Crest Trail is so yesterday! Last year I rode Canyon Creek Trail instead and wasn't disappointed. One of the best rides of the year maybe ever. It was the perfect MTB ride for me. A ride up an old mining road almost to the top of Tomichi Pass. An alpine hike-a-bike. Ten miles of true downhill ! Mostly smooth singletrack with some fun technical sections.
Start riding up CR 888 following the road to Tomichi Pass.When the pass comes into view watch for Canyon Creek Trail to take off to the left (west). You can ride a short distance then it's a 1 hour hike-a-bike to the top. The 10 miles of downhill is so sweet! One more little hike-a-bike some fun switchbacks and you're back on the road. I thought route finding was easy but a wrong turn would be costly so get the guide book and a map. Saw no other MTB riders but this trail is open to motorcycles and I saw a couple.
From Salida drive west over Monarch Pass. At the bottom of the west side of Monarch Pass (before Sergeants) turn right on CR 888. Follow CR 888 to Snowblind Campground and find a place to park. There are only a few places to park on the road before or after White Pine most of the property surrounding CR 888 is private. The campground will charge you if you park there.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=3036