Mystical Trail

Mystical Trail is a 1.5 mile section of this 10 mile loop that starts above the swimming hole, heads past Horn Gap, and dumps out onto Hitt Road.

Driving

 – From Ashland Plaza head up along Lithia Park on Winburn Way.  This will turn into Granite Street and you’re still right along the park.  Then the road becomes gravel, and the swimming hole and old dam are on the left.  Continue straight when the main road forks to the left and park before you cross Ashland Creek.

Parking

– There are dozens of dirt spots between the swimming hole and Ashland Creek and a couple after the creek at the fairy ponds.  After that there is no parking even if you think you can sneak your Mini Cooper somewhere off the road – not allowed.

The Trail

– Mystical Trail is only a 1.5 mile trail in this 10 mile loop. It can be hiked or run, but it’s really more of a mountain bike trail.  The first 5 miles is a constant uphill on a well groomed fire road.  Start at the ubiquitous yellow pipe gate.  At about mile 3 you may notice the Reeder Reservoir to the left but it’s not a great view. But it’s not a great reservoir (no boats, no fishing, no waterpark).  At about mile 4 Horn Gap Road will split to the left but you need to go right.  Seems like we’re heading downhill finally?… Psych.  Just for a second.  Then uphill less than a mile and on your right you will see Road 300.  Still not there yet! About 50 yards up, to the right is a non-desript, uphill trail.

This is the beginning of Mystical Trail. There is NO SIGN, and that makes it super secret and therefore, better. Start up this single track trail for about 200 yards until you reach an intersection in the woods. Continuing forwards is Moai Trail. Turn right and you are on Mystical for about 1.5 fast, flowy miles until you meet back up with Hitt Road. A mile and a half of dusty ruts and rock on that and then, at the end, you become an asphalt road with a yellow pipe gate.  Now you ride the roads. Turn right on Strawberry Lane and then turn right on Granite and take that about 2 miles up along Lithia Park to your car.