Slate River Rd. & Gothic Rd: How Difficult?

Hey folks,

Planning my next motorcycle adventure and a couple of the roads I'm thinking about riding are the Slate River Rd. to Schofield Pass and returning on the Gothic Road. The book I have rates them as "Easy", but I'd prefer a 1-10 rating. I've driven Gothic Rd. before though it was so long ago I don't remember anything about it.

Your help is mucho appreciated.

Bret, if I remember correctly Slate and Gothic are passable by car. If I were rating them From 1 to 10 with 1 being regular graded gravel, I think these roads are mostly at the 2 maybe 3 level at the very worst. That said, I don't remember them being much worse than Kebler Pass. -- so they could easily be 1's. I think basically you're looking at some holes and a few small rocks up at the top.

Hey Bret, I've driven both in my AWD Murano successfully but it was a couple of years ago. My recollection is that the worst part is near Paradise Divide on the west side but I'll leave it to someone with more recent experience. Todd was up there this year and will probably chip in.

Thanks, Paul and Bill. I'm comfortable riding anything up to 3 or 4 on a fully loaded, heavy bike. Sounds like these two roads are likely do-able.

Piece of cake. Go for it.

I'm with Todd. I've driven those two roads for the past few years (in July and Sept) and haven't had any problems. I'd rate them a 2 by 4WD, a 3 by car, and a 1-2 by ATV. Happy riding!

Hey, thanks Amy! I'll definitely be riding them. Most likely camping somewhere along the way, too. Can't wait!

I drove this route in my Xterra last month and was thinking what it would be like on my bike. Definitely do-able, but there are some spots with large, loose rocks that might be a little tricky. The Gothic road is easy. Around Emerald Lake the road is rocky slate and is slick when wet. From Schofield Pass up the valley towards Paradise Divide is again easy until you start climbing. As you head up, there are several small creeks to cross. These are shallow but rocky and, again, may be slick. Once you get across the last, widest crossing, its smooth sailing up to the divide. From the divide back down the Slate River valley the road is easier - just some steep, exposed sections - but mostly good footing. The steeps won't be difficult if dry, but might be a little puckering if wet. I saw a guy on an 1200R riding and camped along Slate River in the valley bottom. Once you're down along the river the road is really good.

I'd give the route a 3 to 4 difficulty overall for our kind of bike. I think I might prefer doing the loop in the reverse direction as described above. I'd be more comfortable climbing the really steep sections rather than descending. Ride safe, and have fun!