Upper Hidden Valley loop

The Upper Hidden Valley loop is located within Hidden Valley Regional Park. You can typically find parking at the main park entrance or designated trailheads within the park. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked.

The Upper Hidden Valley loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience, best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. The terrain is a mix of jeep roads and demanding singletrack, featuring steep climbs and descents, tight switchbacks, and technical rocky downhill sections. You'll encounter hard-packed dirt, but also slick sections of loose dirt. Some parts are shared with equestrians, which can affect trail surface. It's rated as 'difficult' overall, with some sections being 'black diamond' or 'expert only'.

The trail is largely exposed, offering expansive and stunning views of Reno and Mt. Rose. A key highlight along the way is the Reno Viewpoint, providing panoramic vistas. You'll also traverse sections of the Highland Loop Trail, known for its scenic stretches.

Due to its exposed nature, the trail melts out and dries out quickly after storms, making it an excellent option for shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall when higher elevation trails might still be covered in snow or mud. Summer can be very hot due to minimal tree cover, so early mornings are recommended during that time.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within Hidden Valley Regional Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of other trail users, equestrians, and local wildlife.

No, there are typically no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within Hidden Valley Regional Park for mountain biking.

It is generally recommended to ride the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This approach starts with a jeep road section, transitioning into a much more demanding singletrack in the latter half of the ride.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Highland Loop, Perimeter Loop, and Inner Loop trails, offering opportunities to explore different parts of the Hidden Valley trail system.

No, the Upper Hidden Valley loop is generally not recommended for beginners or families with young children. Its 'difficult' rating, steep climbs, technical rocky descents, and narrow singletrack sections require advanced riding skills. Intermediate riders may even need to walk certain technical sections.

Yes, the second half of the ride, particularly on the singletrack, includes sharp blind corners and sections where failing to navigate turns precisely could lead to a significant drop into the canyon below. Advanced riding skills are necessary, as a fall on narrow sections with significant drops could have serious consequences.

The loop is largely exposed with minimal tree cover, providing expansive views of Reno and Mt. Rose. You'll ride through desert shrubbery, with a few pines appearing at higher elevations, offering a classic high desert landscape.