BABY JESUS (PART OF GOLDER RANCH TRAILS)

Level: Intermediate, Advanced (3-C)

Description: The Baby Jesus loop is best ridden when recent rain has firmed up the sandy single track climb and the two sections which cross the Sutherland Wash. The climb from the Baby Jesus Trailhead up to the Window Rock is steep at times and sections require walking the bike. The views on the climb are beautiful, so take your time and enjoy.

The descent from the Baby Jesus/Sutherland Trail intersection to the State Park Gate is almost totally over challenging "baby head" rocks - not the most enjoyable part of the ride. For this reason, an out-and-back ride may be more fun, turning around at the trail intersection.

The profile shows the ride ridden as a loop.

Directions: From Ina and Oracle go north until reaching Golder Ranch Road. Go east on Golder Ranch Road until crossing a cattle guard just after the road turns to dirt. Turn left here and follow the road 0.6 miles to a right-hand turnoff. Park in the vicinity of the corral, but don't block access to the corral itself.

Ride east on the jeep road leaving the corral for .5 miles, bearing right at the fork. Continue on the jeep road, crossing a cattle guard and continuing along, choosing the "better" jeep road as you approach the bottom of the hill. This area has many large cottonwood trees. Follow the jeep road south along the west side of the wash until just BEFORE it crosses a large (75 ft wide) intersecting wash. Turn east here (about 1.4 miles into the ride), cross the wash you've been following and look for a trail leading southeast up the bank away from the wash. It's somewhat hidden but well trodden once you pass through the trees near its entrance.

Once on the trail, it is generally easy to follow but beware of the occasional cowpath that branches off from the main trail - these peter out quickly, though. The path up out of the Flat Rock Meadow is especially tricky, as it turns briefly east before continuing south to the intersection with the Sutherland Trail. Don't be fooled by the cowpath leading initially west.

If you elect to ride the trail as an out-and-back, simply retrace your steps after reaching the Sutherland Trail - or from the Flat Rock Meadow which makes a nice place to stop for a snack and rest. If you want to do the loop, follow the Sutherland Trail west and downhill until reaching the State Park gate at the Sutherland Wash crossing. Follow the signs from there to the 50 Year Trail. Turn north on the 50 Year Trail to return to the corral parking area.

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