Esmeralda Basin/DeRoux Loop

Great intro to backcountry rides. Two climb and two descents. Just a few drainages West of Peter's Stafford Creek ride from last week. None of it is, "easy". Some hike a bike should be expected. Both descents are very technical in nature. Ride starts ar DeRoux CG (passes required and they do check. So, don't get a ticket.) From the CG, ride up the road to the Ingalls TH at the end of the N. Fk Teanaway Road and then ride up Esmeralda basin to the top at just above treeline. Dropping over the back into Fortune Creek 4wd road on a narrow, exposed, and technical trail. Back up the, "jeep road from hell" for about 1.6 miles to Gallagher Head Lake at 5,400' for a rest and a possible swim if it is warm enough. Then, the rocky and technical descent back to the cars down De Roux trail. Ride is about 12 miles but rides as a longer trail. Carpooling from Preston at 7:30. Camping options in the TCF including 29 Pines CG at the end of the paved N Fk Road. E-mail for more detail.