We started where the pavement ended, using Hiking guy's Maple Springs route. We drove to the end of Silverado where the sign for Maple Springs (closed) Visitor Center is. Then we continued and drove thru the open gate onto paved road and drove for 3 miles more where the road becomes dirt. We parked on the side of the road. First 4-4.5 miles are up the Maple Springs truck trail. We did single track the rest of the way. Lots of bugs, but a beautiful day. We started at 6:30am and very few trucks/bikes at that time. We saw more trucks on the way down, but everyone was courteous. Great views! Took us about 7 hrs (6 1/2 moving time).