American Ridge — Sunday, Jun. 16, 2024

We stayed at the American Ridge Lodge, so we naturally had to do some exploring on this nearby trail.  I had tried to talk the group into Goat Peak, but didn't have any takers! :)

The first mile or so is in good condition. It gets more use due to the nearby campgrounds and Chinook Pass Outfitters uses it for horse rides. The dust is a bit deep on the first section due to that, but otherwise in perfect condition. There are several viewpoints early on, looking down at the American Ridge Ski Bowl and Lodge. Trees have covered most of the ski slopes now, but it amazing to think about the hardy folks that skied these steep slopes on 1930-1950s ski technology! Soon after the viewpoint down towards the lodge, an open sunny viewpoint looks south, and provides a good rest stop with boulders to perch on. Several groups from my family trekked up to this point from the lodge, to take in the views. Around 1.5 miles from the trailhead, you will come across another open view point, complete with a fire pit and flat spots for tents if you were looking for a short overnight trip, or just a good picnic spot. Past this point, the trail starts to deteriorate due to the regrowth from the 2021 Schneider Springs fire and lack of use. There are trees down, but they are not difficult to navigate, however vegetation is rapidly taking over the trail tread. It may be challenging to hike within the next few years. We cleared branches and debris as we went, only losing the trail briefly when it steeply switchedbacked up the nose of the ridge. We turned around at a fantastic viewpoint around 2.3 miles in. On an open slope along the ridgeline, you will see a burnt American Ridge sign on a tree, and a short spur trail to a small open knoll, which looks NW to Fifes Ridge, SW to Old Scab Mountain and Nelson Ridge, and south down to the Bumping River.  While sections are burned, it is still a lovely trail with a mix of firs, pines, and larches in areas. As with any burned zone, stay alert or avoid on windy days, as dead trees are still coming down. Some of the towering Ponderosas survived the blaze, bearing new fire scars along their trunks. Balsamroot, lupine, bitterroot, penstemon, scarlet gilia, phacelia, buckwheat, silvercrown, paintbrush, and desert parsley were in bloom at various points along the trail. It was an interesting blend of forest and shrub steppe species mixed together on this hike, with the shrub steppe species dominating the hot south facing slope at our turn around point. 

Overall, a great hike with ski history, fire regrowth, flowers, and views! Get out there and hike it, and pack a small hand saw or pruners if you can, because this trail needs a little love to keep it hikeable in the future.