Originally Posted by CranxOC
The trail you're talking about is simply called "San Juan" and, you're right, it's an awsome trail. It's actually only about 6 miles of singletrack climbing but you gain approximately 3000 feet in elevation over that six miles and it hits you immediately upon entering the trail so it can feel like 10. The backside loop (once you get to "Cocktail Rock") is great too but you have to watch out for the poison oak that lines the trail on both sides.
It's been a couple of months since I've been on San Juan but, based upon the architecture (the drainage sucks) of that particular trail, I'm going to bet that it's in pretty bad shape right now because of the rains.
Where do you live now?
Ah, that's right, San Juan Trail. That was about a 2 hour drive for me from Topanga but well worth the trip. My goal was to clean every switchback up and down and I only got close once. Dabbed on the second one from the bottom on the descent. Grrr... I really miss that trail. Great combination of loose, steep climbing at the start with some fun rollers and stream crossings on the upper loop.
I live in Atlanta, GA, now. Found some nice, maintained, dedicated MTB singletrack here but it definitely lacks the climbing. That's probably a good thing since I'm back on the bike after almost 10 years. I don't think I'd make it to the third switchback on San Juan
There are SO many good rides in LA. I had great singletrack without getting in the car and could drive less than 30 minutes to at least a dozen other epic trails. The riding in Thousand Oaks, Simi, Topanga, and Canoga park spoiled me. San Juan was still my favorite though.