After that nice downhill there is a small creekbed crossing (almost dry right now), a short very steep, technical uphill, then the biggest hill of the ride. For the record I did clip out on this hill, but it was at Kevin's request so he could get the camera from me to take this photo (Most likely this goes back to the idea of more accutately depicting the trail).

While in Cool we spotted signs of snakes on the trail in several places, saw a hawk, and spotted this rabbit along the trail. Previously we saw a salamander with a bright red streak near the second creek crossing (the creek crossing with water). Although this trail gets quite a bit of traffic, it has plenty of wildlife to remind you that it's not just about bouncing a bike down a dirt path.

While Kevin was taking pictures of the Rabbit I decided to take the high road around. There are a lot of options on the Olmstead Loop, and many little sections of single track like this which parallel the main trail. Unfortunately the growth you see on either side of the trail I'm riding is star thistle... Ouch.

Every trail needs a good creek crossing, and this one delivers. Creek crossings add a bit of flavor to any trail. This particular creek crossing is wet year round. There is one other creekbed crossing which is dry during the summer months.

Immediately before you get to this spot there is a downhill with a steep grade. You get going very fast on the top half of the hill but you need to be careful towards the bottom because the trail gets very loose and rocky and there is a hard right turn at the bottom. The first time I rode this trail the descent scared the heck out of me. Even experienced riders get surprised by this hill.