Our Rio Chiquito Loop was exploratory. We wanted to incorporate some parts of South Boundary into our ride, and check out Rio Chiquito Trail, and Buena Suerte Trail. To do this, we linked everything together with some forest roads that we were hoping were passable. Our loop was 20 miles with 2305′ of climbing.
We started on a sizeable descent on some forest service roads that dropped down to the Rio Chiquito. The trail from here is very faint and doesn’t get a lot of use. It follows the river for the most part and the views were serene. I, unfortunately am a biting fly magnet. No matter what, they love me and within 1 second of stopping, they swoop in and bite. SO ANNOYING!!!!! While Derek takes pictures I do an elaborate dance that involves rapidly swatting up and down my arms and legs to deter any from landing.
At the end of Rio Chiquito Trail we road along a forest road until we got to the least used trail I’ve ever been on. We should have known by it’s name, it should have been a sign. Buena Suerte, or Good Luck is the name. I would be surprised if more than 10 people a year ride this. Words that come to mind to describe it: primitive, rugged, rough, jumbled, wild… This “trail” climbs up from the river bed 1300’ in just 3 miles. The forest is immense with giant trees for as far as you can see all around. So we at least had a lot to admire as we were grinding up. It levels out for the last 2 miles and then pops out on yet another forest service road that took us to South Boundary Trail. Again, I love this trail. It’s tough in that it is always up and down, but it’s very fun. What a great end to our loop.
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