Drawing from my own progression journey and my experience supporting women through our local mountain biking group, The Biking Betties, I’ve identified five initial levels of rock rolls to guide your progression and help you build confidence as you explore Beacon. These levels not only help narrow down the many roll options at Beacon but also provide a clear, approachable path to developing your skills riding rocks. That said—don’t worry! There are plenty of other rock slabs beyond this list that might fit into these categories (or even stretch the boundaries). At Beacon, there’s always room to challenge yourself and level up your tech riding game.

 

Please keep in mind that this is simply my suggestion—everyone’s comfort level with risk and challenge is unique. What feels intimidating to one rider might feel totally manageable to another. Maybe you’ll eventually ride all of these features and more—or maybe you won’t, and that’s perfectly okay!

 

As you work through these levels, remember: at the end of the day, riding is about having fun. Progression isn’t always linear. Sometimes you’ll see big gains quickly, and other times you might plateau or face setbacks like an injury. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated or to compare yourself to others—but when that happens, take a moment to check in with yourself:

 

Are you just having an off day? Are you feeling mentally drained or physically tired? Sometimes stress from outside the trail—like work, life, or lack of sleep—can sneak into your ride. Maybe you’re riding with people who are pushing a pace or skill level that doesn’t feel right for you that day. Or perhaps you’re stuck in a loop of trying the same feature over and over without success, which can chip away at your confidence.

 

Would it help to revisit trails and features that feel good and familiar? One of the most effective ways to work through a progression stall is to revisit features that you already feel confident riding. These familiar rolls and trails serve as a reset button—reminding your body and mind what success feels like. Riding something you know you can handle helps rebuild trust in your skills, reinforces good habits, and restores a sense of flow and fun. It also gives you space to refine technique without the pressure of conquering something new. Sometimes, progression isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about reconnecting with what already feels good.

 

Or maybe it’s time for a change of scenery—taking a break from Beacon and riding somewhere new can be a great way to reset your mindset. Exploring different trails can shift your focus away from specific features that may be frustrating you and remind you why you love riding in the first place. New terrain introduces fresh challenges and perspectives, helping you break out of mental ruts and rediscover the joy of movement and flow. It can also reduce the pressure to “perform” on familiar lines, giving you space to ride more intuitively and creatively. Whether it’s a mellow trail system that lets you just cruise and have fun, or a new zone that inspires curiosity and exploration, stepping away from your usual loop can be exactly what you need to return to Beacon with renewed energy, confidence, and stoke.

 

Whatever your path looks like, give yourself grace. The joy of riding is in the journey.

When in doubt, start small. Begin with smaller or low angle rock rolls that have easier lines to develop muscle memory and boost your confidence.

If you haven’t taken a skills class yet, I highly recommend signing up—courses through Evergreen are a fantastic way to gain the tools you need for success on the trail.

Level 1 rock rolls are smaller in scale or feature a low angle with long, flat entry points—making them ideal for practicing strong body positioning and maintaining controlled speed. With smooth surfaces and straightforward entries and exits, they offer a great opportunity to focus on technique without added complexity.

You can find examples of these rolls at:

 

-The start of Good Twin.

-Off the Esmeralda climb halfway up.

-Near the road on Upchuck just before the progression drops.

 

Repetition is key—riding these features multiple times is one of the best ways to build comfort, confidence, control, dial in your technique, feel how your bike responds, and build the muscle memory needed for more advanced terrain. Don’t rush—take your time, session the features, and celebrate the small wins. Each roll you ride is a step forward in your progression.

 

 

Building on the foundational skills from Level 1, these rock rolls introduce more challenge through increased steepness and slightly more abrupt exits. They’re designed to help you get comfortable with absorbing compression and maintaining control as the terrain becomes more dynamic.

 

These features require a bit more commitment and body awareness, especially as you transition from the roll into the exit. Practicing here will help you refine your braking, weight distribution, and ability to stay loose and reactive on the bike.

Examples include rolls on:

 

-Good Twin

-At the start of Yard Sale

-And where Blastoff crosses Upchuck. The Blastoff roll is particularly useful for getting comfortable with a roll that isn’t completely smooth.

 

Now that you’re feeling confident on straightforward rolls, it’s time to step things up with longer rock slabs that introduce more technical entry points and varied line choices. These features are designed to challenge your ability to read terrain, commit to a line, and stay composed over extended descents.

 

At this level, you’ll encounter rolls with steeper approaches, corners, or rock gardens leading into the feature. These elements require more precise bike handling and a solid understanding of brake modulation, as you’ll be on the rock longer and managing more complex transitions.

Examples include:

 

-The Gnar Wall on Pop Rocks

-Rolls on Cirith Ungol

-The mini spine off Bomber

 

 

At this stage, you’ve developed confidence on straightforward and moderately technical rolls—now it’s time to challenge yourself with steeper features that demand more focus, precision, and commitment. These rolls often have unconventional or “funky” entrances, requiring you to choose a line that sets you up for a smoother descent once you’re on the rock.

 

While all rock rolls require commitment, Level 4 features raise the bar. You’ll need to be deliberate with your line choice, body position, and braking, especially as you manage speed and compression at the exit—often the trickiest part due to loose dirt or abrupt transitions.

 

-A great example is the Vinne’s 5K roll, a larger, steeper slab with a flat entry that allows you to control your speed and set up a strong body position. It’s ideal for getting comfortable with steepness and learning how to manage speed throughout the descent.

Other quintessential Beacon rolls at this level include:

 

-The Bone Collector on Stalingrab – intimidating at first glance, with a technical entrance that rewards a smooth, committed line. If you’re working up to it, start with the nearby Bonzai Kitten rock to build confidence.

 

-The Spine on Tire Trail – a visually striking feature that requires a clean entrance and balance throughout. A great warm-up is the mini spine off Bomber, which mimics the shape and feel on a smaller scale.

These features are all about refining your ability to stay calm under pressure, trust your setup, and ride with intention.

 

If you’ve mastered the previous levels and are looking for your next challenge, Level 5 rolls offer a serious step up in both technicality and mental commitment. These features come with a higher intimidation factor—not just because of their size or steepness, but due to the complexity of their entrances and exits.

 

Expect to encounter blind roll-ins, sharp corners, rock gardens, off-camber sections, and abrupt or loose exits. These elements demand advanced bike handling, precise line selection, and unwavering focus. At this level, your ability to read terrain, modulate speed, and stay composed under pressure becomes essential.

You’ll find standout examples of these features on:

 

-Ninja Camp – known for its creative, technical lines and unpredictable terrain.

-Deep Thought – where entrances often require a sharp turn or commitment over uneven rock.

-The Zipper roller at the junction of Penny Lane – a feature that combines visual intimidation with a tricky approach and a demanding exit.

 

Once you’ve worked your way through all five levels of rock rolls, the journey doesn’t stop there. Beacon Hill is full of advanced trails and features that push your riding even further. Whether you're chasing personal goals or just out to have fun, Beacon’s rocky playground has endless ways to keep you pushing the progression envelope.