Trail Overview
Manastash Lake Trail is a fun and moderately easy single-track with several great lake views and frequent small challenges. It mostly ascends from north to south, gaining over 1,500 feet in elevation over 4.3 miles. A lot of the trail is full of small loose rocks or embedded roots. There are several moderate switchbacks midway through. One of the switchbacks is a wide sweeping corner that is easier, while another has a steep embedded rock face that looks intimidating, but there is extra room at the corner so you can turn your bike around and approach it straight on, making it less difficult. You will go up the switchbacks when riding north to south. You’ll also ride over several small wooden bridges over small stream crossings. You get multiple lake views of Lost Lake and Manastash Lake throughout the route. Riders should also expect segments with narrow side-hilling through open meadows and grassy hillsides. The last ¾ of a mile on the south end gets really steep, with a constant grind to climb out from Manastash Lake, with several gradual switchbacks up a rutted climb. This trail is pretty wide, and you may see hikers or horseback riders headed to the lake.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate trail mostly due to a couple of semi-technical switchbacks and a very steep climb out on the south end. The majority of the trail is pretty easy, though. Expect roots and loose rock, but a lot of the trail is fast and flowy and gradual.
