One of the longer trails at Beacon/Sekani, Esmeralda Trail offers a moderately challenging climb from the edge of the upper parking lot of the Esmeralda Golf Course to the top of Beacon Hill. The trail can be ridden in either direction; as part of an out-and-back or added to a loop with several of the other trails in the area.
Sometimes referred to as the Izzy Trail for short, the bottom portion of the trail climbs through woodlands typical of the Spokane area. As the trail progresses the trees continue to thin until the hillside is left predominatnely bare.
Once at the top, the hill provides views of the Spokane River and the city below. Descents are easy with only a few sections of climbing. First time visitors will likely want to keep their speed in check because many turns are sandy.
If you started your trip at the Camp Sekani parking lot and don’t feel like climbing back up the Esmeralda Trail, there is a path that leads through the Minnehaha Park and then connects onto E. Frederick Ave which in turn connects to E. Upriver Drive and back to the Camp Sekani Parking lot.
Spring and fall are the best times to ride, both for temperature and traction. Summer is rideable as well but temperatures can be high and much of this trail is exposed to sun.
Getting to the Trail and Parking
From the base, find the opening between the cement pylons on the East edge of the upper Esmeralda Golf Course parking lot. Head diagonally left until you’ve passed the final row of cement pylons — the trail begins, a little ways past, to the left. From the top, the trail has two adjacent entrance points that connect almost immediately.
Parking can be found adjacent to Minnehaha Park on E. Liberty Drive. Take the paved path through Minnehaha until it turns to gravel/dirt and heads North up to the Esmeralda Golf Course parking lot.
Important Info
The trails at Camp Sekani & Beacon Hill utilize areas of public and private property. Respect boundaries and stay on the trails so that these locations continue to be great areas to mountain bike in Spokane.