Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Distance
5.6 miles return
Difficulty
Difficult
Elevation Change
1400ft
Start/Finish
Mt Washburn North trailhead (2K6;
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Canyon Village
Summary
This is the park's toughest mountain-bike trip, offering fabulous views from
the peak and a thrilling descent.
Mt Washburn is accessed by two former service roads; the southern route from Dunraven
Pass is open only to hikers but the northerly Chittenden Rd is open to hikers, cyclists and
the occasional park vehicle delivering supplies to the fire tower atop
Mt Washburn
. This
isn't an easy jaunt you can attempt on a $50 bike from Wal-Mart (as we did), but rather a
serious high-elevation climb for well-conditioned cyclists who have the luxury of plenty
of low gears to choose from. The large trailhead is just over 1 mile off the main
Grand
Loop Rd
and has a vault toilet.
Access the old service road by the side of the metal gate that blocks the road to cars.
The service road was originally open to early motor vehicles, though the early Model T
Fords that attempted the route back then had to reverse all the way up the mountain be-
cause the engines didn't yet come with fuel pumps! The only traffic you'll see today is
tourists and the occasional grizzly bear. The wonderful 1400ft descent is back along the
same road. Watch out for hikers and other cyclists on the tarmac-and-gravel downhill run,
as there are several blind corners. This is also prime grizzly summer habitat, so keep your
eyes open for bears.
See
Click here
f
or details of the view and facilities atop the peak.
Lake Country
Pack a picnic, grab the kids and take off on an easy jaunt to Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge
Duration
45 minutes
