Balanced Rock Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

The description says it all; a means to an end. This is not a particularly fun trail, but the payoff is incredible views and a direct route to Whiskey Tango Express.

To access, bike north past Puma about 75-100 yards. It's a maze of doubletrack and moto trails here so use the MTB Project mobile app to help you from getting turned around. To your left will be a signpost for Loop 3. (It will be tempting to hop the gate to the west and ride the doubletrack but stay on the Loop 3 singletrack. The start of the doubletrack is on private property.) This is the beginning of the Balanced Rock climb.

This is a singletrack climb that is built by and heavily used by motos. You'll encounter two hike-a-bike sections. The first is very short and cleanable by the strongest of riders. The 2nd is a heinous, steep, rutted mess. I don't know of anyone that can clean even half of it.

Once you clear the 2nd hike-a-bike, things settle down quite a bit. The singletrack comes to a T right at an interesting rock formation - Balanced Rock. Take a right here and climb the doubletrack. The doubletrack first meanders along and is quite pleasant. Then, the last 3 switchbacks are pretty steep. All cleanable though with some rocky challenges. Bring your best set of lungs! The climb ends at the intersection on Whiskey Tango Express and Faceplant - 2 fun downhill trails.

Note: For a variety, trying bombing down Balanced Rock - a quick and rowdy descent!