Links below! Please subscribe to my channel! This video highlights our single-day completion of the Fresno-Sauceda Loop IMBA Epic Route. We started at the Lijitas RV Resort, 2 miles to the East Contrabado Trail head near the Barton Warnock Ranger Station. The total elapsed time was 10 hours with 7:30 hour ride time. 5,535 elevation gain over 62 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10830003929
https://www.imba.com/imba-epics
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/513404/fr...

This IMBA Epic ride combines much of the best riding in Big Bend Ranch State Park into one Epic Loop. The loop consists of a variety of riding conditions with a mix of singletrack, creek beds, and 4x4 roads. The singletrack is a nicely flowing combination of hard pack and rocky trails with lots of short steep climbs and dry creek crossings. Many of the 4x4 roads have not seen motorized traffic for many years and are essentially two track trails. There are significant numbers of long, steep, technical and rocky climbs and descents. Creek riding conditions vary from hard-packed and easily rideable to sandy and soft with some rocky and technical sections.

Its epic just to get to the trailhead of this ride. But if you make the effort you wont be disappointed. Far from the nearest major city, this is some of the most rugged and remote backcountry in the U.S.

The terrain that the trail traverses varies from 1700 to 4300 feet in elevation and passes through a variety of Chihuahuan desert landscapes from low desert brush to high desert grasslands.

In addition to the great riding, the trail system traverses a variety of Chihuahuan Desert terrain ranging from 1700 to 4300 feet in elevation and varies from low desert brush to high desert grasslands. The area's outstanding geology attracts geology students from around the world and includes the 5000 flatirons of Fresno Peak along the rim of the Solitario and views of 9000 ft igneous mountains across the border in Mexico.

The trail system also passes by abandoned mines and prospects, old homesteads and ranch houses and Native American campsites and pictographs. The rich igneous soils that dominate Big Bend Ranch State Park are ideal for trapping water and there are springs everywhere if you know where to look. Several creek sections have flowing water and large groves of cottonwoods.
Need to Know
The Big Bend has very hot weather in the summer months. It's best to do this ride between October and mid-April if possible. Be prepared for extreme conditions if you go during other times of the year. Rain can cause muddy and difficult conditions on some trail sections but is rarely a problem during the winter.
There is no cell coverage on most of the trail, so ride with others and be prepared to deal with any mechanical or other issues. A Sat phone or Spot is a great idea. It's not likely that anyone will be along to help if you have a problem.
Water is available at Sauceda near the halfway point and there are other water sources along the trail if you wan to carry a filter.
This is a great bikepacking trip and there are options to add additional milage and extend the trip significantly. Check with Desert Sports, the local bike shop and outfitter. They even offer multi-day guided trips if you want a supported ride.