Loop 4

Total Miles
6.6

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

50" Trail

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Loop 4 leaves directly from the Sugar Pine Staging Area and makes a 6.6-mile-long, moderately easy ATV loop. The trail mixes easier sections with more moderately technical terrain, through a dry forest environment featuring Ponderosa pine, western yellow pine, manzanita, juniper bushes, and dusty red dirt. There are lots of easy and moderate rock ledges at least a foot tall, though most are ramped and wide, with multiple line choices, making them still approachable for average riders. Riders encounter windy and tight turns through the trees and rocks, but the exposure is low, with gradual grades across the forest floor, keeping it low consequence. The route includes small rolling hills, some covered in loose rock, along with rock piles, big roots, ruts, and frequent embedded rock slabs and boulders. Certain stretches are flowy and faster, balancing out the more technical areas. Numerous road crossings and bailouts are present, and the crossings are often clearly marked with stop signs. The system is well maintained, though the rocky terrain can be slow going for inexperienced quad riders despite the Forest Service's rating of "easy". Expect two-way travel and busy weekend traffic.

Photos of Loop 4

Loop 4
Loop 4

Difficulty

This is a moderate trail because of the frequent rock ledges, piles of loose rock, and tight winding turns through the forest, but the gradual grades and low exposure keep it still approachable for average riders. The forest service considers this an "Easy" rating.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Loop 4 can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • ATV (50")
  • 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, CA, 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 4 Map

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