Looking for an Early Spring 3-5 Day Route

[woody]

Hey Gang,
Looking for suggestions for an early (February/March) spring 3-5 day bikepacking trip in the southwest or maybe farther west? Something around 250-400 miles depending on terrain with resupply routes on the way. Thought about the Stagecoach 400 route or Utah Cliff route, but I think the cliff route would be snowed in. 
Any thoughts would be welcome.
Thanks,
Woody

[xcracer]

Lots of options in southern Arizona. AZT, Reddington River valley, Gila River valley.

[offroute]

A chunk of the southern AZT would have my attention.

The Great Divide in New Mexico would be fun from Cuba, Grants or Pie Town going south, but has some 8000' riding on it, so would depend on conditions. Paved ride-arounds exist for much of this part of the Divide.

SoCal Crescent hits some optional 6-8k' summit singletracks en route from Hemet to Palm Springs, but also includes the Palm Canyon Epic (or easier variations of it). I rode it for four days a year or two ago and had a blast. No bikepacking route in SoCal will include as much choice ST as this route, but you might be a tad early for some of the goods.

[SEC]

The Gila River Ramble is super fun- I think it took us 4 days just before New Years last year.   

[Michael_S]

SoCal Crescent hits some optional 6-8k' summit singletracks en route from Hemet to Palm Springs, but also includes the Palm Canyon Epic (or easier variations of it). I rode it for four days a year or two ago and had a blast. No bikepacking route in SoCal will include as much choice ST as this route, but you might be a tad early for some of the goods.

what is this SoCal Crescent route you speak of?  I've never heard of that name before.

mike

[offroute]

what is this SoCal Crescent route you speak of?  I've never heard of that name before.

mike

Hey, Mike S., it's a route I devised linking classic SoCal singletracks via forest roads and some paved riding. No aesthetic start or finish point, just the best ST en route. I rode and documented the southern half of it (minus Sawmill Trail) in four days. Here's a map:

http://www.ousleycreative.com/misc/SoCalCrescent_south_4-14.pdf


From the terminus shown on the map it will go through Berdoo Canyon to Joshua Tree NP, Pioneertown, and up FRs to finish up glancing off Big Bear, down Wildhorse Trail and Santa Ana River Trail from South fork to Redlands. I've ridden and driven most of this stuff, but haven't ridden it in a push or made the map of this north section. It could/should extend through the San Gabes, but the 35-mi SART run makes such a spectacular finish. Uncle Howies Pizza or Hangar 24 Brewing in Redlands is the consolation end point.

It's rife with possible side trips (Idyllwild singletrack, Palm Canyon options) and loaded with resupply options. It's one to travel lightly to enhance fun on the ST; doing half of it in several days makes it pretty easy to nail the weather and skip the storm gear, tent, etc.

Some of the highest-el points could have snow in early spring, but they can easily be bypassed on the scenic byway. Some of the forest between Idyllwild and Thomas Mountain I believe has had closures lifted since I made the map – I have to bone up on that.

Cheers...

Mike