Powderberry Divide Descent

The Powderberry Divide descent is a very techinical downhill slalom in the mountain biking trail area of Ward Mountain that drops to the edge of Highway 6 below.

Of the mountain biking descents from the high country trails of the Ward Mountain Wilderness Area, Powderberry Divide takes on a far more technical course, unlike the fast flow bombing of the nearby Ice Plant Loop Trail. The 1500' descent follows a path of rocky ridgeline, tight berms, plenty of short uphill to break up the descent, and more than a few downed trees that riders can jump over or push around.

Accessible via a few different routes, the simplest cycling or shuttling access to Powderberry is via the day use parking area inside the Ward Mountain Campground, where several green and blue rated trails loop through the forested mountain paths, climbing about 900' in elevation before beginning the descent. An alternative access is via the uphill portion of the Ice Plant Loop which involves nearly 1350' of climbing before beginning the descent.

Accessed via the Ward Mountain trailhead, riders cross a landscape of meandering mountain trails before beginning a steady climb leading to the intersection point between several designated biking trails, from which Powderberry begins its steep route down the slope, sometimes tracking the ridgeline. As you descend, the route takes on more hairpin turns as it carves its way down the landscape, before ultimately coming to an end on a dirt road that takes riders to Highway 6 just above Ely's Murry Springs.

With its high elevation and some north facing slopes, riders should be aware of snow or muddy conditions during the shoulder seasons. Expect some trails and roads in the area to be affected by snow conditions.

Ward Mountain Campground has vault toilets and water spigots (closed seasonally) at the day use parking area.