Hogback Ridge

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Downhill · Hike-a-bike · Views

From Philipsburg, take State Rd #348 13 miles east and turn right onto Rock Creek Rd #102. Follow Rock Creek Road about 10 miles to the Hogback Homestead. There is a pullout for parking on the opposite side of the road from the trailhead.

Hogback trail is a rugged and difficult trail to ride on a mountain bike. Those that choose to ride this will be rewarded with a super tough workout, amazing views and an atmosphere of exploration and solitude. The trail is best ridden downhill, however there is no easy way to the top. If you are planning to ride the whole trail, you should consider riding up the slightly less steep (but still very challenging) Sandstone Ridge Trail. If you try to ride up this trail, expect there to be plenty of hike-a-bike as the steep gradients combined with a loose rocky surface are just not rideable in many places.

The trail has an initial elevation gain of 3,000 feet in under 4 miles, which should hopefully give you a good idea of how steep it is. The views are nice and the majority of the trail undulates along a ridgetop. The difficulty of the trail never quite lets up however, and even on the 'flat' sections, it can still be rocky and slow with some sections of trail even a little hard to follow. Expect a full out and back of this trail to be an all day activity, with average speeds closer to that of hiking than typical mountain biking on easier trails.