Trail Report

This is a nice map. Zoom it, drag it, see the details.

We used to provide paper maps at Check-in, but this is so much better because you can have it on your phone while you are riding and it will show your precise location using GPS so you can find your way. Plus, it won't melt in your pocket as you sweat.

How can I have this magical tool for my very own?

Install "MTB Project" from your

app store onto your phone. It is free.

Once installed, open the app and download the Texas Area. This way the map will still be available even if you don't have phone signal.

Lastly, type in "Rocky Hill Ranch, Texas" to find our trails.

Trail sequence - full loop (17+ miles)

Colors represent increasing difficulty from

Green (easyish) to Blue (intermediate) to Black (expert)

Begin at the Trailhead sign

Kim's Sandy Switch

Pam's Picnic Loop

Holden's Way

(option: Grey's Way, R at the T)

Corkscrew

Mini Me

Switchback

Hard Boil

Karaway

Tristy

Lemonade

West Fenceline

Loblolly

(on left before deer blind)

Y-Knot

Litterbox

Black Trac

Sofa King

Rabbit Hole

(returns to Sofa King)

Fofenique

Grey's Highway

(short section of road)

Home Stretch

(veer right at campground)

Trail Tips:

1) The thing about Rocky Hill Ranch is it has always been a tough climb from the parking area up to the Crossroads rest stop. It is a right of passage of sorts, but there is a moderately easier way if you just want to get there without coughing up a lung.

Double Top Secret Easy-ish Way:

  • Follow the road (Grey's Highway) to bypass Kim's Sandy Switch and Pam's Picnic., thus conserving your energy for later.

  • Pick up the trail on the right where it parallels the road as it crests the hill (the campground porta-potty makes for a landmark), the trail will mosey around the campground and end at a T. Go left to ride Holden's Way.

  • Just before going onto Corkscrew, stay left at the Y. This will take you to the road (Grey's Highway), go right on the road and look for the Mini Me sign on the left and take that trail.

  • Continue onto Switchback until you reach a road crossing, take a right, then take a left when the road Ts into Grey's Highway.

  • Plan to stop and rest for a few minutes every now and then on the way up, then continue on. Like the Little Engine That Could, you'll make it!

It will still be a grunt to get up there, but most folks feel it is worth the effort in order to ride the miles of easy green trails winding through the trees once you are up on top.

Pick up Karaway to the right at the Crossroads Rest Stop and enjoy the trails. This route takes in Karaway, Tristy, Lemonade, Loblolly, Y-Knot, and Litterbox.

Alternatively, you can follow Grey's Highway all the way up from the parking lot. It gets steep in spots, but this is absolutely the shortest way. Not necessarily the easiest.

2) It is pretty easy to cut your ride down to a manageable length for your fitness level. Whenever the trail crosses a road you can option out. Just look for the red on white "HOME" sign and follow the arrows to get back to the parking area. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

There are also "pie plate" signs marking turns to ride shorter loops. You have choices of from a 4 mile ride to 17 mile ride. Just watch for the signs, though some of these loops will use the expert (black diamond) trails and might not be suitable for all riders.

3) Always bring water with you. There are three "Rest Stops" that have water jugs to refill your container. We replace the water and sanitize them regularly. Help yourself.

4) Get personally acquainted with your skill level and work up to conquering more challenging sections at your own pace. Some like to go back and make another run at a challenge until they get it. Just watch for traffic.

Lastly, most riders will travel counter-clockwise on the loop. Watch/listen for traffic if you ride a trail from the other direction. That is fine to do while exploring, just be aware of oncoming riders.