lakes.
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Brush at the end. Some excellent turns on southeast side. Best to take off from ski bowl area next time.
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November 8 first snow last few days didn’t take motor cycle this trip. First trip using GAIA maps they are awesome found couple gold mines need to go back check out better and ride forest service motor cycle trail in granite basin
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Off road vehicle trail to Cleghorn Bar Campground in the Plumas National Forrest. The first half of the trail is a simple 4x4 trail, however the last mile is rough (lots of loose rock), steep, and narrow with many tricky switchbacks. Once you pass the “WARNING” sign the trail is narrow and there are very few places to turn around. We went after the 2020 Forrest fire and cleared 17 out of the 20 downed trees (we went around 2 or 3). There are sink holes off the side of the road caused by fire burning the roots of trees, and under the trail. Between the last 2 switchbacks, right before the spring (500-1000ft from the campground) there is a very large, deep sinkhole on the outer ledge of the trail that swallowed my front passenger wheel, and put my frame on the ground. It was not visible coming down the trail. We managed to get out & filled it in as much as we could, but those coming down should be aware as the rain may cause more damage.
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This trail is rated difficult. A friend and I hiked it I mid April 2020. I consider myself fairly fit and felt the trail was easy in difficulty. My friend who considers herself not-so-fit, felt the trail was technically easy, but moderate in length. During warmer months, I would recommend starting early as there is some sun exposure and the hike back from the falls is generally 4.5 miles uphill.
Warning: Lots of broken glass in the trailhead parking area. Highly likely that hikers leave valuables visible in their locked cars and return to find they no longer have a window and get better fuel economy on the drive home due to lighter loads. Hide your valuables.
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