Bachelor Hills
Bachelor Hills certainly isn't the best trail in the area, but it is a fun trail to ride every now and then to
mix it up a little. It boasts several easier sections that lead to historic sites, which are perfect for
beginners or families that wish to spend quality time on two wheels with rewarding sites at the end.
The trail is approximately 4 to 5 miles depending on the options you take. On a technical scale of 1 to
10, with Brown Canyon being a 3/4, Bachelor Hills is a 2/3, but mainly a solid 2.
Start your journey at the Bachelor Hills parking area. The trail leaves from the northern tip of the
parking area. The trail is easy to follow and fairly mellow through this first part. After you cross a major
wash, you'll begin climbing. Along this climb, there are two left hand turns that can be made to several
historic sites. We highly recommend visiting these areas at least once, and are usually done on the
way back so as not to interrupt the short but steep climb. Stick with this climb, and feel good if you
cleared it without stopping, though the burning sensation in your lungs may hamper the mood.
From the top of the climb, you'll begin heading east for a short while, and then gradually back north
again. Once the trail turns north again, it will become more of a single track with switchbacks and
technical sections. This is my favorite section, but to each his or her own. Eventually you'll hit a dirt
road/wash that will mark the turn around point. Enjoy the ride back, and hopefully the scrub brush has
been trimmed, otherwise, you will have deposited little bits of skin and blood along the way. It builds
character, trust me.
A final note, this area is historic for several reasons, the most important for your sake is that this area
was "mined" heavily. By mined, I mean small time operations came out and dug a ridiculous number
of large holes in the ground, just large and deep enough to ruin your day or life permanently. Please
do not venture off into the desert, several people have lost their lives in this area by doing just that.
This also means you shouldn't inspect the mines if you see them (they were unstable when mined
100 years ago). You've been warned.
mix it up a little. It boasts several easier sections that lead to historic sites, which are perfect for
beginners or families that wish to spend quality time on two wheels with rewarding sites at the end.
The trail is approximately 4 to 5 miles depending on the options you take. On a technical scale of 1 to
10, with Brown Canyon being a 3/4, Bachelor Hills is a 2/3, but mainly a solid 2.
Start your journey at the Bachelor Hills parking area. The trail leaves from the northern tip of the
parking area. The trail is easy to follow and fairly mellow through this first part. After you cross a major
wash, you'll begin climbing. Along this climb, there are two left hand turns that can be made to several
historic sites. We highly recommend visiting these areas at least once, and are usually done on the
way back so as not to interrupt the short but steep climb. Stick with this climb, and feel good if you
cleared it without stopping, though the burning sensation in your lungs may hamper the mood.
From the top of the climb, you'll begin heading east for a short while, and then gradually back north
again. Once the trail turns north again, it will become more of a single track with switchbacks and
technical sections. This is my favorite section, but to each his or her own. Eventually you'll hit a dirt
road/wash that will mark the turn around point. Enjoy the ride back, and hopefully the scrub brush has
been trimmed, otherwise, you will have deposited little bits of skin and blood along the way. It builds
character, trust me.
A final note, this area is historic for several reasons, the most important for your sake is that this area
was "mined" heavily. By mined, I mean small time operations came out and dug a ridiculous number
of large holes in the ground, just large and deep enough to ruin your day or life permanently. Please
do not venture off into the desert, several people have lost their lives in this area by doing just that.
This also means you shouldn't inspect the mines if you see them (they were unstable when mined
100 years ago). You've been warned.
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