Grand Slam, COD & Ticket to Ride Loop

This loop offers a varied mountain biking experience. While the overall komoot rating is 'easy', it combines sections suitable for beginners, like the Ticket to Ride Trail, with more technically advanced segments on Grand Slam and COD. Riders can expect a mix of smooth singletrack and challenging rock gardens.

The terrain is quite diverse. You'll encounter smooth, rolling singletrack, especially on the Ticket to Ride Trail, which also features a swooping section through a small rock canyon. Other parts, particularly on Grand Slam and COD, are known for their 'techy rock challenges' and 'rock-strewn sections', including rocky, challenging singletrack. The loop passes through open woods and ponderosa pines.

The komoot estimated duration for this 20.9 km (13 miles) loop is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes of riding time. However, your actual time may vary depending on your skill level, pace, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or tackle technical sections.

The loop is easily accessible from the U.S. Forest Service's Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, which serves as a bustling trailhead. This is the primary and most convenient parking area.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Deschutes National Forest. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to pack out any waste.

For day use at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station and access to the trails, a recreation pass may be required. This could be a Northwest Forest Pass, an America the Beautiful Pass, or a day-use fee. Always check the latest regulations with the Deschutes National Forest before your visit.

The best time to ride this loop is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October), when the weather is generally dry and the trails are free of snow. Summer mornings or evenings are ideal to avoid the heat. Grand Slam tends to remain less dusty than other trails in the area, even during drier periods.

Yes, this loop is part of the vast Phil's Trail network and connects seamlessly with many other trails. You'll intersect with sections of Grand Slam, COD, Ticket to Ride, Storm King, and ELV, among others. This allows riders to customize their route for varying distances and difficulties.

You'll ride through open woods and ponderosa pines characteristic of the Deschutes National Forest. The area has undergone restoration, resulting in more open forests and improved views. The Ticket to Ride Trail portion also features a 'swooping section through a small rock canyon'.

Yes, the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, which serves as the trailhead, offers facilities. Its proximity to Bend also means you're close to various amenities like cafes, pubs, and accommodations for before or after your ride.

This loop stands out for its 'graduated challenge' within a single route. It combines the beginner-friendly Ticket to Ride Trail with the more technical Grand Slam and COD sections, making it versatile for different skill levels. It's also well-maintained by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and easily accessible from Bend.