Peterson Ridge Loop

X-country riders will love this system. Basically this is an 18 mile loop with no less than 12 ‘connector’ trails running between the two sides, PT West & PT East- the ride lengths and different configurations here are almost endless. The local bike shop boasts 28 miles of trails, I guess so if you were to ride them all. The local bike shops and the Forest Service office have free maps available. Like the neighboring systems in Bend all the intersections are marked by a post with a number on it, these correspond with the maps- as you are riding along these #’s are not necessarily in order so having a map, at least for the first time here is kind of important.Although not direction specific I chose to ride the loop counter-clockwise (turning right at every intersection) and for the first 2.5 miles the trail was just a twisty, flat ride through the woods, great for the novice riders. After that there was a slight elevation gain and some semi-technical spots mainly in the form of small rock gardens. The views from the ridge of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. At intersection #28, about 8.5 miles from the start you will want to turn left onto PT East, turning right here leads to the Upper Metolius trail- it is possible to ride singletrack from here all the way to the numerous trail systems in Bend. Back on the loop the trail turns very fast and winds its way back down the ridge towards Sisters. Take a left at intersection #2 near the end as going right will take you to the Five Pine Resort (this is plainly marked). There are several FS roads running through this area and you will cross them frequently, however this trail is all singletrack and if you find yourself riding on a road you somehow missed a turn-These are very well planned and built trails and the signage is some of the best I have ever seen on a system this size. Courtesy of Singletracks.com