Southern California - Your Favorite SoCal Mountainbiking Destinations?

How many of you good SoCal citizens are mountain bikers?
I've been looking into getting one here in the next few months, and I'm fantasizing about places like Catalina Island's west end, and some of the places I've seen on my road rides; (and Googlemaps' satellite views is only making it worse.)

And where are your favorite trails in SoCal?


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2364758978_c3045a3be9.jpg
Two Harbors, Catalina Island

For me, the trails right behind my house for a quick 45 minute lung buster. If I have the time to pack up, its

-Daley Ranch, Escondido
-Lake Hodges, Escondido
-Black Mountain, Carmel Valley area

Spend some time here, you'll get lots of ride ideas.

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/index.htm

On the left, click on SD County, he even has a North County section.

FWIW, I bought a full suspension from Performance, spent around $1K. It was nice to get started, but I got rid of that and got a hardtail. For me, I like doing longer, endurance cross country stuff. The hardtail climbs sooo much better, is lighter, and can still handle the roughest trail I want to go on. It's all what kind of riding you want to do.

Black Mountain Bikes is having a demo day the first weekend of March. http://blackmountainbicycles.com/events/demo-day-map-pg404.htm

If you are there on Sunday, across the street I'll be huffing and puffing my way through the XC race. http://www.racersandchasers.com/Black_Mountain_2-19.html

Holy Crud! Thanks Mr. C! Jackpot!
http://www.mountainbikebill.com/images/Trails/Palomar/Palomar-HighPointTT-11JUL10-01.jpg

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/images/Trails/Palomar/Palomar-HighPointTT-11JUL10-05.jpg

No problem. When you get your MTB, let's do a ride. I know there are some other SD cyclists out there that go off road as well.

What bike(s) are you looking at?

I've made a down payment on a leftover '10 Stumpjumper Elite FSR. I really wanted to wait until I rode the Etape in sub-5:30, but the price was too good to walk away from.

http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/media/sj%20fsr%20elite%202010%20red.jpg

I like the exertion of climbing, but I have no banzai-downhill or competitive aspirations.
Not-getting-hurt is a big priority, so I won't lose all this wattage training I've been doing, and I figured the rear suspension would be easier on back & knees over the long haul.

I'm really excited about this, and hope I don't run into a lot of barbed wire & "Keep Out" signs, (which aren't visible from Googlemaps' 30,000-feet perspective.)

Have you ever been out to Catalina Island? I've rented bikes out there, but they suucked. And hiking just seems so ...pedestrian.

Nice bike.

There are plenty of legal, approved places to ride in SD county. I've done 2+ hour rides at Daley Ranch with minimal trail repeats. And Nate Harrison on Palomar Mountain is a good workout.

Have you ever been out to Catalina Island? I've rented bikes out there, but they suucked. And hiking just seems so ...pedestrian.

Not with a bike.

Have you ever been out to Catalina Island? I've rented bikes out there, but they suucked. And hiking just seems so ...pedestrian.

I have done Catalina a few times. On a clear day it is one of my favorite rides. I take the boat to Two Harbors and then ride the main dirt road to Avalon. I then take the boat back to the mainland from Avalon. More options are available when returning from Avalon. You basically ride up one side of Catalina and then down the other. The Catalina Conservancy charges a fee for riding your mountain bike on the island. You can pay for this when you get off of the boat in Two Harbors. The fee is good for a years worth of riding. The Avalon Express will charge you for bringing your mountain bike along. The ride is worth the money though.

Awesome! Thanks Lawnchair! I'm really, really looking forward to getting back to that island on a decent bike under me this Spring. Any recommendations on hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, trails, or interesting landmarks?
I usually go there by kayak, but I haven't yet found a viable bikerack for it.
If I ever find a kayak rack for my bike that doubles as a bike rack for my kayak, I'll be unstoppable. :p

http://www.calamarichris.com/images/050904-campsite.jpg

http://www.kayrak.ca/images/kay_6061_full.jpg

http://www.kayrak.ca/access.htm

I've really got to stop talking tongue-in-cheek smack around you MrC. You rule at bluff-calling.

I love google. "It's not what you know, it's what you can google."

Local trails:

Calavaras is awesome
La Costa is awesome
Daley Ranch for hill workout
Hodges for drag racing
PQ for agility training
Sycamore Canyon/Mission trails for a mix of everything

Worth drives:
San Juan
Noble Canyon
Aliso Woods
San Clemente single tracks

I ride singlespeed 29er, get some lights for some after work rides!!

Drag-racing? As in standing-sprints over a short distance?
Also, what's PQ?

Thanks for the trail recommendations, I'll be looking these up and tearing them down once I've got my Stumpy.

