Our Ponderosa Pedal trip is a tour of some of Eastern Washington's best intermediate singletrack, moving through some of the most beautiful regions in Washington.
This adventure targets intermediate riders seeking experiences beyond just mountain biking. We'll cruise through ponderosa groves, wildflower meadows, and sage-scented hillsides across Wenatchee and the Methow Valley, with optional hiking and rock climbing activities along the way.
From the sweeping views of the Columbia River to the purpose-built trails of Loup Loup, this 3-day trip is the perfect blend of mellow flow, beautiful scenery, and good times.
After a meet and greet in Wenatchee, Washington, we will drive about 15 minutes to the trailhead for one of the newest trail systems in the area — Number 2 Canyon — a perfect trail system to warm up the legs and get this party train rolling.
We will soak up a sweeping view of the Columbia River to our east and the Cascade Mountains to our west as we cruise through this fun and flowy trail system. After finishing up and grabbing lunch, we'll hop in the van and drive north into the beautiful Methow Valley.
Campers will settle in at Pearrygin Lake, one of the most scenic campgrounds in the state. For those with energy to spare, an optional evening ride on the mellow 5-mile Rex Derr Trail awaits before dinner!
9 mi · ±1,300' elev.After a hearty breakfast, we'll head up to the Chickadee Trailhead, a renowned singletrack trail system with a wide variety of trail levels. We'll gain some motorized advantage with a shuttle up about 1,000', then continue climbing another 1,500' through sweeping views and smooth singletrack.
9 mi · +1,500' elev. AfternoonAfter lunch, we'll take advantage of the morning's shuttle and descend nearly 3,000', with only 1,000' of climbing. The afternoon is all about reaping the rewards of the morning's effort — fast, flowy descents through the Methow's finest singletrack, ending in the charming town of Winthrop.
13 mi · +1,186' / -2,937' elev.Full day totals: 22 mi · +2,686' / -4,437' elev. (shuttle)
We'll head up to the majestic Buck Mountain. This ride is all about serene flow. We'll climb 2,200' on a mellow grade over 7 miles, zig-zagging through ponderosa groves and wildflower and sage meadows. The climb is extremely pleasant — one of those climbs where you forget you're gaining elevation and can hold a conversation. The descent? It could aptly be described as "hero."
14.2 mi · ±2,200' elev. Afternoon — Loup LoupAfter lunch, we'll head up to the Loup Loup ski area for the last ride of our trip. The Loup features purpose-built mountain bike trails including Telemark and Oso Peligroso — berms, rock-rolls, and miles of cruisy blue trails await. Back at the trailhead, we'll dole out some well-deserved high fives and say our goodbyes!
11 mi · ±1,800' elev.