601 Trail to 701 Trail Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Approximately 14.5 miles of singletrack with great variety of desert. Moderate climbs, sweeping vistas and some nice long downhills all await on this textbook cross-country trail.

Bring adequate hydration and a snack. Lower tire pressures will serve you well since small, loose rocks can make it easy to slide out on some sections of the trail.

Start at McCullough Hills trailhead and pick up the 601 Trail near the parking lot up and around the mountain. Once you reach McCullough Hills, turn right for about 50 yards and then pick up the 601 Trail as it descends into the wash.

As you emerge from the other side of the wash, stay to the right (trails that veer left go to the Bike Park trails). Climb to the summit and look right for a trail marker and a faint trail at the summit after the switchbacks. You'll see the trail become more obvious in the distance. You'll need to exit the main trail to the right at this point to reach the 701 Trail Loop.

This part of 601 Trail has some steep ups and downs as it drops into the wash, with a couple of two-four foot drops that you need to be ready for. Climb out of the wash via switchbacks on the left side of the wash and then make your way to the intersection of the 601 Trail and 500 Trail.

Use the 500 Trail connector to reach the 701 Trail Loop. This is a combination of singletrack and 4WD road that heads towards the power lines and crosses the wash. Watch for a vertical sign marking the 701 Trail, which cuts back to the right.

Start by climbing the lower portions of Black Mountain's eastern slope through a variety of desert terrains. You'll need to ride Quo Vadis 4WD road for about 100 yard and then pick up the singletrack again on the right before making the final climb. The descent is long, fast and flowing as it drops into the valley. The lower portions of the loop can be sandy and the trail becomes less obvious at places.

Rock markers will keep you on singletrack and out of the deep sand in the wash. Finish the loop by a gradual climb back towards the power lines to 500 Trail.