The rides described below are organized by general area within and near the Los Padres National Forest. Rides are categorized by the following criteria:
Ride Type: loop, out and back, point-to-point, multi-day adventure, etc.
Fitness Difficulty: describes how fit or "in shape" the rider will need to be (1= ok for a lazy, out of shape beginner, 10= you must be a lean, mean, riding machine).
Technical Difficulty: describes the technical mountain bike skill set required of the rider (1= ok for a beginner that can't jump their bike up and down a curb, 10= you are an expert downhill rock jumping guru).
Time: this is an estimated time an average "in shape" rider will take to complete the ride. Time can vary greatly based on ability.
Short description of the ride, including water, services or other points of interest (if exist along the ride). ALWAYS FILTER OR TREAT ANY NATURAL WATER SOURCE.
Link to view and download GPX file, view map, and elevation profile.
Ride Type: loop, out and back, point-to-point, multi-day adventure, etc.
Fitness Difficulty: describes how fit or "in shape" the rider will need to be (1= ok for a lazy, out of shape beginner, 10= you must be a lean, mean, riding machine).
Technical Difficulty: describes the technical mountain bike skill set required of the rider (1= ok for a beginner that can't jump their bike up and down a curb, 10= you are an expert downhill rock jumping guru).
Time: this is an estimated time an average "in shape" rider will take to complete the ride. Time can vary greatly based on ability.
Short description of the ride, including water, services or other points of interest (if exist along the ride). ALWAYS FILTER OR TREAT ANY NATURAL WATER SOURCE.
Link to view and download GPX file, view map, and elevation profile.
Santa Barbara County:
Figueroa Mountain - "DA BIG LOOP"
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 5 hours
A stupidly scenic/beautiful ride for the weekend when you want to have a long day on the bike. Ride starts from Davy Brown Campground, but you can start it anywhere. Water is usually available in the various creeks that you will cross, but its probably best just to carry 4 liters so you don't have to pump water. Big Thanks to Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) for bringing these trails back to life in 2022!!!
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 5 hours
A stupidly scenic/beautiful ride for the weekend when you want to have a long day on the bike. Ride starts from Davy Brown Campground, but you can start it anywhere. Water is usually available in the various creeks that you will cross, but its probably best just to carry 4 liters so you don't have to pump water. Big Thanks to Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) for bringing these trails back to life in 2022!!!
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Camuesa Connector Trail
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
Potable water and paid car camping is available at the start/end point at Upper Oso Campground. A fun shorter loop on dirt road, singletrack and pavement. Ride this loop clockwise.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
Potable water and paid car camping is available at the start/end point at Upper Oso Campground. A fun shorter loop on dirt road, singletrack and pavement. Ride this loop clockwise.
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Little Pine Mountain/ Santa Cruz Trail
Ride Type: loop.
Fitness Difficulty: 8.
Technical Difficulty: 8.
Time: 3.5 hours
Potable water and paid car camping is available at the start/end point at Upper Oso Campground. Seasonal water is available in several locations in Santa Cruz Creek at approximately miles 15-16. Wear a bike bell on this trail if you are riding on a weekend. This is the longest downhill singletrack in Santa Barbara County. One of the best singletracks in Santa Barbara County. A great longer loop for a weekend morning on dirt road and singletrack. Ride this loop counterclockwise.
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Ride Type: loop.
Fitness Difficulty: 8.
Technical Difficulty: 8.
Time: 3.5 hours
Potable water and paid car camping is available at the start/end point at Upper Oso Campground. Seasonal water is available in several locations in Santa Cruz Creek at approximately miles 15-16. Wear a bike bell on this trail if you are riding on a weekend. This is the longest downhill singletrack in Santa Barbara County. One of the best singletracks in Santa Barbara County. A great longer loop for a weekend morning on dirt road and singletrack. Ride this loop counterclockwise.
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Arroyo Burro Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2 hours
One of the most fun singletracks in the Santa Barbara back country. This trail can quickly become overgrown and is not ridden enough. It is debatable whether descending first is better than climbing first, but this is one of the few rides I would recommend descending first for the following reasons: 1) If you are coming from the Santa Barbara area, you won't have to spend as much time driving, and 2) by starting with the descent first, you will not have to pay for parking at the kiosk to enter the Santa Ynez River Recreation area) and 3) You won't have to cross the Santa Ynez River by starting with the descent. The route starts at the shooting range along Camino Cielo Road (about 8.4 miles after you turn right off of Highway 154).
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2 hours
One of the most fun singletracks in the Santa Barbara back country. This trail can quickly become overgrown and is not ridden enough. It is debatable whether descending first is better than climbing first, but this is one of the few rides I would recommend descending first for the following reasons: 1) If you are coming from the Santa Barbara area, you won't have to spend as much time driving, and 2) by starting with the descent first, you will not have to pay for parking at the kiosk to enter the Santa Ynez River Recreation area) and 3) You won't have to cross the Santa Ynez River by starting with the descent. The route starts at the shooting range along Camino Cielo Road (about 8.4 miles after you turn right off of Highway 154).
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Knapps Castle - Arroyo Burro Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
Most riders shuttle this trail. We all know deep down that shuttling is only for lazy and out of shape riders and is not pure mountain biking. Therefore, the route shown below is a non-shuttle loop. Burn some calories people!
