This backcountry classic takes you to the highest singletrack in Washington. You spend a lot of time pedaling at 7000 feet and get as high as 8000 feet. This area includes two sub-areas, one known as
This backcountry classic takes you to the highest singletrack in Washington. You spend a lot of time pedaling at 7000 feet and get as high as 8000 feet. This area includes two sub-areas, one known as Angels Staircase and the other as Uno Peak / Safety Harbor - Each of them is accessed via a different approach/trailhead. Please study the maps, and make appropriate plans as these are very demanding trails for experienced riders who are able to navigate in the backcountry.
How to Find It
Coming from Winthrop
- Hwy 20 south. (continue 11 miles passing through Twisp)
- Right on Hwy 153 south heading toward Wenatchee. (continue 13 miles, passing through Carlton along the way)
- Right on Gold Creek Rd. This road is "T" shaped with the top of the "T" paralleling the Hwy and intersecting it at both ends. At 1.5 miles turn right (west) to continue on the main part of Gold Creek Road. (continue 1 mile)
- Right on FR 4340. Crater Creek TH is no longer signed on 4340. (continue 5 miles)
- Bear right at the fork just after Foggy Dew CG to stay on FR 4340. (continue 1.5 miles)
- Left on (spur) FR 300 (continue uphill 1-2 miles to the trailhead)
Typical Conditions
This is a demanding ride with over 5000' of climbing and descent at elevation, lots of loose rocky conditions and hike-a-bike. Average ride times are 5-8hrs. Please carry plenty of food and water, and budget plenty of time to complete the ride safely. The scenery at Cooney lake is especially gorgeous, but do not spend too long here as it's early on in the ride.
Turn by Turn
Directions courtesy of Winthrop Mountain Sports
Most riders agree that this loop is far better in the clockwise direction. If you have not ridden this route before, budget extra time for navigation. There are several unmarked intersections and areas where the trail is not immediately visible. Tips: at Cooney Lake, stay left to continue climbing up to Angel's Staircase. Climbing up from the lake is hike-a-bike due to loose steep rocky conditions. At the top of this ridge there is an unmarked intersection- stay right here and maintain your elevation. Do not take the left which drops down into a valley!
