Coal Bank Loop is a great mountain bike ride or hike for most everyone. Climb up the Pass Creek Trail a couple miles to the base of Engineer Mountain. Turn left where the Pass Creek Trail meets the Engineer Mountain Trail just above timberline and head back down the face of Engineer through spruce, aspen, and meadow. Rejoin 550 just below the truck ramp and pedal 4 quick miles back up to your car. For a hiking variation, hike up to the base of Engineer mountain, and go for the summit, or just turn around and go back the way you came at the big rock (you'll know it when you see it). Bring a lunch and have a picnic.


Location: Drive north on US 550 about 8 miles to the top of Coal Bank Pass. Park on the access road on the left just at the corner going down.