Sorry for all the dumb noob questions; this is all new to me, and I've only tried ganja once in my life. (Also, is it spelled "ganja"?)

nah its just almost all flat so its fast, I spin out on my SS most of the time!! There are some hill options to make it interesting but pretty darn flat compared to other local trails. Lots do night rides there too.

Here is my normal out n back there, no hill options
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/63194525

I usually go there by kayak, but I haven't yet found a viable bikerack for it.
If I ever find a kayak rack for my bike that doubles as a bike rack for my kayak, I'll be unstoppable. :p


You don't really go there by kayak, right?

Just too many to love... my favorites are:

Maple Springs
Blackstar
Santiago Truck Trail to Old Camp (I don't enjoy the Luge)
Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto/to Caspers - Bell Canyon.
Syvlan Meadows/Santa Rosa Plateu
Mt. Laguna
All of Limestone Canyon
and even around Peter's Canyon/Irvine Park.

There are still so many places I would like to try... someday!

Skyline in Corona with Eyemage
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4070571317_d2b58f4aed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/4070571317/)
110209BB (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/4070571317/) by gulpxtreme (http://www.flickr.com/people/40913998@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4073212144_2e5fc2c0d4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/4073212144/)
Beanz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/4073212144/) by gulpxtreme (http://www.flickr.com/people/40913998@N06/), on Flickr

Potto Mtn in Claremont
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3911021762_e3bac66672.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/3911021762/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/3911021762/) by gulpxtreme (http://www.flickr.com/people/40913998@N06/), on Flickr

Toughest so far (my rides) is Sunset Ridge. Meets GRR at Cow Canyon/ Baldy. We turned around 3 miles short of the top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9TmssjHCLM

Potato Mtn


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAluy2zoiS4

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.........for a more tame ride


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUqmwRbHc18

You don't really go there by kayak, right?

I've paddled there three times (http://www.calamarichris.com/catalinaxing04.htm) and I'm hoping to scare up another crossing this summer, gawd-willin'-an-the-crick-don'-rise.

Potato Mtn


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAluy2zoiS4

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.........for a more tame ride


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUqmwRbHc18

What's the Spanish word for gold mine? ...Babelfishing... You should change your name to Senor Mino de Oro. Muchissimas Gracias!

Toughest so far (my rides) is Sunset Ridge. Meets GRR at Cow Canyon/ Baldy. We turned around 3 miles short of the top.

I've heard about that and I would like to try it. Where do you start? Maybe you could show me sometime?

I've heard about that and I would like to try it. Where do you start? Maybe you could show me sometime?

Wheeler above Baseline (LaVerne) is a park Oak Mesa. We start there, ride up the street about a mile to a gated community., Wait for local to enter then ride through the gates. If you're on a MTB, they don't seem to mind. Eyemage is off on Mondays so we could do the ride on a Monday (A few of us). I've only been there once but Eyemage several times) keeps insisting on returning.


I'm not good with the mapping sites so I used the snipping tool for images:
Oak Mesa Park
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5468887791_65378b78ea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35885048@N06/5468887791/)
Capture1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35885048@N06/5468887791/) by mrbeanz1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/35885048@N06/), on Flickr


This is the area (La Verne)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5469480768_4205e01af9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35885048@N06/5469480768/)
Capture3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35885048@N06/5469480768/) by mrbeanz1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/35885048@N06/), on Flickr

My next dirt ride will be climbing Santiago and Modjeska peaks, hopefully soon.

Thanks, Beanz. I have to work on Mondays, usually. I am off this week, though.
Why did you guys turn back? Is it all climbing up to the saddle, or is it up and down? How many hours do you think?

Thanks, Beanz. I have to work on Mondays, usually. I am off this week, though.
Why did you guys turn back? Is it all climbing up to the saddle, or is it up and down? How many hours do you think?

I's all up! I'll have to see if Eyemage chimes in, he keeps close track of the time etc.

All good suggestions. Even putting around Lake Hodges is fun if you're not in the mood to put effort into it. Let me know when you get your rig. We can have a forum ride at Daily Ranch. Just up the street from me. It's the motivation I need to make a few repairs to my boy and get back on the trails.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/robertkat/Image011.jpg

yah I'm like a 7min ride to Daley Parking lot....hate that darn hill

my rig
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/bikes/Soul29er_28.jpg

I have a favorite ride, but it's a secret. Clue: 5 miles downhill in Anza-Borrego State Park.

I've paddled there three times (http://www.calamarichris.com/catalinaxing04.htm) and I'm hoping to scare up another crossing this summer, gawd-willin'-an-the-crick-don'-rise.

That's pretty impressive. I know somebody who, as a teenager, did the journey while drunk in a stolen heavy-duty inflatable with an outboard motor. Paddling it is even more impressive.

I've paddled there three times (http://www.calamarichris.com/catalinaxing04.htm) and I'm hoping to scare up another crossing this summer, gawd-willin'-an-the-crick-don'-rise.

