CABDR – North Alternate
The Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North) runs west of Portola, missing some great riding near Beckwourth Peak and the Smith Peak Lookout.
CABDR Section 6 Portola Alternate: Download the GPX (zipped file with GPX file inside)
![CABDR Portola Alternative](https://beckwourthpeakhighcamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CABDR-Portola-Alternative.jpg)
This alternate route for Section 6 ends in Portola, instead of Graeagle, and offers:
- A nice descent around Haskell Peak and down to the quaint town of Calpine (no services except public bathrooms and water in the town park)
- Beautiful riding through Carman Valley and up to the lower reaches of Beckwourth Peak
- A stop in the City of Portola, which has restaurants, grocery stores, motels, an auto parts store, and gas stations
- An easier climb up to Grizzly Ridge and amazing views from the Smith Peak Lookout
- And, of course, the option to add a unique stay at Beckwourth Peak High Camp
Smith Peak Lookout
![](https://beckwourthpeakhighcamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Smith-Peak-Lookout-1024x576.jpg)