Tevis Route 2023

We are pleased to officially unveil this year’s modified “snow” route!

Route:

• The ride will start in the Soda Springs parking lots. From there, it will head down Soda Springs Road, then up 51 to the Lyon Ridge trot-by.
• Between Lyon Ridge and Francisco’s, the ride will follow the traditional route.
• After Lyon Ridge, riders will encounter Cougar Rock, Elephant’s Trunk, and Red Star Ridge.
• Leaving the Red Star vet check, the ride will travel down Soda Springs Rd to Robinson Flat which puts riders there at mile 30 instead of mile 36. The mileage will be reclaimed on a new section of trail after Francisco’s, bringing the total trail mileage to 100 miles upon arrival in Auburn.
• At the first hour hold at Robinson Flat, due to the anticipated lower number of total riders and horses, Management will not enforce a “2 crew members per rider” limit, as was the practice for the last two years.
• The route then continues through all three canyons:
  • The Mosquito Ridge Fire did significant damage last fall to the middle canyon (El Dorado). The resulting lack of tree cover will allow more sun exposure but has opened up spectacular views.
  • Swinging Bridge, Devil’s Thumb, the pump at Deadwood, most of the town of Michigan Bluff, and an untouched Chicken Hawk will stand as welcome points along the way.
• After an hour hold at the Foresthill Mill Site – as we have for many years – riders will head into town and down the California Loop to Francisco’s.
• This year, crossing the Middle Fork of the American River presents an insurmountable obstacle due to the amount, temperature, and speed of the run-off water. Your trails team has worked hard to find an amazing alternate route to keep horses safe and not have to cross the river this year.
• Out of Francisco’s riders will be heading up to Driver’s Flat. From there, they will follow the south side of the Foresthill Divide Loop Trail (FDLT) which is a wonderful trail with great footing and ridgetop canyon views. Riders will cross Foresthill Road (under careful traffic control) to the north side of the FDLT and continue west, riding beautiful trails with views of the North Fork of the American River and Lake Clementine which should have good moonlight. Pre-riding the FDLT is strongly discouraged due to high mountain bike use and possible conflicts on the narrow trail.
• Riders will then cross Lake Clementine Road and turn on to Fuel Break Trail, and then cross Foresthill Road a final time (under careful traffic control) to head to the American River Confluence. This alternate trail is NOT TO BE PRE-RIDDEN for any reason. Doing so can greatly jeopardize agreements we have worked hard to negotiate to allow our passage this year. We must insist that the public and the Tevis riders stay off this trail with their horses (you are welcome to hike the route). The trail will be extremely well marked and overly flagged on Ride night. We appreciate your honoring our agreements.
• Several highway-patrol-hosted road and bridge crossings will ultimately enable the ride to reach No Hands Bridge. Then it will be a short and familiar trip to the finish at Auburn.

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Much time, money, and effort has been expended by both the Western States Run and the Western States Trail Foundation organizations to improve the condition of the trail after the Mosquito Fire. Along with the work the Auburn State Recreation Area has done clearing the Cal section of trail, riders will enjoy the views and the improved footing on much of this year’s trail.

We know that you must make your plans to enter the 2023 Tevis soon and have worked very hard to finalize these trail routes.

Welcome to the 2023 TEVIS!!!