Distance is 8.6 km and 300m elevation.
Head northeast along the shale path out of Elks Aid Station. Connect to the paved path near the picnic shelter and cross the road. Follow the paved path, north to the high-level train bridge. Turn right after you pass under the bridge and follow the trail to the top, staying next to the train bridge. At the top, turn left and be ready for your photo with the bridge in the background. Continue on the original single track, which will drop you onto the Highway 3 on-ramp. Cross over the off-ramp and follow the road beside the parking lot, north under the Highway 3 bridge, and then east (right) on the Tollestrup off-ramp to connect back to single-track heading north (you will be on the north side of Highway 3. Go up and back on the coulee trails and drop onto the road at the Sewage Treatment plant. Follow the road east (right) to the road gate. Cross the road to the single-track heading east. Climb up “Stink Hill” to the top parking lot (Scenic Drive). Follow the paved path north and then get back on the single-track for a short, steep climb, and then drop down to the Softball Valley Aid Station (mandatory check-in).
*Enter Softball Valley from the northeast edge (start of gun range hill).
**The change involves you going up the east coulee under the high-level bridge instead of the path along the river.