Surveyor Trail (White Pine)

This is yet ANOTHER variation on the Miller-Sweeney Cutoff.  (See that post for more information).  The first 2.5 miles is the same.  Then, at "Sign Meadow", follow the signs to the right.  Be prepared for a fairly steep descent which goes all the way to the ski resort.  The trail was re-done in the fall of 2018. It follows loosely the old Surveyor Park trail, which connected with the Pole Creek but has added many switchbacks in some lovely forest.  It is quite rocky in spots.  Besides the forest, you will encounter sage benches, flower filled meadows and expansive vistas.  This is also a biking trail, so you might encounter bikes.  We have only seen bikes once.

The turn off at Sign Meadow.

Track ridden on August 2, 2019.  Total mileage=about 11.  Maximum altitude=9,636'. Ascent/Descent=2,060'.  Trail conditions=50% soft dirt/grass; 35% moderately rocky; 15% quite rocky.  A barefoot horse in reasonably good condition can handle it fine.  The challenging factor here is the constant descent, then ascent.

This shows the new trail on the left and the old one on the right.

Another one showing the new and old.

Typical of much of the ride.

Another one of old and new.

Expansive vistas.

 

...And meadows.

This is at the bottom where the trail intersects the ski resort runs.

You can ride all the way down to the resort.

There is a narrow bridge access to the trail here under the ski lift, but not sure where to park at the resort if you want to access it here.  

On the way back up.

For some reason I call this "Mermaid Tree"