The Trail – marked by (3) - Austin...
3
Mountain Biking–Austin, Nevada Welcome to Austin and the beautiful Toiyabe Range of Central Nevada! There is enough to see in this area to keep you busy for days, months,–years! If you are going to see the best of it, though, you have to get off the main roads; and what better way to do that than by mountain bike? This trail guide will help you find some of the great scenery of Austin and the Toiyabe Range. When you have covered all of the established trails, you have only scratched the surface of this magnificent and unique area. There are innumerable trail options and single-track opportunities abound in the Austin area. Explore! Camping is permitted throughout the area. There are designated campgrounds at Bob Scott Summit, Kingston Canyon, and Big Creek. Showers and public restrooms are available at the roping arena on the west end of town. A Few Notes of Caution: The maps and profiles are not to scale and are designed only as basic guides to the trail system. Fun and adventure in mountain biking means being self-sufficient. Know your limits. Although the mountain weather makes for great biking, extreme temperatures and storms are possible throughout the year. Carry plenty of water and clothing for extreme conditions. Open and abandoned mines are found throughout the area. These are very dangerous and should be avoided. Please respect other activities in the area. Other trail users include hikers, bikers, 4WD vehicles, and livestock. Leave gates as you find them, whether opened or closed. Always practice minimum impact biking and camping. The fire hazard can be high at times, so check with Forest Service regulations in your camp area. When you finish your day’s ride, come join the friendly folk of Austin at the business establishments in town! For More Information Toiyabe National Forest Austin Ranger District PO Box 130 • Austin, NV 89310 (775) 964-2671 Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce PO Box 212 • Austin, NV 89301 (775) 964-2200 Tyrannosaurus Rix Mountain Bikes & Specialties PO Box 504 • Austin, NV 89301 (775) 964-1212 Pamphlets funded by the Nevada Commission on Tourism THANKS FOR CHOOSING CENTRAL NEVADA! The Trail – marked by (3) Bob Scott Slide is a challenging climb and descent for intermediate to advanced cyclists. The ride starts at Austin Summit and climbs the ridge trail toward the radio towers. Bob Scott Slide continues to the south and then turns left on a two-track headed to the Bob Scott Campground. The descent can be very rocky in places, a nice challenge for technical riders. There are occasional water crossings at the springs that feed Bade Creek below. Alternative 1: If you are camping at Bob Scott Campground, you’ll find a nice loop with steep climbs and exciting descents by reversing the course, veering to the left to the top of the descent. This is a short loop of about 4 miles. Alternative 2: Add the climb to Austin Summit from town. Although the ride is often done as a one-way trip from the summit to Bob Scott Campground, the climb back to Austin Summit can be a nice ending. If you are ready for more climbing and some longer rides, you should head for the long climbs of the Gold Venture Loop and the Crest Cut-off (Trails 4 and 5).
Transcript of The Trail – marked by (3) - Austin...
Mountain Biking–Austin, NevadaWelcome to Austin and the beautiful Toiyabe Range of
Central Nevada! There is enough to see in this area to keep youbusy for days, months,–years! If you are going to see the best ofit, though, you have to get off the main roads; and what betterway to do that than by mountain bike?
This trail guide will help you find some of the great sceneryof Austin and the Toiyabe Range. When you have covered all ofthe established trails, you have only scratched the surface of thismagnificent and unique area. There are innumerable trailoptions and single-track opportunities abound in the Austinarea. Explore!
Camping is permitted throughout the area. There aredesignated campgrounds at Bob Scott Summit, KingstonCanyon, and Big Creek. Showers and public restrooms areavailable at the roping arena on the west end of town.A Few Notes of Caution:
The maps and profiles are not to scale and are designed onlyas basic guides to the trail system. Fun and adventure inmountain biking means being self-sufficient. Know yourlimits.
Although the mountain weather makes for great biking,extreme temperatures and storms are possible throughout theyear. Carry plenty of water and clothing for extreme conditions.
Open and abandoned mines are found throughout the area.These are very dangerous and should be avoided.
Please respect other activities in the area. Other trail usersinclude hikers, bikers, 4WD vehicles, and livestock. Leave gatesas you find them, whether opened or closed.
Always practice minimum impact biking and camping. Thefire hazard can be high at times, so check with Forest Serviceregulations in your camp area.
When you finish your day’s ride, come join the friendlyfolk of Austin at the business establishments in town!
