Any beginner mountain bike rider willing to progress to the intermediate level cannot go wrong with the Blue Diamond Loop trail. The trail is a mix of tiny drops, hard packs, sand, rock gardens, and moderate climbs and descents to make for a challenging and enjoyable ride. The balance is just right.
Blue Diamond Loop trailhead is at the Mcghies Bike Outpost parking in the center of the area. Start your ride from the parking and travel south through the streets to the trailhead. You will encounter a moderate climb along the way that warms you up for the technical ride ahead. The steep climb goes on for about 0.5 miles.
As you travel around the foothill on the right, there is an option left down into the wash and another right up out of it. Our team of bike enthusiasts recommends using the option on your left for the fun drop. And if you prefer to use the option on the right, you will end up in the same place as the rider who used the other direction.
Ride through the mostly flat terrain to the 3-ft conglomerate rock (locally called “BFR”) that you can quickly clear with some momentum. Up and over a ride around the corner, ride south up Lawnmower Saddle, and head down the other side to the Rubber Ducky Trail. Continue riding through this canyon down to the Inner Loop Trail.
The Inner Loop takes you down a gradual descent to a slightly steep wash into a small rock garden. Then, the trail moves to “Little Daytona,” a fast part of a red hardpack with great flow. At the next hill, there is an old trail map sign, which is the intersection of Landmine Loop that will return you to Blue Diamond.
The rest of the ride takes you through many steel washes, technical rock gardens, and other fun surfaces.
The Rubber Ducky Trail along the route features a colorful Rubber Ducky tree. This tree gets its name from the bright rubber duckies that completely cover it. This is a colorful sight that warrants you making a brief stop and taking a nice photo.
The Blue Diamond Loop trail is open year-round, meaning you can visit anytime. However, if you enjoy solitude when riding, our team of experts recommends visiting the trails on weekdays when there are no public holidays.
The Blue Diamond Loop trail features several rock gardens that can shake you a bit, especially if you are you are just making the transition from easy trails. So, we advise bracing yourself for the rocky ride.