Directions
To view directions to Herkenham/Ridge Trail Lollipop mountain bike trail, please login. If
you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
DescriptionThe following notes lead you on a 7-mile lollipop route incorporating several
trails between Airport Mesa and Oak Creek. Seven miles doesn’t sound too
far, but there’s a lot packed in this route! You’ll end up climbing (and
descending) over 1000 feet over some loose rock sections and will
definitely feel like you got your money’s worth.
Route Instructions:
Drop off the top and begin a fun descent down Herkenham Trail.
At mile 1.06 you intersect the Old Post Trail. Turn left for .1 mile just past
the wash. (Note: A more “mainstream” approach to this lollipop would be
to turn right on Old Post Trail and go down and turn left on Ram’s Head
Trail.)
(Note: The following directions lead you on a counter-clockwise approach
to the loop part of the lollipop. There is a fairly challenging hill between
Chavez Ranch Road and the top of the ridge. This direction brings you
uphill on this section, which has some exposure and loose rocks. If you
prefer to do it as a downhill, starting at the step below, you should start
the loop going clockwise. Get your calculator out if you want to know the
mileages.)
Continuing on the counter-clockwise approach to the loop: At mile 1.14
(just past the wash) turn right on an unmarked trail that follows the
drainage wash.
At mile 1.81 you intersect Ram’s Head Trail (there won’t be a sign). Turn
left and follow the rock cairns.
At mile 2.41 you cross Chavez Ranch Road. Continue on Ram’s Head Trail.
At mile 2.69 you intersect Ridge Trail. Turn left. (Note: Turning right will
take you down to the Oak Creek river bottom and Red Rock Crossing.)
At mile 2.96 you cross Chavez Ranch Road again. Continue on Ridge Trail
and begin the climb to the top of the ridge.
At mile 4.58 you intersect Carroll Canyon Trail. Turn left.
At mile 5.57 you intersect the Old Post Trail. Turn left.
At mile 5.87 you complete the lollipop loop and begin retracing your earlier
route.
At mile 5.94 you arrive at the junction of Herkenham Trail. Turn right and
climb back to the trailhead.
At mile 7.0 you return to the start.
added by
norski 
on March 16, 2011
Recommendations
Gooseberry Mesa N.e. Rim; (100%)
Black Canyon Trail - Little Pan Loop (100%)
Italian Canyon Loop (100%)
Phil’s Middle World Loop (100%)
Airport Mesa Trail Network (100%)