Sidewinder

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

This is actually quite well maintained, but it's clearly primarily a mountain bike trail, so it's not particularly wide or flat.

You can start at either end, though I usually start at the North end. Approach from the McCullough Hills trail. As you're heading East and uphill on the McCullough Hills trail, you'll see a pillar that says "Horses Only" with arrows pointing left and right. This is where you turn right onto the smaller dirt path. This is the start of Sidewinder. You'll shortly cross a small dirt road. Stay on the dirt path, not the road.

From here, it's a steady climb along a ridge in the general direction of Black Mountain. You'll have great views of Black Mountain and its surrounding peaks. You'll pass tiny, homemade signs that say "Sidewinder" and "Ride, don't Slide!". Stay on the dirt path, and after about 1.5 miles, you'll crest the ridge you've been climbing. Don't forget to turn around and marvel at the view of the city, and the Red Rock/Spring Mountains beyond. The track will soon bend East, and start a meandering descent down toward town.

Soon, you'll intersect the power lines and the Anthem East Trail. This is the end of Sidewinder. You can turn right here and follow Anthem East back to the trailhead, or you can continue straight and follow a smaller, more meandering trail that eventually mirrors Anthem East, then meets it near the trailhead.

Many tiny lizards will flit away from the trail as you pass.