Ridin' High at the Ranch

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Downhill · Flow · Technical · Views

Ridin' High is the destination ride for the area. The trails are well marked and there is usually a map at one of the kiosks at the trail heads. Long winding trails, challenging switchbacks and epic descents are sure to keep you engaged. The ride usually takes between two and four hours depending on abilities. There is no water along the way, so pack accordingly.

The trails can be rocky. Small baseball to softball sized rocks often come loose and roll into the trail in spring and fall. Susanville is also way out there, and mountain lions and bears are a thing. Luckily, they're not fond of the taste of sweaty cyclists.

This epic ride starts off slow up a gentile grade along the old historic railroad track (long since removed) and drops down on a singletrack trail across a bridge. Savor the downhill because the grind begins here. Climb switchbacking singletrack trail up through rocky terrain and juniper forests to the summit of a small hill. Now drop down a winding trail back to the scenic meadow below. Cross the meadow and head back up hill on more switchbacks which land at the upper parking area on Paiute Ln.

Take a quick breather before starting the second half of the route starting with the notorious Heart Attack Hill. At the top, the trail meanders its way through pine forests down Lo Go, across the seasonal creek and up the Lo Flow trail. Drop down a steep section and head up Never Sweat to the Wild West trail which is a gentle grade trail through a groomed path of pines and basalt cobbles. A short drop will lead down to the shaded path of the sleepy hollow trail before you have to reverse course and get back into the grinding gears and tackle one more steep section which is rewarded by some excellent downhill switchbacks.

Heading back the way you came, you'll soon intersect the trail you came in on. This time follow the Hi Go trail. Now pay your penitence as you tackle this trail of lactic acid tolerance. If you haven't bailed yet, pass up the Boneyard trail and drop down the canyon heading toward Rocky Top Trail. Curse the gods for this last cruel joke as you climb what seems like a never ending series of steep switchbacks to the top of the hill.

Just as you have nothing left to give, you are rewarded with miles of some of the best groomed downhill anywhere around. Take solace in knowing that you'll barely turn the pedals along your steep downward path back to Heart Attack Hill. Back at the upper parking area, head left down the rocky Horse Tail Connector before taking a lap around the Dry Meadow Trail as a cooldown back to the parking lot.

This is one of the best in the West. Definitely worth a visit once in your life.

The Ridin' High trail is used annually for a XC race. It is generally kept in good condition by the locals and showcases the best trails of Ranch Park.