This route is one of the hidden gems of the Northern Utah gravel scene. Parking is easy at the small park next to the church in Clarkston, and from there you roll out of town on what is pretty much the only pavement you’ll see all day.

Once you hit the dirt, the gravel quality is solid overall - I’d call it Category 2. The main climb has a few spicy pitches that will get your attention, but nothing feels unreasonable or unrideable. The climb takes you up through Black Canyon Ranch, where the views really open up and make the effort worth it. When we rode this route, we didn’t see a single car the entire time, which is always a win.

After cresting the climb, the descent drops you back down off the mountain and onto quiet rural farm roads that guide you back into Clarkston. It’s a great mix of climbing, scenery, and solitude - a route that feels remote without being overly technical or intimidating. (less)

There is a large dirt section off the road where you can park. The climbing and dirt start right away. The climbing is gradual. You start up Motoqua road. If you look to the right a few miles up you might see some Joshua Trees. Your head unit might break it up into several climbs, but you are going up for 12 miles. After 8 miles you turn right onto Manaesee Road. The climbs continues and with 2 miles to go the road does have some sandy sections. Most of them are ridable. Stick with it, because it does it end and the views are great. At roughly the 13 mile mark of the route, the decent begins. It is fast and fun, with only one short kicker to break it up. Near the bottom there is a short section of steep and loose, so be aware. Then just over 18 miles you reach the main road. Then it is 6 miles of rolling terrain back to the start.
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