For More Information
Toiyabe National ForestAustin Ranger District
PO Box 130 • Austin, NV 89310(775) 964-2671
Greater Austin Chamber of CommercePO Box 212 • Austin, NV 89301
(775) 964-2200
Tyrannosaurus Rix Mountain Bikes& Specialties
PO Box 504 • Austin, NV 89301(775) 964-1212
Pamphlets funded by theNevada Commission on Tourism
THANKS FOR CHOOSINGCENTRAL NEVADA!
The Trail – marked by (3)
Bob Scott Slide is a challenging climb and descentfor intermediate to advanced cyclists. The ride startsat Austin Summit and climbs the ridge trail towardthe radio towers. Bob Scott Slide continues to thesouth and then turns left on a two-track headed to theBob Scott Campground.
The descent can be very rocky in places, a nicechallenge for technical riders. There are occasionalwater crossings at the springs that feed Bade Creekbelow.
Alternative 1: If you are camping at Bob ScottCampground, you’ll find a nice loop with steep climbsand exciting descents by reversing the course, veeringto the left to the top of the descent. This is a short loopof about 4 miles.
Alternative 2: Add the climb to Austin Summitfrom town. Although the ride is often done as aone-way trip from the summit to Bob ScottCampground, the climb back to Austin Summit canbe a nice ending.
If you are ready for more climbing and some longerrides, you should head for the long climbs of the GoldVenture Loop and the Crest Cut-off(Trails 4 and 5).
INFORMATION & SERVICES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE(775) 964-2200
AUSTIN COURT HOUSE(775) 964-2447
LANDER COUNTY SHERIFF(775) 964-2661
U.S. FOREST SERVICE(775) 964-2671
AUSTIN SCHOOLS(775) 964-2467
SENIOR CENTER(775) 964-2338
SWIMMING POOL(775) 964-2619
GRIDLEY STORE MUSEUM(775) 964-1202
LODGING
LINCOLN MOTEL(775) 964-2698
PONY CANYON MOTEL(775) 964-2605
PONY EXPRESS HOUSE(775) 964-2306
HARDWARE & SUPPLIES
LANDER LUMBER & SUPPLY(775) 964-2423
GAS STATIONS & MINI MART
PONY CANYON SHELL& MINI MART(775) 964-2569
JOE DORY’S CHEVRON(775) 964-2579
GROCERY STORE
KINGSTON GENERAL STOREKINGSTON VILLAGE(775) 964-2400
The GREATER AUSTIN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCEwww.austinnevada.com
BUSINESS LISTING
The Trail – marked by (1)
Castle Loop begins and ends at Austin Park. It is aneasy trail for riders just passing through town or as awarm-up for longer mountain rides. This is anespecially good trail for beginners and younger riders.The trail is never far from town but gives a taste of themany trail possibilities of Austin mountain biking.
Castle Loop begins at Austin Park and proceedsdownhill along Austin’s main street, Highway 50.Watch for the left turn at the end of town. The trailproceeds past Stokes Castle on a winding, graded road.Several mines and prospects are found in the juniper-covered hillsides. The trail veers left to climb graduallyinto Marshall Canyon. At the head of the canyon, thetrail heads north, back toward Austin Park. Thedownhill is fast, and the last section is steep and shouldbe taken with caution.
If your group enjoys this route, you should definitelycheck out the slightly more challenging route along thePony Express Loop (Trail 6).
Trail Ethics from the InternationalMountain Bike Association
1. Ride open trails only.2. Control your bicycle at all times.3. Always yield trail to other users.4. Never scare animals.5. Plan ahead.
The Trail – marked by (2)
The Cahill Canyon Run is a great trail for riderslooking for a quick, moderate challenge. The ridebegins with the climb toward Austin Summit. Theclimb continues to the south along the ridge of theToiyabe Range. Turn left shortly after the downhillbegins. (Watch the trail signs–several trails share theridge.) The descent can be tricky due to thevegetation.
The trail follows an intermittent creek into awoodland of juniper and scattered aspen groves.Heading north out of Cahill Canyon, the trail joinsHighway 50 briefly. Go left on the highway but watchfor the right turn onto a two-track heading north.This track heads toward a small canyon, a left turnwith occasional stream crossings, and a final climbback to Austin Summit. The descent back to the townof Austin is fast and fun.
Alternative: Start the ride at Austin Summit andavoid the initial climb from town. This reduces theride by about 4 miles and 800 feet of climbing.
