Head to the high desert to mountain bike the cross-country trail network at Maston Trail System in Oregon. Learn everything you need to know in this blog post.
Bend, Oregon is a cross-country mountain biker’s dream with hundreds of miles of minimally technical terrain and the possibility of doing HUGE days.
One of those cross-country networks is the Maston Trail System.
Located about 20 minutes north of Bend, Maston features almost 20 miles of purely buff, fast-rolling singletrack with great views out over the Cascade Mountains and surrounding high desert landscape.
While I am definitely no cross-country devotee, I did enjoy pedaling the smooth and scenic trails at Maston for a day.
It’s the kind of place I would go for an easy or rest day. It’s also a great destination for kids or newer riders or a prime spot to lay down some fast miles if you’re having ‘a day’.
Below is everything you need to know about mountain biking the Maston Trail System in Bend, Oregon.
Let’s ride!
What to Expect at Maston Trail System
The Maston Trail System is a cross-country singletrack network located about 20 minutes north of Bend, Oregon.
There is virtually no tech here and very little elevation change. All of the trails (aside from the lone Rockbar Trail) are fast, smooth, and buffed with maybe an erratic rock or two to wake you from your reverie.
The trails are built as a loop system. You can do a short 3-mile loop or hit all the trails for an 18+ mile day.
Please note that e-bikes are not allowed and Maston is a multi-use trail network, so please share the trails with hikers, runners, etc…
Important Things to Know
Mountain biking at Maston Trail System is awesome, but there are a few things to know before hitting the trails:
Best Trails & Route recommendations
The trails at Maston are all pretty similar, so it’s hard to define the ‘best trails’. You really can’t go wrong.
I will say that Rockbar Trail is the most ‘technical’ and has a great viewpoint down onto the Deschutes River. There’s one kind of tricky rock garden and some minor exposure, but overall it’s not overly challenging and a good addition to any loop you do at Maston.
Maston Trail System Map
Route recommendation
>> Maston Big Loop
This loop basically follows the outermost trails in the Maston Trail System, so just keep going right.
There are several ways to modify it – see below.
Route directions: Maston Trailhead Parking > Maston Tie > Headgate Trail > (Optional: Rockbar Trail) > Fat Rabbit Loop > Oregon Sunshine Trail > Lost Dream Trail > Mason Tie
Route notes: I rode the loop counterclockwise, but it’s probably just as good clockwise.
Do more: To add on to your ride, cut into the inner loop via Lost Dream Trail on the west side once you’re almost finished with the outer loop.
Then finish your ride back to the parking area on Lost Dream Trail. Here is the ride log for my ride that included the inner loop.
Make it harder: The only tech found at Maston is on Rimbar Trail, which also gives you nice views down onto the Deschutes River. The tech is mostly rock piles and embedded rocks and not overly difficult.
Best time to Ride Maston Trail System
The Maston Trails are open year-round and can actually be ridden through the winter depending on how much snow the area gets.
In fact, Maston is one of the few trail networks in the Bend area that is great for early spring, winter, or late fall riding.
Riding Maston in the summer can be very hot. I would recommend getting a very early start and bringing plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
The Maston Trail System near Bend, Oregon is a fun, fast, easy way to spend a few hours on your bike.
The trails are very cross-county with virtually no tech, but the views are great (especially if you detour onto Rimbar Trail) and it’s a good place to lay down some miles or spend time with your kids or friend who is new to mountain biking.
Maston is also one of the few trail networks that doesn’t get much snow, so if you’re itching to get on your mountain bike over the winter, this is the place!
RELATED POSTS
Want to make the most out of your time mountain biking in Bend, Oregon? Check out these the other networks around town:
- Bend Mountain Bike Shuttles: Route Recommendations & More
- Mountain Biking the Deschutes River Trail in Bend
- Mountain Biking the Newberry Crater Rim Trail in Oregon
- Phil’s Trail & Beyond: Mountain Biking Phil’s, Wanoga, & Swampy Sno Park
- High Desert Mountain Biking at Horse Butte
- Experience The Best of Peterson Ridge Mountain Bike Trails in Sisters, Oregon
- Explore the Peaceful & scenic Trails at LaPine State Park in Oregon
- A Complete Guide to Mountain Biking in Bend, Oregon
Have you mountain biked at the Maston Trail System outside of Bend, Oregon? What did you think of the fast-rolling cross-country trails? Leave a comment below!
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