Manastash Ridge Trails
These trails are commonly used by hikers and runners. Please make sure to announce yourself loud and clear well before others see you.
Info
Fun XC trails easily accessed from Ellensburg. Manastash Ridge is a non-motorized multi-use area (south face of the ridge) with steep hiking trails and more moderate grade trails specific to biking. The trail conditions are typically good year round except for spring thaw. Avoid these trails when soft conditions exist. If the double track after the first left turn is soft, the trails above should not be ridden. Trail damage in this soil lasts year round and degrades user experience. Avoid leaving ruts.
There are two parking areas to access the trails:
The north side is the area in which most are accustomed. The bike trails are signed "Mark Brewer Memorial Trails" and are located east of the hiking trails on more gradual slopes above the mansion. Some riders detest the beginning double track (~200 meters) due to it's steep and rocky character. The first corners of the bike specific singletrack can be daunting, but be encouraged that the grade eases up and trails become much more friendly once you get above the fenceline behind the big house.
The South or 'backside' parking takes about 5 additional minutes to access from E'burg but means you do not have to climb the 1,400' Chest Pains hill, or you can access it later in the ride. In Ellensburg take Umptanum Rd as if you are heading toward Umptanum Falls. Top of the paved canyon road, reset the odometer at the end of the pavement! 3.4 miles past the end of the pavement there is a line of rocks. Park at the west end of the line or rocks (often used by target shooters shooting north). Area users seem to get along well but keep in mind communication is key. Go introduce yourself and let other users know you are in the area and that you will be riding to the west then north. The PDF map for Manastash-Umptaum South shows the parking areas (P). Hop on Dog Show trail right away, it's behind the orange "Fiber Optic" sign. Trail can also be accessed by riding down Umptanum Rd.(West about 250 yards) and access Hippies Use the Side Door in the first draw on your right. This is the south access trail to use to get into the main trail area.
The Mark Brewer Memorial Trails on Manastash Ridge are specific to biking but are multi-use. Use courtesy!
Ride Reports
Hippies, Frisky Donkey, Pine Oasis and Couger Bait are all riding well. Chin Biter is still wet in several places. Avoid this trail if you can since you will be causing trail damage if you ride sections of it. Wild flowers and sage are in full bloom right now and the Ellensburg evening spring ski...
Fantastic trail. Conditions were pefrect.
Was on my singlespeed running 32x22 and cleared everything.
Needs better signage but Trailforks helped.
Highly recommend if you ae looking for a good XC ride that is not very technical but has some challanges.
Trails are riding great and the Balsalm roots are still going strong. Everything on the north side is riding better than ever thanks to the work of the Kittitas Chapter. Nice work Kittitas Chapter! The backside trails are also riding great! Frisky Donkey is a must ride rig...
Manastash Trails are riding. Avoid times of FREEZE THAW and after rain for a few days, but otherwise, come ride! Check the forecast for temps and ride in the afternoons on days it's freezing unless you are on dawn patrol and beat the thaw. Enjoy!
NOTICE - TRAIL CLOSED WHILE WET!!!
Please be advised these trails are closed while wet! Please find alternative locations to ride during the muddy season.
Thank you for leaving happy trails!!
Manastash area trails are riding well. Brush and grasses are falling back so trails are well exposed and open. KOM time of year.
These trails are CLOSED. Check back later for updates. Mountain bikers have been riding on muddy trails and have caused major damage in numerous sections. Please observe the voluntary closure and ride elsewhere until this area drys. Trails above the 2 mile mark are damaged...
It is the year in which summer never arrived in Central Washington. Frequent rains mean these trails are in fantastic shape. The dirt is grippy right now. Rode Hippies, Burro Loco, Gunsmoke, Gnomenclature, and Frisky Donkey.
This ride totally changed my opinion of Ellensburg. No offense but I have never spent time there before and only thought of Ellensburg as a gas and coffee stop with a lot of wind.
Conditions couldn't have been any better. The wild flowers were on the decline but still a...
The trails all over the Manastash area are riding well. No wet spots. Gnomeclature is very grown over but should be easier to find once the grass dies for the season. Frisky Donkey CCW is sweet. The Pines is a great loop to cirle back to the top of Chest Pains. Acces...
Everything on the north/front side is dry and in excellent shape, rode Chest Pains, Pink Pelvis Loop, R.I.P Line, Clifford, K-Pac
Rode Cougar Bait/Gunsmoke/Frisky Donkey/Burro Loco/Pine Oasis on top, Frisky Donkey only had mud by the stream crossings, Burro Loco and Pine Oasis have som...
Trails not quite ready yet. Still way too soft in spots. Some of the lower area trails will be ready in a week or two, but the upper trails (above the Oh Deer cutoff) won't be ridable for a few more weeks at best. Watch for updates. Be nice to the trails and spread the wor...
Manastash bike trails are getting dusty but not so bad that they are moon dust. Rip Line is getting super loose. Chest Pains and Pink Pelvis are hard packed and buff 90% of the way. There are some sections that are super slick because of marbles over hard pack clay. Holdin...