Devil’s Gullet
Highlights & Remarkable Spots
Devil's Gullet Trailhead ~ mile 17
Take the turn onto the trail and do the short hike to Devil’s Gullet Lookout. (1 Km). The views are gobstopping and it’s a relatively easy hike in mountain bike shoes.
When We Like to Ride This
This route is rideable from Spring through fall.
Terrain & Riding
From the start at the Marakoopa Cafe you buzz along country roads alternating between farm lands and forest preserves with rolling hills and an upward trend.
At the turn off to Devils Gullet, the road becomes gravel and you climb and climb … nothing to horribly steep. As Captain “O” said: “A demanding but pleasant climb.”
At mile 17 (Km 27), you crest onto the Central Plateau and a few miles later you reach the turn to the trailhead for Devil’s Gullet.
After the hike, the route continues on the plateau with little elevation gain or descent. Once you reach the dam and Lake Mackenzie, ride the dam crest to the small waterfall at the south end of the dam.
Now make a U-turn and pray to the weather gods for calm winds. Once you hit the downhill, it’s easy as pie to the pavement. Now it’s rollers with a downward trend back to the finish. But … don’t overlook this segment. It will require some work.
The Start
At the Marakoopa Cafe. Park along C170 or see Lars or Sarah, the owners of the cafe for where to park.
Food & Water
- None
Route Notes
Be prepared for foul weather on the plateau. Our day started with sunshine, but once on the plateau it was cloudy and we had on hats, arm warmers and windbreakers (in early December).
We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia).
Route Options
The ride can be shortened by an alternative start. Park the intersection of C138 and C171 on the shoulder of the road. This gives you a ride of 28 miles (45 Km) and 3100 feet (945 meters) of gain.
Ridden and Reviewed by:
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