In Bear Trap Basin are beautiful meadows and groves of Quaking Aspen, both seasonally home to a variety of wildflowers. In addition to the loop there is a 3.5 mile trail skirting the ski slopes and returning to Bear Valley. The bike ride begins and ends at the Corral Hollow 4WD Road west of Bear Valley at Highway 4, with plenty of parking available. If you are in the mood for a moderately long ride with a good variety of trail characteristics, this is the one for you. Start this ride at 7N09 and Highway 4 near Cabbage Patch Maintenance Station or drive a short distance up 7N09 to begin.
Some parking is available at each location.
This lengthy journey includes many kinds of riding experiences. You can begin on a hiking trail that is a portion of the Old Emigrant Road, then traverse a lengthy section of very rough 4WD road past Slick Rock and onto gravel and newly paved portions of forest roads, then back up Highway 4 through Bear Valley. The scenery is wonderful throughout, as the elevations range from 7800 feet on Osborn Hill to 6400 feet near the Stanislaus River, all through rugged granite country supporting red fir and the whole range of plants that flourish at these elevations. There are great swimming holes in the Slick Rock area, and splendid views across Utica Reservoir.