Although all doubletrack, this ride provides good mileage and spectacular scenery without crowds. Start your ride by following 336--it's a gradual uphill. There are no major climbs, but you're starting well above 10,00 ft, so it's not necessarily an aerobic walk in the park, especially if you push it. The further you travel, the rougher (and less populated) the doubletrack will become. It's usually windy and much cooler when you get to the exposed ridgetop, so come prepared. After about seven miles, the trail continues another mile up to highway 130--at this point I recommend turning east onto FR 396 for a gradual, 4 mile descent to the stunning Silver Run Lake (this part of the ride may have some pickups/jeeps as it is passable by high clearance vehicles and there are good campsites along the way). Enjoy the peace and solitude ot the lake--when you're done soaking it all in, return the way you came.
Rode Sunday, October 7 with a little snow from the day before. Started at Centennial Visitor Center and rode the 5+ miles on FR338 to bottom of FR336. Then rode 336 all the way to terminus at HWY 130. Then rode Bear Lake Trail (FR's 336-396-396A), then old road/trail/bushwhack to Libby Creek Trail, to Barber Lake Trail, Barber Lake Road, and "back trail" in the Visitor Center. Nice 25 miler. Libby Flats is all old road but nice and the views up on the Flats are worth doing the ride. On Labor Day the water in Bear Lake was brisk but the cliff jumping was worth it. October 7 was pretty but too cold to swim. Some creek crossings had ice already. The "Libby Flats" trail can be done as a top down shuttle as well. Great for kids and out of towners.
| ThankFor an even easier ride, park at the TH just 1/2 mi E of the Libby Flats observation tower off of Hwy 130. Ride S ~ 3 1/2 mi over level to slightly downhill terrain until you get to top of Fourlog/Nelson Parks. Turn around and ride back.
It's a perfect "family ride" for all ages/ experience as it crosses the high tundra plateau with awesome views of Medicine Pk and Browns Peak, but be very aware of sudden and severe thunderstorms, they're not called the Snowy Range" for nothing. The trail is entirely above 10,300'. Weekends will also bring some 4 wheeler/ATV traffic.
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