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Sand Canyon Trail
Trail Snapshot:
Trail Description
Sand Canyon is the go-to downhill mountain biking trail at Horse Ridge. Blistering speeds carry you down initially through some fairly rocky terrain and great views. At mid way the trail really opens up with some sweeping turns, sandy corners, and demoralizing braking bumps that keep you on the edge of your seat. At this point the trail parallels a creek bed, and has some fairly straight shots which can carry you to speeds of up to 45 MPH (so we’ve been told).
Keep in mind this is a 2-way trail currently, but it’s a miserable climb. We hope in the future it’s changed to a downhill only trail for safety reasons.
This trail is maintained by Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
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Lots of brake bumps and lots of sand, but nothing deep. This has been ridden hard already this year and it shows… still fast and fun.
No mud today (1/19). Just long stretches of frozen braking bumps.
Weather was nice, dirt…not so much. Lingering snow and saturated soil. No tracks past the sand canyon drop in. Best ridden early while the ground is still frozen until we get a stretch of nice weather.
Climbed Has No Horse to Sand canyon yesterday, perfect tacky sand on the lower elevations but freeze/thaw on the upper third/ quarter. Had to hose down a brand new bike:(
It’s amazing what 24 hours can do. Sand Canyon was great today! Wet sand no mud.
Hiked about 1/3rd of the way up the canyon today. Needs another week of 50° temps. Still a LOT of snow at the top of the ridge.
Muddy at the top. Less on the way down.
Breakin bumps seemed touch tempered, but still there. Uppers riding good and tacky, some soft corners as get lower.
Who’s the $#$#%$#% who removed all the rocks on Sand Canyon?
I don’t know. Maybe that’s why it’s so full of braking bumps now. That kinda sucked. My lower back and shoulders are not happy.
From those I’ve spoken with and my own ride Tuesday, looks like the rocks were removed in the canyon on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning before 10:30am.
IF YOU CAN’T RIDE SOMETHING DON’T CHANGE THE TRAIL TO MAKE IT EASIER!
Weak. We don’t need more green trails in Bend. Enough already.
At higher elevations the trail is perfectly damp packed sand, but as it descends it gets a little dry. And on the steep sections all I can say is “Holy Braking Bumps, Batman!”.
Riding great this afternoon. 50° and no snow or frost anywhere. Seems like the snow we got in town didn’t extend into the desert.
Top was frozen hard dirt , no ice just frozen dirt . Half way down the speed bumps take over and the hands get stingy numb from them ! Speed up the rebound for the bottom for sure. I should have taken Moscow down .
Packed, damp sand, great condition, brake bumps are pretty intense
The trail is in great condition regarding mud….but the stutter bumps are formidable. Yell at yourselves to let go of the brakes…like I do.
Rode Parkway to Sand Canyon. Good dirt. No more than 1/4″ of snow in the shadows only. Lots of brake bumps descending but still fun.
Just rode the parkway to sand canyon loop, trail was in good condition. Just a lot of brake bumps.
Oh my. First time and with a light rain, it was hero dirt. Perfect.
Trail is perfect in moisture content, but brake bumps are pronounced the whole way
It’s surprising how quickly this trail has dried out. Still very rideable and fun, but venture even a bit off the center and you’ll sink into deep dust. Most noticeable if you’re climbing up.
Sand Canyon was good today. Go slow as there are patches of slick mud.