I just read your blog. That was an impressive adventure. With your cycling, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking, you should have your own adventure T.V. show.

I blush at your kind compliments, thanks.
I've pulled a few dumb stunts and woken up in the hospital, but that first crossing in '00 was the closest I've ever come to a casual, exhausted, willing death.

Today I pick up my donkey!
I originally went with the '10 26-inch Elite, but decided as long as I'm selling one of my motorcycles for this I might as well go whole hog.
Now I'm getting an '11 29-inch Expert. Not getting as sweet a deal, but I'd rather start out on a bike that I know I'll be keeping & riding long-term. And since the 29ers are supposed to be a little easier on us old folks than the wee 26-inch wheels...
I'm really excited!
http://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2011-specialized-stumpjumper-fsr-29-expert-carbon01.jpg

Nice. I love my 29er.

congrats on the bike and moving up to the 29er fam

moving up to the 29er fam

Cool, thanks! Sorry I don't have much in the way of biological or technological distinctiveness to contribute to your own.

http://www.houseofzathras.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/borg-dot.jpg

Today I pick up my donkey!
I originally went with the '10 26-inch Elite, but decided as long as I'm selling one of my motorcycles for this I might as well go whole hog.
Now I'm getting an '11 29-inch Expert. Not getting as sweet a deal, but I'd rather start out on a bike that I know I'll be keeping & riding long-term. And since the 29ers are supposed to be a little easier on us old folks than the wee 26-inch wheels...
I'm really excited![/IMG]

Pretty slick bike you got there my friend. I would say the 29er will be better for you anyhow. For your size, the bike ought to fit better. While they do roll nice and over everything, I think full boing on one is overkill. Regardless, you have chosen wisely. Is that a Joplin (or similar) seat post? If so, you'll come to appreciate it. Sure beats the old-school spring and quick release.

don't you live by la costa? it's pretty small, but you can get a lot of quality riding just by doing laps. there's pretty much 2 ways up and 3 ways down, so there's not much to learn.

It's crazy, Rob! Between the tiny chainrings, the colossal wheels & cassette, and the interminable chain, everything about this bike seems cartoonishly out of proportion!
The rims look normal(ish), but the bulbous tires & miniature frame make the bike look like a Great Dane puppy that hasn't yet grown into it's paws.

http://www.greatdanestore.com/images/Great_dane_puppy_dog.jpg

I'm just going to ride the Batiquitos Lagoon trail back & forth (only 4-6 miles & mostly flat) a few times tonight, to get the seat & cleats somewhat dialed. It still gets dark right after I get off work. But this weekend (http://forums.youthrights.org/images/smilies/rockon.gif0% chance of rain in the forecasthttp://forums.youthrights.org/images/smilies/rockon.gif)I'm going to La Costa Canyon, Elfin Forest, and maybe some of the illicit trails in the glidepath of Palomar Airport that head in the direction of Vista. I've seen a few mountain bikers look in both directions then duck into those trails.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4bRdbmipZZw/S85tnOEydCI/AAAAAAAAAIU/VVFjqSkwgsg/Central+Trail+Head2.JPG

Edit: scratch Batiquitos. Just found out bikes not allowed there. Instead I'll take the trails that start right across the street from my place and run parallel to Poinsettia all the way up to Simmons Family Park in San Marcos. (Which is one of the best places in San Diego to take in a sunset, or watch Legoland's, Aviara's, and Pendleton's 4th of July fireworks displays. shhh.)

If you're going to Elfin Forest, you'll find out what that tiny chain ring and big cassette are for. At least I did.

Today I pick up my donkey! :thumb:I originally went with the '10 26-inch Elite, but decided as long as I'm selling one of my motorcycles for this I might as well go whole hog.
Now I'm getting an '11 29-inch Expert. Not getting as sweet a deal, but I'd rather start out on a bike that I know I'll be keeping & riding long-term. And since the 29ers are supposed to be a little easier on us old folks than the wee 26-inch wheels...
I'm really excited!
http://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2011-specialized-stumpjumper-fsr-29-expert-carbon01.jpg

:thumb: Great choice / bike. I bought the 2010 SJ FSR Expert 29er in Dec09 after getting really into mtn biking. The bike has been a tank and has performed flawlessly. And boy have I ridden it--3-4 times per week since Dec09, I've ridden it up Modjeska and Santiago Peak, lots of trips up STT / down The Luge (all OC trails) and ride 2x per week (at lunch) at Aliso Woods. Specialized stands behind their products too; although I didn't have any issues, my local bike shop identified a problem with my front brake during a routine check / tune up and replaced it for free with a new one. The only time I ever experienced any issue, was my rear hub failed--again, they replaced the entire rear wheel for free. My wife has a 2004 Stumpjumper and it's still running great and is still all original. Have fun!

