Paiute Trail - Day 2

We loaded up the ATV's and headed to the grill for breakfast.

After a great breakfast we headed out on Trail 02 to pick up the main Trail 01. The views were incredible from the mountain meadows and the mountain scenery across the canyon of Beaver Creek.

We followed the above trail to the highest point on the Paiute Trail of 11,500 feet at the pass between Mount Belknap and Delano Peak. Here there are incredible views of Mount Baldy, Mount Belknap, Gold Mountain and Copper Belt Peak.

Joel's ATV at the highest point

We headed down the mountain through a series of easy switchbacks. I took the opportunity to practice making tight turns for the switchbacks we would face later that day.

The trail left the road to follow a true trail down Sawmill Ridge. This was my second favorite trail. It was lined with aspen and conifer, and absolutely gorgeous. I could have stayed on this trail all day.

Later on the trail we hit the first of a series of short steep stretches in the trail. The trail was a little rocky and rutted but a lot of fun.

We made a stop at one of the campsites along the trail for a snack and to rest for a bit before we drove down the switchbacks.

The switchbacks are probably the most difficult part of the entire Trail 01. There are 11 and all are tight and steep. Joel and I both made it through successfully.

I made it through the most difficult part of the trail but had a little accident about a half-mile away. I was heading down a rocky part of the trail and hit a rock with one of my front tires. I lost my grip as the handle bars jerked and I went flying into a pile of rocks. My ATV rolled on its side in slow motion.

It happens to all ATV riders at one point or another but I was hoping it wouldn't happen to me on this trip. I was just scratched a bruised. With the help of both ATV winches Joel and I were able to right my ATV. We checked it and fortunately it was just scratched and bruised too.

A couple from Oklahoma pulled up behind us as I was checking the oil. They made sure we were okay and we traded ATV stories.

We set back out on the trail and drove in to Circleville for the night.

Circleville

Somewhere out there are the switchbacks and that nasty rock.

We stayed at Butch Cassidys Hideout in Circleville, complete with restaurant and gas pump. The owners are very nice and fully support the Paiute Trail. We ran into a couple of veteran Paiute Trail riders who gave us great tips on the various trails around Circleville.

View from our motel room