Mill Creek Trail is a marvelous twisty turny, splashy trail that courses it's way up the mountain from Old Highway 178 (the old road about 1/2 mile from where it leaves the widening Hwy 178) to Breckenridge Road. It crosses the frigid Mill Creek 4 or 5 times. Sometimes it runs over a foot deep and
30 feet wide, sometimes dry.
A frequent up-n-back route for this trail is to start at the bottom (178 end) and ride up the trail as far as you like. Then reward yourself with a
spirited downhill return. One turn-around is at the 3 1/2 mile mark at some Indian grinding holes. For further adventure, grind another mile or so to
the next traditional turn-around, "at the big pine tree... that's not there any more." The balance of the 8 mile (one way) trail features plenty of
hike-a-bike sections. The upper part of the trail is usually utilized as the opening miles of a downhill extravaganza.
The miles don't sound impressive but they are challenging. The lower part of the trail is mostly compact rollers and twisties and rocky sections through the oaks. At about the 2 mile mark the trail "turns up" with several switchbacks. This route is great for honing your technical riding skills.
Read more about the Mill Creek Trail in Jon Franks book, Southern Sierra Mountain Bike Trails.
