Trail Overview
Jolly Creek is a steep and technical singletrack, dropping almost 2,500 feet elevation over 3 miles from west to east. Starting on the west side, it climbs up a hill from the intersection with Jolly Mountain trail, and then drops off the side of the hill on a very shelfy and narrow trail, with loose rocks and significant exposure. It side-hills along the sloughed-off hillside, descending steeply right away, with a couple tight switchbacks to drop back down to the tree line. The trail starts to weave tightly through the trees, continuing to descend through the forest, with a mix of technical embedded rock layers, loose rocks, roots, and loose dirt, constantly keeping you on your toes. The trail is troughed through the forest as well, and will be much more difficult to come back up. The first mile is the steepest. As it gets to lower elevation and starts to parallel the Jolly Creek, it becomes more jungle-like, with overgrown bushes and new growth, since it goes through an old burn area. The trail can be really narrow through the overgrown bushes and block visibility. It also crosses several rocky ravines, and has frequent root and rock obstacles throughout the route. If riding this trail from east to west, it’s a very physically demanding route due to the steep terrain and constant rock and roots.
Difficulty
This trail is advanced difficulty due to frequent rock and root obstacles throughout the route, on very steep and loose terrain. There are steep and tight switchbacks, and narrow and exposed sections of trail. Riders need to be prepared for high alpine riding and changing conditions in a burn area.
Access Description
The single-track motorized trails in the Teanaway drainage are extremely challenging, with narrow paths along cliffs, rocky sections, and steep terrain. Because the area is environmentally fragile, riders are asked to travel in groups of five or fewer and use trials tires instead of knobby rear tires. Please ride responsibly and tread lightly.
