Little Creek Mesa Small Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Technical · Views

If you're looking for some more adventurous riding compared to other parts of this region, Little Creek Mesa is the way to go. There are plenty of cairns marking the way, but you need to keep an eye out for them. If you miss one, you might find yourself doing a bit of backtracking. It cool terrain and epic views, it's easy to not pay attention all the time and miss a cairn.

Though cairns are marking the way, they can be easy to miss if you're looking at the views. Additionally, a few locals reported that, on occasion, some purists would come through and knock many of the cairns over.

This wonderful, wayfinding adventure traverses the slickrock top of Little Creek Mesa. Heading out from the parking lot, don't get moving too fast or you might miss the entrance to the trail. It's marked by two cairns but like much of the trail, they can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Head out along the trail.

The West Loop is an awesome trail that features amazing slickrock riding as well as beautiful, smooth, flowing singletrack. The way is always clear on the dirt, but once on the rock, you'll need to be heads up keeping an eye out for cairns. There are plenty out there, but you just need to keep on eye out. Once on the rim the views are stunning as you traverse the massive rock cliffs. If you have an issue with heights, just keep to the inside edge of the path or walk the spots that might unnerve you (no moves along the rim felt dangerous in any way, however).

After turning away from the rim, you'll reach a junction with Magic Carpet. This is you're return for this ride. This intermediate return is an easier option to continuing on the West Loop. The West Loop gets a bit more way-findy after this point, but the Magic Carpet trails is much more straight-forward, and still a super fun trail.

After Magic Carpet, the marker to return to the trailhead can be a little wonky (though it says trailhead), so just take a look at the map if you're unsure if you're going the right way.