Pines Trail – Mt. Sheldon loop from Rochester
Pines Trail – Mt. Sheldon loop from Rochester
3.0
(12)
32
riders
Pines Trail – Mt. Sheldon loop from Rochester
02:26
33.9km
200m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.50 km
Pines Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
5.52 km
Back Nine Trail (East to West)
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
Tip by
7.14 km
Stairs in the Wood
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
12.4 km
Mt. Sheldon
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
15.0 km
Stony Creek MTB Trail (#15–#39)
Highlight • MTB Park
20.6 km
Nice view on Creek
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
33.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
15.4 km
8.01 km
7.63 km
2.83 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
19.7 km
8.92 km
5.23 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (290 m)
Lowest point (240 m)
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Weather
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Today
Monday 6 July
28°C
20°C
24 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a mountain biking challenge that combines sustained climbs with thrilling descents, the Pines Trail – Mt. Sheldon loop from Rochester is a difficult 21.1-mile (34.0 km) route with 645 feet (196 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. This loop is best suited for experienced riders ready to tackle varied terrain and exciting singletrack.
What to expect on Pines Trail – Mt. Sheldon loop from Rochester
The ride kicks off with a steady climb on gated USFS gravel and dirt roads, leading you up to the radio repeater and cell tower on Sheldon Mountain. Once you reach the top, the real fun begins with two distinct singletrack sections. The upper part winds through classic ponderosa pines, featuring tight, slightly-banked switchbacks that demand good bike handling. The lower section transforms into a 'flowing ripper' with small jumps, whoops, and more switchbacks, offering a thrilling descent. This trail is ideal for mountain bikers who enjoy a mix of challenging climbs and technical, feature-rich descents.
Planning your visit
Access to the Sheldon Mountain Trail often involves climbing National Forest Roads, which are mostly gated, so be prepared for a sustained effort to reach the singletrack. The trail is multi-use and sees moderate horse traffic, so always yield to horses. No motorized travel is allowed on the singletrack sections. The trail can become loose by late season, so consider earlier visits for optimal conditions. Be aware that the area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and mountain lions.
Trail details
- Distance: 21.1 miles (34.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 645 feet (196 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
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