Route Information

The Divide Ride will begin at an elevation of 7200 feet in the resort community of Ponderosa, California. Traveling south along the Western Divide Highway, riders will go through the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The route descends to 4700 feet over the first 25 miles and near the town of Johnsondale turns toward Camp Whitsett. The last 35 miles of the ride are an “out-and-back” climbing to over 5500 feet and then returning along the same route to end at beautiful Camp Whitsett.

Segment 1 - Ponderosa to Divide Highway Checkpoint

This 13 mile segment starts at 7200 feet and travels down the Great Western Divide Highway past Dome Rock and the Trail of 100 Giants. The first checkpoint is at the southern end of the highway at an elevation of 6400 feet.

Segment 2 - Divide Highway Checkpoint to Whitsett

This 9 mile segment has the most severe descent of the route from 6400 feet to 4800 feet at the entrance road to Camp Whitsett. As you descend toward Johnsondale, you will get a great view north past Sentinal Peak and all the way to the Needles. You will get a closer view of these landmarks later in the ride.

Segment 3 - Whitsett to Lower Peppermint

This 8 mile segment takes you back over 5500 feet as you begin the out-and-back portion of the route.

Segment 4 - Lower Peppermint to Jerky Meadow Trailhead

This 10 mile segment takes you to the turn around point at 5800 feet. Along the route you will pass the turnoff to the George Bush Tree and past the Needles.

Segment 5 - Jerky Meadow Trailhead to Lower Peppermint

This 10 mile segment begins the return to Camp Whitsett as you cover the miles back to Lower Peppermint.

Segment 6 - Lower Peppermint to Whitsett

This final 8 mile segment is the home stretch back to Camp Whitsett. Once you have arrived back at the camp, you will have a chance to relax and visit the wonderful facilities of Camp Whitsett.