I'd recommend:

Santiago Truck Trail / The Luge (Old Camp isn't worth the climb as it doesn't go anywhere)
Up Blackstar Canyon Rd / down Silverado Motorway
Aliso / Wood Canyon
Santiago Oaks
Maple Springs--connects to Modjeska, Santiago peaks, Motorway, etc.
San Juan - I've never ridden it, but everyone says that's the trail. Just a bit of a drive for me and I'm working on my skills (I hear it's not for newbies).

Catalina looks / sounds great. Used to kayak a lot and would like to cross some day. I'll have to checkout your blog.

Have fun.

Thanks for the tips John!
Took her for her first ride last night, on the trails up to Simmons Family Park in San Marcos. Had the suspension set WAY TOO SOFT. Pumped it up when I got home IAW the owner's manual and am looking forward to the next ride. It's really slick going up steep parts, but riding this thing on the road is like riding underwater! ZZZ!zzzZZZ!zzzZZZ!zzzZZZ!zzzZZZ!
http://radio.weblogs.com/0128644/images/2006/sep/080906_underwater_cycle.jpg

Really excited about checking out Rancho LaCosta tomorrow morning.

Santiago Truck Trail / The Luge (Old Camp isn't worth the climb as it doesn't go anywhere)
Go past Old Camp up Joplin and to the peak; it does go somewhere. I haven't done it...yet.

Holy smokes! I attempted my first real ride up Elfin Forest and there are places (are these "rock gardens"?) that are very difficult to ride through without unclipping. I ended up crunching to a halt on my bash-ring, feeding a chunk of my left knee on a boulder and falling off the ledge and into the scrubby brush & boulders, further banging one hip, shoulder, and then the other hip! T'is no trail for greenhorns, that's sure!

After falling off the ledge, (and being relieved that nothing was broken) I rolled (bounced) back down the hill to the parking lot and trucked the bike to Hodges. Idyllic, lush, and lovely there, but I couldn't help but wonder where that young murder victim was buried along the shore out there the year before last. A nice young couple at the Lake Overlook looked alarmed at the blood streaming from my knees & elbow and asked if I needed any help. There was a pretty waterfall streaming over the Hodges Dam, and I rode all the way back under the Interstate 15 bridge, to the Shell station for water & Advil.

I'm going to need a little practice and suspension tuning before I'll be ready to surmount Elfin Forest without unclipping and stepping through some sections up there. Solvang is coming up this weekend, so I'll be laying off the adventure bike this week. Looking forward to the next ride though.

The ride up from the parking lot at Elfin Forest is one of the toughest I have ever encountered. I have yet to make it all the way up without unclipping. Should have given you a little more warning. If you make it to the top next time, there are some decent trails up there, but some are very rocky and pretty steep.

Hodges and Daley Ranch are probably better places to "get your feet wet" in the MTB scene.

Oh, and welcome to the club. My very first ride, I attacked a hill that "didn't look too bad", stalled out and toppled over. Banged my knee and elbow up pretty good. You'll get better at picking your line, and better about knowing when to unclip and walk!

There were a few spots, (including the one that spit me off the trail), that looked like they were intentionally constructed to make it difficult/unpleasant for mountain bikers. I can understand why hikers would do this, but it would take a fairly skilled trials rider to make it all the way up Elfin without unclipping.
I'll go there again, I just won't be afraid to unclip and walk a few steps.

I spent the weekend in Chino Hills. I did the same ride both days (I am a masochist) but this is my new favorite ride because of the trail conditions. I rode up Northridge. It's in good shape in spite of the landslide. The trail is smooth and nicely narrowed down into a singletrack. Towards Gilman Peak the lupines are starting to bloom. No sand yet and I hope it stays away. I came down Sycamore. Sycamore got alittle torn up due to the rain and errant cows roaming the park but its still fun. At Telegraph I turned and rode out to 4 Corners and then back down the fun descent that is Telegraph. Lots of little water crossing still. Sunday, I didn't start my ride until 2 pm so by the time I hit Telegraph it had gotten cold and windy. I didn't bring a jacket or arm warmers so I just turned and went down Telegraph. If yu haven't tried the park or this route, I highly recommend it. It's my current favorite!

I like to ride Westridge -> Nike missile station -> mulholland -> kenter whoops -> mulholland -> nike -> sullivan -> westridge.

It takes about 4 hours or so and you end up climbing about 3000 ft+. Fun stuff and only about a 30 min drive from anywhere in LA.

Go past Old Camp up Joplin and to the peak; it does go somewhere. I haven't done it...yet.

Good point--that is true, but no thanks--you first :lol: That would be more of a hike than a bike ride from what I've read. I think Maple Springs is the best way up to Modjeska/Santiago Peak--I've done that ride and it wasn't that bad.