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Buckridge at Lake Hensley

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Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Central Valley
  4. …Madera
  5. Hidden Lake - Hensley Lake Recreation Area
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“A great trail for new riders to learn. Plenty of singletrack and some good short climbs. ”

Rob Kranovich
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5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

75%

Singletrack

741' 226 m

High

543' 165 m

Low

660' 201 m

Up

660' 201 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a great place to learn because of its figure 8 configuration. It is rolling hills with some nice singletrack and a couple of very short technical sections for you to learn some skills. You are never more than a couple miles from the parking lot so if your endurance is still developing it won't take long to get back. The trails all interconnect so it may be confusing at first but it is very hard to actually get lost. The fire road climb on the way in is a great place to learn balance for steep climbs, short but tough.

Need to Know

Parking is $5, but a season pass is available for $40, self service machine before entering gate only takes card.

Description

Start out with a fire road climb up the three sisters, three hills and each one get progressively steeper. From there it is flowing singletrack to the crossover part of the figure 8, a right turn takes you through some more flowing trail with a nice little drop that is followed by a climb straight up a rock. It looks very intimidating at first but if you trust your bike it is very easy to roll through.

From here, there is more singletrack to short climb then out to the back of the course for your last big climb. This is fairly steep and at the top there is a little rock section to power through, it will test the new riders fitness level. After that some flowing singletrack to the steepest descent of the course. As you approach there is an easy route to your right or go straight and there is a rock that will give you some air time into the decent. Stay to the right for a straight smooth braking zone or go to the left for a berm that will allow you to carry speed to the bottom.

From there back to the figure 8 crossover only turn right this time. All singletrack until you get to a little ravine that rewards you for taking the straight line over the rock and carrying your speed back up the hill. If you go left it is less technical but the turn will scrub your speed and you have to climb out. After this is the rock drop that scares many new riders. This is a little rock drop that looks scarier than it is. Once you get the courage to give it a try it is very easy and you wonder why you thought it was so scary. I have seen many riders finally attempt this and none of them have crashed. So when you are ready just go for it.

From there it is a short section of singletrack to the fire road out or you can climb the two camel humps to finish.

History & Background

This is a trail that was worked on by the local club, the Army Corps of Engineers and the IMBA Subaru crew several years ago.

Contacts

Local Club: Central California Off Road Cyclists

Land Manager: US Army Corps - Sacramento District

Shared By:

Rob Kranovich with improvements by Stephan Plevney
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 32 votes

#1

in Hidden Lake - Hensley Lake Recreation Area

#756

Overall
  4.0 from 32 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Hidden Lake - Hensley…

#108

in California

#756

Overall
34 Views Last Month
9,452 Since Nov 23, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Drop in and carry your speed up the rock.
Nov 23, 2013 near Yosemit…, CA
It is easier than it looks from the top.
Nov 23, 2013 near Yosemit…, CA
Hensley Lake offers beautiful company to anyone riding Buckridge at Lake Hensley.
Apr 1, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Lake view on singletrack trail
Jun 22, 2024 near Yosemit…, CA
Sunset session
May 1, 2021 near Yosemit…, CA
Great family ride.
Jan 6, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 29, 2024
Steven Tringali
May 11, 2024
Jesse Vidal
hard AF learning on eating before riding, pack snacks, plenty of water, start early. 2.5mi — 1h 14m
Dec 12, 2021
Holden Knupp
5.7mi — 12h 05m
Nov 21, 2021
Josh Arvizu
Oct 16, 2021
Pedro Garcia
13mi
Mar 20, 2021
Jeffrey Gledhill Jeffrey Gledhill
Mar 11, 2021
Eddie Schuhl
1h 00m
Feb 21, 2021
Akshay Narkar
1mi

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