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Ride Summary:
One of the most technically challenging trails in Orange County
Trail Description:
This trail is all singletrack and one of the most technical rides in Orange County. The trail is slow technical riding throughout so allow yourself plenty of time. The trail begins with a series of about 10 very technical switchbacks straight up the hill. As you begin to ride east, you will come to a series of wash-outs in the trail across the ridge overlooking Highway 74 and will need to carry your bike over most. You then approach another short series of technical rutted out switch backs.
After approximately 4.5 miles and over 1 hour of relentless climbing you reach a big rock formation. This is an excellent place to take a rest and/or turn around if you are short on time. From here on the ride eases up and starts to roller coaster through rocky formations. At about 5.5 miles you will reach a fork in the trail. Although both trails will get you to the same place, we'll describe the route to the right. . At this point the trail becomes rockier and ruttier with trees and poison oak growing onto the trail. After about 9 miles you will pass the Chiquito trail on the right and then come to another road crossing the trail. Go straight past this road. You will travel through a wooded area up to Blue Jay Camp. You will return the same way. The trip downhill is a blast as you fly over rocks and past switchbacks all while looking 50 feet down a cliff. Be careful though! Many people are injured on this trail each year and due to the remoteness of the trail you would need to be air-lifted out which can be quite time consuming and costly. This trail is recommended for experienced riders only.
How to get there:
In southern Orange County, exit Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway (74). Head east about 12.5 miles. Just before the Ranger station, turn left down a dirt road. Head through the canyon about one mile and park when you get to the grove of trees. You will see the trailhead to the right.
| Posted by: eteamer on 11/9/2009 |
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I've been riding this trail for the last 15 years or so. many rides before shocks. The trail has seen better days though. The top down to tequila rock is only 70% ridable due to washed out sections and overgrown areas. From the rock down is 100% ridable. It really needs some maintenance.
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| Posted by: climb faster on 5/23/2009 |
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Just get out your single-speed and ride on up. Yes, done it. Cramped up. Worked it through. Made it through the left fork loop. Start temp was 32f....awesome time.
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| Posted by: Ego barometer on 4/18/2009 |
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Last time I checked, my testes were just as firmly
attached to my body on my way up the trail as on
the way down. In addition, my heart was
functioning at a level that most downhillers seem
not to have the dedication to develop. In truth,
though, I credit my brain with a successful and
thrilling ride; the downhillers posting in this forum
sound challenged in this area. The veiled threats of
bike-inflicted violence on hill climbers ascribed - in
the flash of an eye - with an attitude of entitlement,
is childish and reveals the close connection
between macho and immature. My guess is that
most of the airlifting is of the inflated egos of
downhill riders too focused on their own perceived
greatness to take the time to develop the skills to
go both up and down a challenging trail. There is
such thing as etiquette and respect in the riding
community - perhaps someday you dh gloat-
mongers will look into it. Ideally, we are a cycling
community. Fo
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| Posted by: DH Nomad on 2/8/2009 |
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There are many types of mountain biking. You cant climb 40-50 lbs bikes easily. Down hill bikes are for downhilling (wow). So If you like to climb dont compare your self to down hillers and don't judge. After all, climbing is safe, downhilling takes testes. For those with attitudes that downhillers shouldn't be out there sharing the trail dont be in my way. I will not break for u. Remember 50 lbs going 25 mph is gunna win against 7 mph 22 lb bikes. :-) I ride a Nomad that I can climb and always give the right of way to the climber unless the have an entitled attitude!
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| Posted by: IAMchRispArtiDa on 10/14/2008 |
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I just rode this for the first time last Sunday with my little brother Stevo (he grew up riding this trail, and is far superior to me). I truly have to say it's the best trail I've ridden so far in Southern CA without a doubt. We only did the down (shuttled due to time constraints and my lack of lungs), but I truly want to build my lungs and skills to do both the up and down.
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| Posted by: Mike R. on 12/26/2007 |
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Great ride for the chosen few who are willing to pay their dues. DH'ers, please don't give all MTB'ers a bad name on the trails. One word, RESPECT. These are multi-use trails.
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| Posted by: bikermom on 11/16/2007 |
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This is by far my favorite trail in Orange County. If you are a serious rider and are visiting-- I would put this on the top of my list. I'm with ripping on the downhill guys. It takes as long to shuttle this trail as it does to ride up it. The up is just as fun and challenging as the down. I'm from Utah and this one of the very few trails in Orange County where I can really feel that I am surrounded by nature (atleast until they start building Rancho Mission Viejo).
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| Posted by: tarheeltwice on 9/8/2007 |
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Ok, admittedly I'm clueless but am trying to help a friend find DH tracks for when he comes to visit. All suggestions on shuttling this track and any other in OC are GREATLY appreciated. tarheeltwice@yahoo.com
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| Posted by: biker chick on 5/5/2007 |
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what's with all the downhill versus uphill
mumbo jumbo? if you're a real mountain
biker you suk it up and hammer both!
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| Posted by: Mauricio Martinez on 1/17/2007 |
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I will be in CA from Mexico on a business trip, can keep up with anyone (not bragging just simple information if anyone is interest in a riding partner for a day (01/28). Can anyone suggest were I can find a good rental MTB and guide for this trail?
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