The Mission Ridge trail is primarily used by mountain bikes and dirt bikes, which can make for a nice, compacted trail. But by the same token, parts of the single-track can be a bit narrow and cupped, having been carved out by bikes. This can be a bit hard on the knees and ankles after awhile (especially with the additional weight of a backpack).
There are no established camping spots along the trail, and because it's a gulch, flat spots are a little hard to come by. You may be lucky enough to find a semi-established flat spot at the top of Mission Ridge. To locate this potential camp site, head one-tenth of a mile south on the Mission Ridge trail from the trail junction of Devil's Gulch and Mission Ridge. It's located to the right in a little clearing opposite a small knoll with a nice view of the valley.
The nearest available water is about half a mile farther south on the Mission Ridge trail. Be sure to fill up on water here -- the Mission Ridge trail is a dry one.
The hike is rather steep, as the trail was designed for motor-powered travelers, so hiking poles may be a welcome respite from continuous jarring on the knees.
About one-third of the Mission Ridge trail is through burnt-out forest and fireweed underbrush. Wildflowers are plentiful here--don't forget your camera!
Mission Ridge
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,963 feet
Hiking Mission Ridge
Mission Ridge