First, I suggest you get the Swan Lake Ranger District map. **This is not in
the Glacier Cyclery Ride Guide** Continue up the road, now on your bike,
toward the Jewel Basin. Reach the Jewel basin parking lot. Now, you are
going to take trail #717 toward the Jewel basin, which takes off from the
parking lot directly across from the road you rode up. You may see signs
that say "no bikes allowed," but whip out your Swan Lake Ranger district
map: trail #717 actually is fair game for bikes, and it leads RIGHT UP to the
Jewel basin... it is illegal to ride in the Jewel. But i repeat, #717 goes right
up to it... and you won't be going in it. So follow #717 until you get to a
massive junction with trails going everywhere (up to Aeneas, to some
lakes...) now, you can't continue going straight without being illegal. But,
the trail you are looking for is Switchback trail #725, and it turns around
and heads down the frontside of the mountains, away from the Jewel
basin. This is the trail you are here to ride. When you approach the big
intersection on #717, #725 is a sharp right, 180 degree turn. Again, do not
go into the Jewel. Now, descend about 42 switchbacks over the course of
3 miles to your car. Sweet!
Stunning views and worth doing once, but not a great mtn bike trail. Many other trails in the area that are much better
| ThankLots and lots of switchbacks on the downhill. Great view of Flathead Lake. Tacky, moist surface. Bears in these woods?* Review edited 9/5/2011
| ThankSo many switchbacks, and like the other guy said the dirt is fabulous! I really want to do this ride again!
| ThankAmazing trail and lots of fun.
| Thank