Lakefork to Parkside

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Some pavement, some doubletrack, some singletrack, all fun. This is a sweet little ride that takes you between the Lakefork and Mainfork drainages of Rock Creek. The views are great riding up the pavement to the trailhead, close up into Lodgepole Forest, and open back up closer to the Mainfork area.

Intersections can be confusing, look closely at the route before taking off or reference the MTB Project mobile app.

This ride begins at a small parking lot on Lakefork Road. Take the paved road west, up to the trailhead, and head down Lower Lake Fork Trail #2A. After crossing the bridge, bikes MUST stay left as they are not allowed in the wilderness area. Lower Lake Fork Trail #2A is a beautiful singletrack trail that follows the creek, winding through lodgepole forrest. Hard pack dirt is the majority trail surface here. There are not many obstacles early on other than water bars that cross the trail. A very steep and short hill will signify more challenge ahead.

Once over the hill, be ready for a quick left back down followed by a few rock gardens to keep you on your toes. After that, it's smooth sailing into the Lions Camp where you'll pass right through back into the trees and into the old Richel Lodge, which is now a rocky field. Views are great here of the towering plateaus around you and is a good spot to gain your bearings.

At the field, take a right to head southwest on Lower Parkside Trail #106, an old two track road that parallels the creek. Once you get closer to the Mainfork area, the views start to get good and the riding a bit easier. Be sure to take a minute and drink in the views before you continue on. Rock Creek Road was resurfaced in 2016 and is smooth and fast till the Parkside National Recreation Trail #103 Trailhead. Take the Parkside National Recreation Trail #103 all the way back to Rock Creek Road, and turn left on the road. Dumb back onto Lower Parkside Trail #106 heading north until you hit pavement, hang a left, and double back. It's pretty much all downhill back to Lake Fork Road and again, use caution and look for motorized traffic.