Loop 3

Total Miles
6.3

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Single Track

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Loop 3 is a dirt bike trail stretching over 6 miles, starting at Loop 2 on the north end, crossing Sugar Pine Road, and tying into several other dirt bike routes, including Tie 3-5, Tie 3-3, and Tie 3-1. The southern end of the trail forms a 1.5-mile loop. Most of the route is smooth, fast, and flowy, with sections wide enough to feel like an ATV trail. Waterbars, loose pinecones, and the possibility of downed logs add variety, though rocky areas are limited to scattered patches of loose and embedded rock. Some stretches narrow between the bushes, while other parts remain wide and straightforward. Two-way traffic is permitted throughout, and connections to Tie 3-6 and Tie 3-3 make it easy to extend the ride. Fences occasionally line the trail to keep riders on route, and intersections are clearly marked, including a wider road segment between the intersections with Tie 3-5 and Tie 3-3. The most technical portion appears on the northern end, where the trail climbs along a narrower exposed hillside shelf near the Tie 3-5 intersection.

Photos of Loop 3

Loop 3
Loop 3

Difficulty

This is an easy trail because the majority of it is wide, smooth, and flowy with minimal rocky sections. There are some more exposed sections on the north end with a bit of climbing, but it is still approachable for more beginner riders.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Loop 3 can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Dirt Bike

Access Description

The Foresthill OHV Trail System is a popular ATV and dirt bike trail system in the Tahoe National Forest, which can be accessed from several staging areas: Sugar Pine, Parker Flat, or Brimstone. The trails can close after heavy rain, especially during fall and winter, so you should call the American River Ranger District to check for the open/closed status of the trails ahead of time. Call (530)-478-6254; extension 228 for a recording of the status. From the town of Foresthill, California, take Foresthill Road for 9 miles north, then turn left on Sugar Pine Road and follow the signs for the Sugar Pine and Parker Flat Staging Areas, which are large dirt lots accommodating trailers and RVs, with a pit toilet, picnic tables, a loading ramp, and a dumpster. The Brimstone Staging Area and Campground are accessed by taking Brimstone Road south of Sugar Pine Road. This is a very well-maintained trail system where all trails and staging areas are well marked, featuring mostly easy and intermediate trails.

Loop 3 Map

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