Trip Report St. Charles Canyon near Bear Lake

[MtnBkr]

An all singletrack lollipop loop in an high altitude, alpine setting suitable for a strong intermediate rider. Expect pine needle paved trials, shade, some technical sections, water crossings, and mosquitos. Best ridden counter-clockwise as the more used trail up North Fork St. Charles Creek is a better trail than the downhill section in Snowslide Canyon. The ride up to the ridge is about 9% but the section just off the ridge in Snowslide is 13% for quite a stretch. Not too bad down but would be tough going up. The 3.5 mile long ride along the ridge is up and down and quite often rocky. It's all close to 9,000 foot altitude, with spectacular views however only one glimpse of Bear Lake. This trail is open to bikes, motorcycles (not ATVs), horses, and hikers. Horse hoof damage was non-existant, there were a couple of places where motorcycles had chewed up some climbs, but not bad. All the downed trees had been cleared on July 11, 2009 when this gps track was made. The trailhead is northwest of the Cloverleaf Campground in St. Charles Canyon at 42.09737

[devo_stevo]

That looks like a great reason to take the bike to Bear Lake in August.

Looks great. Thanks for the info and the pictures.

[neilether]

Very nice! That does look awesome. People are always asking about good trail options near Bear Lake. How has this one slipped through the cracks for so long........? I smell a group ride in the near future.

[devo_stevo]

I smell a group ride in the near future.

I have a family reunion at Bear Lake on August 7 and 8...Just saying...

[Sombeech]

Sweet! I've been looking for trails to ride up near Bear Lake. I was just up there this weekend, I had my bike and everything.

I'll definitely keep this on the list, thanks for the report and pics. :2thumbs:

[johnnyspoke]

That looks nice. I might need to make a road trip. I like to get off the beaten path......

[greyhair biker]

:2thumbs: OH yeah! nice riding up there. Beautiful area :nod:

[Last Child]

I heard about this trail last year. Thanks for posting this.

I love the Bear Lake and Logan Canyon area. There are a lot of neat places to ride over Bear Lake way just not very much of it is single track.