Ride of the Month: Lost Cannon Canyon
This is part of our Ride of the Month series—where we feature backcountry mountain bike adventures along Orogenesis. Some are multi-day bikepacking routes, some are just a few hours. If you want to contribute drop us a line.
Ride Stats
Walker, CA
Home of the Washoe and Nüümü People
14 miles
5 hours
+2,500’ elevation gain/loss
60% singletrack, 40% dirt
90% Rideable
Physical difficulty 7/10
Technical difficulty 6/10
June-October
Continuing our Fremont theme from last month’s Ride of the Month, we’re excited to share this remote Sierra high country gem. This loop climbs 2,500’ through lush stacked meadows, interspersed with aspen copses before topping out at almost 9,000’ and then descending along the banks of Mill Creek—a fast, narrow, and rowdy descent that sees very few tires.
Before finding Charity Valley and Carson Pass in 1844, Fremont’s expedition explored the eastern flanks of the range and had dragged a cannon with them all the way from The Dalles, Oregon. At some point in deep snow they abandoned it, thus starting a long search for this relic. Eventually it even inspired a football rivalry, and some pieces were recovered along the Walker River. Whether or not the rest of the cannon lies hidden in Lost Cannon Canyon is up for you to find out.
This loop is pretty straightforward on the map—first half is filled with climbing and the second half is a descent. That being said, it is very much a backcountry ride. Route navigation is difficult in places, other spots are overgrown, lots of loose chunky rock, and a few creek crossings can make things interesting. The descent is somewhat technical, but there’s only one short spot near the very top where most people will want to walk. Bring a handsaw and throw some sticks off the trail, it tends to need a lot of love.
Swing into Walker Coffee Company on your way, and the much deserved refueling at Walker Burger afterwards.
Planned improvements
Just to the north lies one of the largest gaps on the Orogenesis route—the Slinkard Crest. This 14 mile long ridgeline has 360º views along its entire length, and presents a unique opportunity to develop a destination worthy trail. Hemmed in by wilderness, private land, and a highway, the crest is the only feasible route for Orogenesis. We’ve begun to work with Alpine Trails Association to develop a plan for it and other trails throughout California’s least-populated county.
Learn more:
Learn more about the Indigenous Washoe People and Nüümü People