Ride Stats
- Trail Description:
- Singletrack
- Best During:
- Year Round
- Trip Distance:
- 5 mile loop
- Ride Time:
- 40 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain:
- constant up & downs
- Overall Rating:
- Intermediate to Expert
Trail Log
- 0.0
- PARKING LOT. The trail is one way, heading northwest out the end of the parking lot.
- 0.5
- SMALL LEDGES. The first small ledges start at about the half mile mark. Side trails lead off from time to time, but the main loop is well marked.
- 1.2
- SHORT CUTS. At about mile 1.2 is the second big ledge on the trail. Right after the ledge, the trail splits in three. The left most trail is the shortest, easiest route over the main trail.. The middle trail is relatively new and is marked with a small sign saying it is the main loop. The trail to the right is the middle short cut that reconnects with the main loop at about mile 3.7. The middle short cut is two way.
- 1.8
- EMERGENCY EXIT. After a tough climb up a limestone ledge at about mile 1.8, the trail is very close to City Park Road near the intersection with Greenshores Drive. This is a good place to exit and coast downhill back to the parking lot. Until about mile 3.2 the trail parallels Greenshores Drive to the left. In an emergency, Greenshores can be reached by pushing uphill through the cedars.
- 3.7
- MIDDLE SHORT CUT. The middle short cut rejoins the main loop at about mile 3.7. The middle short cut is two way, if you would like to take it back to mile 1.2 on the main loop to extend your circuit to about 9 miles.
- 5.0
- PARKING LOT.
Mountain Bike Resource - Trails - Emma Long Ride Summary
Ride Description
City Park is a motorcycle motocross course that has been taken over by mountain bikers. The course is 5 very difficult miles of rock ledges and winding trail. Only the fittest stay below their aerobic threshold. Even trialsin experts will dab and walk. Although City Park is a favorite of local gear heads, beginners should not attempt the course until they have learned to navigate 3 foot stair step drops onto loose baby head rocks.
City Park's parking area is a great place to meet mountain bikers. Riders linger here to socialize, and many riders rest and rehydrate between laps.
There are no facilities. You will need at least one big water bottle per lap. The ride is alot tougher than its "5 miles" implies. Crashes, pinch flats and taco'd wheels are common, so bring your tool and first aid kits.
After the ride, eat, drink and swim at Ski Shores. Take a left on Oak Shores when leaving the Motocross parking lot. At the next intersection, take a right on Pierce and go downhill about half a mile to Ski Shores, a cool little burger joint on Lake Austin.
Camping, swimming and general recreation are available at City Park. Return to City Park Road and take a left. There is $3 to $5 per vehicle entry fee. Tent camping is $6 per night. Call (512) 346 1831 for information.
Directions To Trailhead
Emma Long City Park Motocross is in Emma Long Park off City Park Road west of Austin. From Loop 1 (Mopac) proceed west on Ranch Road 2222. After 4 miles, RR 2222 passes under Loop 360 (Capitol of Texas Highway) about one half mile before it reaches City Park Road. Take a left, going west, at the traffic light at City Park Road for a scenic drive over cedar covered hills. Just after you pass a rural fire station, Greenshores Drive splits off to the left, but keep right on City Park Road. The next intersection is Oak Shores Drive. Take a left for .8 miles to the entry, to the left, to the City Park Motocross parking lot.
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