Lavezzola Creek Trail
Lavezzola Creek is for the more athletically inclined. At thirty-one miles it is the longest ride of this book selection.
The ride starts at Packers Saddle, takes you through forests and flower-filled meadows, past the sparkling Hawley Lake then climbs onto a high ridgeline. The mountain-top views are vast and breathtaking, soon to be replaced by a precipitous descent into what seems like a bottomless pit. A mile and a half and 1200 rocky, granite strewn feet later you'll find your self along the banks of Lavezzola Creek.
By the way, if you enjoy fishing I couldn't imagine a better place. This area is infrequently visited. It's about as remote as it gets. I doubt very seriously that you'll see another person out there. There are miles and miles of creek, basically untouched, for you to catch those trout unawares. With so little human pressure on this fishery I just have to believe it's worth your time to give it a try.
The forest track is quick as you zip through the woods paralleling the creek back toward Downieville. This is the unabridged backcountry trek, combining grind-em-out long distance touring with D-Villes's signature singletrack excitement.