Trail Description
Distance
-7 mile regular
loop (west, central, & east sections)
-4.5 mile short
loop (bisecting central section - currently not open)
-5 mile loop
(west & central only)
Difficulty
VERY technical rocky
sections throughout course. If you want to "try-it-before-you-ride-it" you
can do the East loop. It's still very difficult, but not quite as
technical as the rest of the course. You can access this in the parking
area that you first see as you enter the park. Catch the trail up the dirt road a few hundred
feet and take a left around the Evergreen tree and right inside of large cactus
patches.
Ride Type
100% Single track in
a figure-eight loop with a two-way crossing separating the east and west
sections. The trail is almost all narrow, rocky, technical terrain
with a few hike-a-bike sections on the more difficult rock faces. Seven miles
seems short, but it's more than plenty of trail. Estimate an hour and change for
an average tempo loop. Ride backwards for a completely different trail.
Trail Goal
Our goal is make it
more rideable while maintaining the difficulty level, make it a true loop, and
add a little distance to the trail. Right now there are
multiple hike-a-bike sections that are extremely difficult. We hope to
have a trail that is at least 95% rideable (for experienced riders) and still tough enough to make you wanna cry. We have some plans we are going to try and implement over the
upcoming year. When we get it figured out we'll make some postings and try
to get some riders out to help us with ride feedback.
When to Ride
All year round with
the usual cautions. The trail holds up very well in most conditions and recovers
quickly from wet conditions. It gets a little slippery when wet from the moss on
many of the rocks. During Summer this is one of the hottest areas in
the state so use common sense during the summer months. Watch out for POISON
IVY!. The park is often full of fisherman and campers, but the trail is
not crowded. You'll come across the occasional hiker so please stop and say "hi"
instead of just blowing by them. Oh yeah, I might mention that you might run across
the occasional rattle snake as well. Truthfully, I've had more trouble
running into skunks at dusk than snakes, but keep an eye out none-the-less.
Shop Talk
-Jones
Cycling Center (Altus) -
bikinjohn@yahoo.com - 580.477.4797
-Bicycle
Peddler (Elk City) - 580.225.2453
-TCC Cycling (Wichita
Falls/Lawton)
Getting There
Very easy to find.
You hit Highway 183 from either the North (I-40 at Clinton) or the South
(Highway 62 between Lawton and Altus). Just a couple of miles North of Snyder
there is a large wooden sign (pic below looking South) clearly visible on the west side of 183 for Lake
Steed & Great Plains State Park that you can't miss. Here are some maps if you
need a visual.
Lodging
NOTE: Water levels are much better and they have now opened up all
bathroom and shower facilities. In addition the Country Store has been
opening as well (You never know whether it'll be open or not so be sure to bring
supplies just in case).
There are numerous camping spaces and RV hookups all around the trailhead.
The park services have really made some improvements in the past several years
and this is one nice camping area. Even during the 100 degree summer days
you'll find the park packed with church groups, fisherman, and people just
camping to enjoy the outdoors.
If you want a little more comfort there are several Bed &
Breakfasts in the surrounding areas or you can locate a motel in Altus (30
minute drive). You could also visit
Quartz Mountains State Park where you can
camp or stay at Lodge (30 minute drive). I believe there is a small Motel
in Snyder as well.