If your group needs a more technical challenge ofsimilar distance, check out the descent on the BobScott Slide (Trail 3).
RESTAURANTS & BARS
INTERNATIONAL CAFE & BAR(775) 964-1225
KINGSTON CREEK LODGEKINGSTON VILLAGE(775) 964-1301
MAIN STREET SHOPS(775) 964-1100
OWL CLUB BAR & PIZZA(775) 964-1333
TOIYABE CAFE(775) 964-2220
THE PUB(775) 964-9921
ROCK/GEM ANTIQUE & GIFT
THE TRADING POST(775) 964-1348
TOM’S TREASURES(775) 964-2393
NEVADA BLUE ROCK & GEM(775) 964-2063
JASON’S ART GALLERY(775) 964-1346
MAIN STREET SHOPS(775) 964-1100
THE BARN AT LELAND HOUSE(775) 964-1373
MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOP
T-RIX MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOP(775) 964-1212
RV & TRAILER PARKS
AUSTIN RV PARK(775) 964-1011
PONY EXPRESS RV PARK(775) 964-2005
AUTO REPAIR
RAY’S AUTOMOTIVE(775) 964-2306
REALTORS
NEVADA LANDSKINGSTON VILLAGE(775) 964-2483
EAST 50 REALTY(775) 964-2005
LAUNDROMAT/CLEANING
#1 LAUNDRY
TOIYABE CLEANING(775) 964-2249
The Trail – marked by (7)
The Pony Canyon Down Hill Trail #7 is a newpermanent downhill trail built in 2000.
Trail Head is located at 1 mile south of AustinSummit along the Cahill Canyon. There is a parkingand turn around at Trail Head which provides aspectacular view of Reese River and Austin.
The trail is a very fast down run with great jumps,tight curves, and hair-raising side hills ending at thewater tank in Pony Canyon with easy access for pickupto go back up and do it again.
The Trail – marked by (4)
The Gold Venture Loop is designed for cyclistsready to hit the back country for a longer ride. Theclimbs are steep and the descents are long and fast.The loop follows the Toiyabe Ridge, past the radiotowers, to the top of the Drop to Birch Creek.
Birch Creek is a beautiful canyon with a juniperwoodland, aspen groves, and numerous springs. Thedrop is a great descent, but get ready to climb outthrough Birch Creek Canyon on an old pack trail. Amine at the top of Birch Creek marks the end of thelong climbs.
A fast descent through several switchbacks leads tothe return trail. Watch for the right turn at the loweredge of the junipers. The return can be fast, especiallywith a south wind. The trail contours along themountain front with short climbs at Crow Canyon andFandango Hill. The winding mine road near StokesCastle is fast and fun. End with a short, steep climb todowntown.
Alternative: An out-and-back along the return trailof the Gold Venture Loop can be a great ride for alllevels. It has a few climbs but is mostly fast andwinding. A good trail for speed work.
If this was to your liking, take the Crest Cut-offnext time (Trail 5)
The Trail – marked by (5)
The Crest Cut-off is a challenging detour from theGold Venture Loop (Trail 4). The course profile isdeceiving: the many steep and technical sections are tooshort to appear on the profile. Cyclists might findthemselves walking their bikes in places. In addition,the winds can be brutal along the exposed crest. Beprepared for a long day on the trail.
The Crest Cut-off follows the Gold Venture Loopuntil just after the radio towers. Here, it veers to theright and heads up the ridge. Cyclists have to worktheir way up and over several summits along the way. Inplaces, single track may provide short detours aroundsummit obstacles.
After a final high point at 8,934 feet, the trail joinsthe Gold Venture Loop for the descent through DryCanyon and along the return trail to Austin.
The Trail – marked by (6)
The Pony Express Loop follows a section of the PonyExpress mail route through Emigrant Pass. It is a goodtrail for all levels, although a few of the climbs may behard for beginning cyclists. Much of the climbing canbe avoided by starting your ride at Austin Summit.
The loop begins in downtown Austin and climbs toAustin Summit. Your climbing effort will be rewarded.The trail heads north along a rocky two-track andthrough some grassy spring areas. A sharp left turnbrings you on to the Pony Express route.
Once the pass is reached, there is a good descent on areturn trail to Highway 50. This section can be very fastand fun. Watch for potential traffic and be prepared forthe short, steep climb back to downtown.
If you enjoy this ride, be sure you check out theCastle Loop and the Cahill Canyon Run (Trails 1 & 2).
