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A trail along a spectacular volcanic ridge with scenic views of the Sierra Crest and majestic geological formations.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

77%

Runnable

7,585' 2,312 m

High

7,240' 2,207 m

Low

320' 97 m

Up

345' 105 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A valid trail pass is required from the Royal Gorge ski resort for winter skiing.

Runner Notes

The trail is rocky and loose is many places. Mountain bikes and dogs are allowed on this trail.

Description

This trail is a mixture of multi-track and singletrack trail that traverses the top of a volcanic ridge with sheer cliffs and spectacular views of the Pacific Crest at Donner Summit. It is a ski trail in the winter and a popular running trail in the summer. The trail is part of a network of trails that provide access to the Royal Gorge open space area. It can be traversed in both directions and is open to hiking, running and mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. During the snowy months, parts of it are usually groomed for both Nordic and skate skiing by the resort.

Access to the trail is via the connected Bogus Basin Trail (see map). The closest trailhead is the Hoelter Hall trailhead at the southern end of Serene Lakes. The trail starts at the Bogus Basin ski warming hut and there is a moderate climb up a multi-track trail to get to the ridge line. Once at the ridge you can go west up to Rowton Peak to view the American River headwater basin. Follow the rocky singletrack trail east to traverse along the sheer cliffs of the undulating ridge line. Large "hoodoo" formations of remnants of volcanic lava flows and lahars line the south face of the cliffs. In early summer Pink Star Onion carpet the ridge line. The path back down to the Bogus Basin Trail from the ridge is approximately 3/4 of a mile along the ridge line. You can go further out along the ridge line to an overlook marked by two large Western White Pine trees.

The trail along the ridge is completely exposed and can be quite warm and dry in the summer. Take plenty of water. The rocky trail demands good running footwear.

Flora & Fauna

The trail cuts through a Lodgepole/Fir/Jeffrey Pine forest and during the summer is populated by a large collection of Sierra wildflowers. The forest is the home to deer, ground squirrels, bobcat, martens, bears and the occasional mountain lion. The rocky ridge is also populated with many old Mountain Junipers.

Contacts

Shared By:

George Lamson

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Royal Gorge

#15581

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Royal Gorge

#1,631

in California

#15,581

Overall
2 Views Last Month
746 Since Dec 30, 2016
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Photos

The Razorback Ridge Trail offers spectacular views of the Crow's Nest, Mt. Disney, and Mt. Lincoln.
Dec 31, 2016 near Truckee, CA
Bogus Basin ski warming hut makes for a fun landmark along the Bogus Basin Trail in Royal Gorge.
Dec 30, 2016 near Truckee, CA

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