Horsethief Bench Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

From the junction with Mary's Loop, run about 100 yards down to the bench. It's large drop after large drop, with ledges, boulders, and a few slots thrown in to keep things complicated. Frequented by mountain bikers, if you get a chance to watch someone ride down, cheer them on!

Once down on the bench, run the loop clockwise. Around the first corner, you'll come to a slickrock-like drop onto a sandy floor. The trail then meets the edge of the bench overlooking the river with several incredible viewpoints, a few small rock ledges, and then pokes in and out of small side canyons.

Once you turn in, away from the benches edge, you'll come to many rock ledges. Soon, this trail becomes much easier. You'll leave the rock behind and work your way through grassy terrain on smooth dirt singletrack, along a huge rock wall. Finish with a gentle climb until you return to the intense entrance section.