Trail Overview
Upper Big Creek is an advanced trail with constant large root ledges, extremely steep terrain, and a grand finale of rock ledges on the south end of the trail. The trail is a constant steep ascent from north to south, gaining over 1,800 feet over 2.2 miles. There are over 20 switchbacks throughout the route, most of them with big rock and root obstacles on the inside corners that make them even more technical. The north entrance to the trail enters a dense and shaded forest, and it starts switch-backing up right away. You’ll work your way through several tall rock and root obstacles, often with ruts and blunt ledges. Midway through, the trail pops out of the trees into a logged area where the switchbacks are a bit easier and smoother, and you get brief relief from the obstacles. You cross a couple logging roads, but then the trail keeps climbing steeply, and starts to get rocky again. The last tenth of a mile on the south end gets very difficult again, as the trail climbs up a rutted and loose rocky climb with big boulders in the trail, and then a final very steep rock ledge. It connects with the Manastash Ridge Trail on the south end at a silty corner.
Difficulty
This is an advanced trail due to constant rock and root obstacles throughout the short route. The whole trail is a technical ascent from north to south with over 20 switchbacks. Riders should expect tall and blunt root ledges and steep rock obstacles. This trail is not ideal for inexperienced riders. There is also narrow and exposed terrain throughout the route where riders should use caution.
