Trail Overview
Lower Mount Clifty Trail is an intermediate descent from north to south, connecting Manastash Ridge Trail back to Pyramid Peak Trail and Little Naches Road. The route is a mix of gradual and steep, dropping almost 2,700 feet in elevation over 5 miles. The trail is highly trafficked, with a mix of wide spots in the trees and narrow spots with side-hill exposure. There are lots of deep brake bumps that are exhausting, and many switchbacks throughout the descent. Many of the switchbacks are smooth and wide, rideable by the average intermediate rider, but some are tighter and steeper. There are lots of small root and rock obstacles throughout the route, such as blunt root ledges and small rock faces, and sections with more chunky loose rock. However, a lot of sections are also fast and flowy through the trees. The trail is narrow and shelfy when it goes through a logging area midway through the route. Near the south end, it connects with Forest Road 1905, which can be used as a bail out to avoid some of the final brake bumps in the last mile of trail. The trail is very dry and dusty, and it was also free of any downfall by mid-July, as this trail system appears to be very well maintained by local clubs that cut the trails in early summer.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate route due to a mix of steep and gradual grades, small rock and root obstacles throughout the route, and several moderate switchbacks. There are small obstacles all throughout the 5 mile long route, and riders should be comfortable with exposed and narrow terrain.
