Review: Epic Ride! Encountered a rattlesnake, saw a bald eagle and red tail hawk! This ride is worth it. Great technical and intermediate that connect with eachother. Bring water and food. Head wind coming back is not that bad just be prepared.

Similar Trail: Timber Trail in Lory State Park, Colorado,

Review: Both River's edge trail reviews(north and south) mention crossing rainbow dam. It's actually Cochrane dam that is open for crossing.

Review: The previous review is pretty close. I have upped the stars on account of upgrades that have been accomplished on the trail since the previous review. The trail starts with a fun single track downhill that paralells the river. Before dropping down into Whitmore ravine bear left along the power lines (probably about 2 miles into the initial down hill run). There is an area of improved single track that takes you away from the two track and links back up with the trail near the aforementioned bridge. Climb "red rock" hill and bear left again for the single track. Beginner riders or those adverse to exposure on the cliffs should stay right. The newest trail work is called Mayhem. There is no identifying signage however the park folks have placed expert warnings up on the Mayhem trail turnoff. I am an intermediate and mix riding and walking Mayhem, although I have made it a few times I always have to walk somewhere along the trail. Mayhem is being run all of the way to the first dam and trail work should be complete by the summer of '09. Once past the first dam you can remain on the old trail and ride out to the 2nd dam. The trail is old two track that has overgrown into single track and provides numerous climbs and descents. Not terrribly difficult but good training climbs and some fast descents. Once at the second dam you can continue on to Box Elder Canyon. There are two trails leading out to the Canyon. The hidden trail which branches left and the upper trail. The hidden trail is challenging technical riding in spots with forest cover and vegetation early in the summer giving way to dry grass once the heat settles in. You won't believe you are on the River trail anymore. The upper trail looks like the previous 6 miles of trail. The upper is easier to find and easier to ride. I rated this trail under Very Difficult on account of some of the difficult sections. I do take my kids with me from time to time and have them walk the exposed areas or bypass on the two track. An intermediate or beginner can ride this trail without any problems if you are careful and walk the areas that exceed your limits. A really fun trail with something for everyone. Watch for snakes in the summer and mosquitos. Almost always a tail wind leaving the parking lot so be careful how far you ride in before turning around!

* Review edited 6/19/2009

Similar Trail: North Shore Trail