I call this a gravel loop, but we rode it on our mountain bikes to be safe…and more comfortable. We modified a loop that was used for the Tinker Classic gravel race a few years ago. Our loop cut out a small section and added going up through Windy Gap instead. Our ride was 30.8 miles with 2925′ of climbing up to 5055′.
This ride is 100% gravel! Starting from Spicer Ranch, we rode up Pioneer Road past a bunch of mines and looped waaaay back into the mountains. The gravel is fairly good in most places but a couple steep pitches made our mountain bikes extra nice. Without much to block the horizon, the views towards Death Valley are expansive.
We turned on Yellow Brick Road, circled Donovan Peak and then kept going to Windy Gap. Windy Gap branches off alongside the interesting rock formations of Bullfrog Hills. This climb up to the highpoint was worth it for the rugged descent off the backside which would be pretty dicey on a gravel bike. It’s steep, loose, and chunky in spots. Oh, but the views!!!!!
After a couple more loose, rocky climbs, it was all downhill to the start and some well earned beers. I saw a couple other bike tire tracks but we didn’t see anyone all day, just a herd of burros out in the middle of nowhere.
Looks like a nice route. Do you have a gps file or map of this route?
Thank you,
Michael
Here is a link to our ride: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/77521099
There are a lot of gravel roads oit there so it is easy to get lost.