Trails of JDSF: Our Favorite Routes and Loops

The maps and the routes linked below are all of varying degrees of difficulty, but in often remote locations which can go days without seeing any traffic and which have no cell reception. Users must be prepared with first aid equipment and knowledge, food and water, should have a partner, and possibly an emergency blanket. Do not overestimate your ability and do not go where you won’t be able to find your way back.

CAL FIRE, the state agency managing these lands, has resisted effective signage or mapping for years. This is likely due to their limited mandate to manage the forest first and foremost for commercial timber production, with very little money coming back to support the ever-increasing numbers of enthusiastic but uninformed trail users. The network of official and unofficial trails, gated roads, overgrown dirt roads, and old skid roads is labyrinthine and mostly has no cell coverage. Our comprehensive map is not meant to lead you but to orient you and keep you safe. To obtain a geo-referenced version of this map, usable with Avenza and other apps, email us at mendocinotrailstewards@gmail.com.

Jump to Section: Trails Summary   Trailhead Locations Trail Etiquette  Trails Background Day Trip Backpack

The trails of Jackson have a mixed and obscure history. The earliest were created by the Indigenous Pomo and Yuki Peoples, connecting their Summer and Winter villages. Later trails such as Manly Gulch were probably constructed by tan barkers who used tan oak to dye leather, then may have been improved by the CCC after they constructed the Mendocino Woodlands Demonstration Campground.

By the 1980s, there were still few trails in JDSF. Trail work was primarily being done by equestrians, who improved the Old Sherwood Trail, recreated the Bob Woods trail from an older Pomo route, and laid the groundwork for the Caspar area trail. Locals and mushroom foragers were beating new paths with their feet, outlaw motorcyclists were creating routes on old skid roads, and mountain bikes were just becoming popular.

By the 1990s, the Mendocino Coast population was increasing and many more people were heading into the woods. The majority of equestrians stopped riding in Caspar to avoid the explosion of new bicyclists (See the bottom below the routes for trail etiquette). Nearly every new trail since then has been constructed by mountain bikers—though they are open to all users. Ongoing trail maintenance is primarily done either ad-hoc, on the monthly trail days organized by Nick Taylor of the Mendocino Coast Cyclists, with the cooperation and assistance of Cal Fire.

Your Daytrip Backpack for Emergency Survival 

High Chutes Gravel Rollercoaster

Gravel & Mountain Biking, Equestrian, & Trail Running - Contributed by Chad Swimmer

12.1 Miles - - - 1,196 Vertical Feet - - - Easy Intermediate - - - Starts at the top of Road 720

This seriously scenic route is all dirt roads and double track, mostly a great cruise with lots of rollers and only two short really steep uphill pitches. The five miles along Big River have some nice new bridges to carve into, making sure you’re not too distracted by the healthy and hale second growth redwood forests.

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RBG (Caspar Orchard Loop)

Trail Running, Gravel Biking, & Walking - Contributed by Carrie Becker Fishman

9.9 Miles - - - 955 Vertical Feet - - - Intermediate - - - Starts from Caspar Scales

This one is named after the Notorious RBG. A challenging run or a fun gravel bike/mountain bike loop with beautiful scenery. This loop is mostly on gravel haul road but the elevation changes can make it a challenge.

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The Caspar Cruiser Loop

Mountain Biking, Trail Running, Walking - Contributed by Chad Swimmer

4.2 Miles - - - 305 Vertical Feet - - - Beginner/Intermediate - - - Starts from a pull-out on the North side of the road about one third of a mile past EOP (Rd 409)

This is a fun and easy loop for new riders or intermediates who want to cruise... until the last mile, which gets narrow and slightly technical. Beginners can turn around at 1.3 miles, or cut off onto the road at 3.2 miles, avoiding the ending stretch... but they can also go for it and challenge themselves. It's not dangerous."

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Lower Woodlands

Biking, Trail Running - Contributed by Jason Hurst

12.2 Miles - - - 2329 Vertical Feet - - - Intermediate/Advanced - - - Starts from Rd 409/408 Junction

This spectacular and challenging route incorporates much of the Endo Oh No Plunge. Once down on the Big River Flats at the Mendocino Woodlands, the climb up Big Tree is scenic and gradual. At the top, one can U-turn and ride back down, or for a steeper drop, go right and descend Moto Trail back to the junction.

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