Sleeping Child Epic MTB Loop

Terrain Distance (approx): 30.36 miles
Climbing Distance: 6,404 feet
Highest Altitude: 7,119 feet
Trip Time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Extremely technical rocks, downfall, and a bog to definitely avoid.

My friend and I took this loop September 22, 2007 just before a big rain even in the Bitterroot Valley. The beginning of this loop is very technical and to ride it all would require superhuman powers. The sections are fun to attempt unless you fall on your head as my friend did, denting his helmet.

After coming across a hunting camp (log frame for a canvas) and just before the first intersection you will encounter more ridable terrain. it is at this point the trail started to become a absolute joy to ride. The terrain was getting more lush and less rocky. The scenery is great and moss is covering everything that is not already green.

Just after a trail to the left (goes up to Bald Top) we dipped down and crossed a creek. On the other side was the only REAL hike-a-bike section as we climbed out of the coolie floor and onto a side ridge. The riding from there was spectacular. The more we progressed the better the riding got.

After a while the trail turns downward and you bun down to the creek again and to a decision on how you will ride to the road that takes you back. When we arrived there were hikers camping out so there is definitely a site here to pitch a tent. Of we go straight we go right to the road via a ridge trail. We heard that the way to the left was more "pretty" and we took that. Big Mistake!

It started out ok but soon turned to old burn areas with lots of dead-fall. We must of hopped a thousand logs. Then suddenly you are presented with this big open meadow which looks innocent enough. The place is called "Coyote Meadows" The problem is that you don't know where the trail picks up again on the other side. We traversed around to the right. Another Big Mistake!

Soon we were arm pit deep in marsh grass and up to our waist in water. Things go a little spooky as well as hypothermia inducing. It started to rain at this point and the next 30 minutes would be the worst part of our journey. I think they call this coyote meadows because that is where game gets trapped in the mud and the dogs overtake them ... that's my thought anyway!

We hiked out bikes straight up a ridge that seems to go on forever. we both were looking ahead in hope of finding a road that we expected to hit. i was not convinced we were going the right way but I just thought that when we got high we would gain a better understanding on where we were at.

We finally emerged out on the road and the rain had been coming down since the meadow. The rest of the way back is on logging roads but don't be bummed. The decent back to the car is long and fun. At times the ride down got very dramatic because of the sheer drops off the side of the road. This has got to be the longest downhill I have ridden. we whooped it up got back to the car and popped open two Double Hauls. A great Journey.

I give this ride 4 stars. it could be 5 without the bog and dead fall.