Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail

Today was one for the books. It was one of my first times hitting the trails with my new electric bike that has those big tires. I ended up getting completely lost and turned around — I was out there for five hours trying to figure out how to get back. After hour three, I had run out of water and was starting to get hoarse from yelling for help. I was lucky a man eventually came down the trail and heard me calling out — thank you, sir! I really wish there were more arrows or signs to help guide people back, especially for newcomers. I started around 1:22 PM, leaving my car near the “Go Ape” area. I followed a trail heading toward a cabin and then veered off to the right onto another path. That one looped me back close to where I started — or at least to the same road. I kept following more trails, eventually crossing over a road, and from there, it was all uphill, rocky, and — at first — really fun. Then I noticed I was passing the same tree with scrape marks… again and again. I must’ve circled that area at least eight times trying different routes, but nothing led me out. I kept ending up in a field of grass or near this massive rock. When I finally climbed to the top, I realized it was actually a huge jump — hopefully no one tries to hit that and gets hurt. At this point, I was four hours in, panicking. My phone was about to die, the temperature was dropping, and I hadn’t seen a single person the entire time. I started honking my bike’s horn and calling out, riding around another hour before I finally spotted someone. I nearly cried from relief. I must’ve looked crazy, but I waved him down and begged for help. He pointed me in the right direction, and it turned out I was much farther from my car than I thought. I tried using my phone for GPS, but it only routed me to nearby roads — not helpful at all on a trail system like that. I’m completely exhausted, but honestly, I’ll definitely ride it again… next time with a friend (and probably freak them out too). Also — I found a concrete pad with a grill out there, and now I’m tempted to bring my electric leaf blower next time to clean it off and set up a little camp spot.

Beautiful even in winter, the trails were a bit muddy and very rocky, wear good shoes for hiking and watch your step. Will definitely be going back when it gets warmer.

The trails at Swope are a blast for the intermediate to advanced rider. Most of Rancho Deluxe is suitable for beginners, along with portions of other trails but the rock gardens, ledges and drops are plentiful and will cause even the well experienced rider to pucker-up and think twice. I always park up at the adventure center because cars are continually vandalized at the lower parking area (the only negative). Woodchuck Run is a favorite trail of many and recent expansion has added several more miles to include more berms, drops, jumps and one way only DH runs. Look for optional lines and features as almost every trail has them. Wear DEET whenever it’s not Wintertime!

This is a large quiet place, hiking trails are huge with lots of possible ways. This could be such a great place to spend times alone with camping and other outdoor opportunities. Security seemed to be active here, so we really didn’t feel that much worried. But to be honest it was really quiet and no other person we saw. If anyone has problem in a really deserted place then it’s not for them. But my complaint is it’s not kept well and it seems to be dirty.This place is so torn and odorous that all expectations to spend a good time here will go in vain. But just for some hours, we enjoyed a lot. Woods was really thrilling for me. Starting from this shelter and getting back to the road was quite a challenge. A ride with mountain bike would be more thrilling I can assure.

It's a good workout, but (and maybe this is just me), it's easy to get lost, so more trail markers would be helpful.