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
Most riders shuttle this trail. We all know deep down that shuttling is only for lazy and out of shape riders and is not pure mountain biking. Therefore, the route shown below is a non-shuttle loop. Burn some calories people!
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Cachuma Saddle to McKinley Summit
Ride Type: out and back or 1 night bikepack.
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 5
Time: 5 hours
This one of the most scenic fireroad rides in the Los Padres. On a clear day you can see the Channel Islands to the south and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the northeast from the summit of Mckinley Mountain. This road can be combined with overnight backpacking in the San Rafael wilderness if you stash your bike at the wilderness boundary and hike into Mission Pine Spring wilderness campground. Water is sometimes available at McKinley Spring Camp (around mile 10). McKinley Spring Camp would be a great spot to camp if you wanted to spend a night up here.
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Ride Type: out and back or 1 night bikepack.
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 5
Time: 5 hours
This one of the most scenic fireroad rides in the Los Padres. On a clear day you can see the Channel Islands to the south and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the northeast from the summit of Mckinley Mountain. This road can be combined with overnight backpacking in the San Rafael wilderness if you stash your bike at the wilderness boundary and hike into Mission Pine Spring wilderness campground. Water is sometimes available at McKinley Spring Camp (around mile 10). McKinley Spring Camp would be a great spot to camp if you wanted to spend a night up here.
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Blue Canyon Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
A true backcountry ride, Blue Canyon is one of the few cross county style (up and down) trails in the Santa Barbara backcountry. Parts of the singletrack definitely need maintenance, but the majority of the trail is rideable. This loop starts at the Blue Canyon Trailhead (which requires driving down Juncal road, which is unpaved). If you are car camping at Middle Santa Ynez Campground or P-Bar Flats campground, you can also start this loop from either of those campgrounds. You could also access this trail by riding up Romero Trail and Riding down Juncal Road which would make for an all day epic ride or a 1 night bikepacking trip. There are several backcountry campsites along Blue Canyon Trail. Water for filtering is usually available from about December until July in Blue Canyon Creek. The creek may go dry in the autumn months.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
A true backcountry ride, Blue Canyon is one of the few cross county style (up and down) trails in the Santa Barbara backcountry. Parts of the singletrack definitely need maintenance, but the majority of the trail is rideable. This loop starts at the Blue Canyon Trailhead (which requires driving down Juncal road, which is unpaved). If you are car camping at Middle Santa Ynez Campground or P-Bar Flats campground, you can also start this loop from either of those campgrounds. You could also access this trail by riding up Romero Trail and Riding down Juncal Road which would make for an all day epic ride or a 1 night bikepacking trip. There are several backcountry campsites along Blue Canyon Trail. Water for filtering is usually available from about December until July in Blue Canyon Creek. The creek may go dry in the autumn months.
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Hot Springs Canyon Loops
Ride Types: 2 different loops
Fitness Difficulty: 6-7
Technical Difficulty: 7-8
Time: 1.75 hours for both loops, 1 hour for one loop.
This canyon used to be private but the area now belongs Santa Barbara Land Trust. There are hot springs here along the westerly loop, but they are not that great for soaking in. Both loops are ridden clockwise. Climbing is done on mostly fireroad and descending is done mostly on singletrack. If you are doing both loops, do the east loop first followed by the west loop. If you are only doing one, the west loop is probably the better of the two.
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Ride Types: 2 different loops
Fitness Difficulty: 6-7
Technical Difficulty: 7-8
Time: 1.75 hours for both loops, 1 hour for one loop.
This canyon used to be private but the area now belongs Santa Barbara Land Trust. There are hot springs here along the westerly loop, but they are not that great for soaking in. Both loops are ridden clockwise. Climbing is done on mostly fireroad and descending is done mostly on singletrack. If you are doing both loops, do the east loop first followed by the west loop. If you are only doing one, the west loop is probably the better of the two.
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Romero Canyon
Ride Types: 2 different loops and 1 out and back.
Fitness Difficulty/ Technical Difficulty/ Time: See below.
The main Romero trail, which used to be a fire road, is probably the most used MTB trail in Santa Barbara County. Beginners will want to stay on the main trail and descend when they have had enough, where as experts will want to ride the Romero singletrack down, which is a very technical trail.
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Ride Types: 2 different loops and 1 out and back.
Fitness Difficulty/ Technical Difficulty/ Time: See below.
The main Romero trail, which used to be a fire road, is probably the most used MTB trail in Santa Barbara County. Beginners will want to stay on the main trail and descend when they have had enough, where as experts will want to ride the Romero singletrack down, which is a very technical trail.
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West Fork Cold Springs Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
Although the majority of this loop is pavement, the decent of West Fork Cold Springs Trail makes the pavement riding worth it. Plus the pavement riding on Gibraltar Road and on Mountain Drive are pleasant rides with few cars. This is a great after work ride. The bottom section of this trail can get very crowded with hikers on the weekends. Always wear a bike bell on this trail. There is one water source along this trail at the bottom of the singletrack in Cold Springs Creek, but it is a short enough ride that you should not need to collect water.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
Although the majority of this loop is pavement, the decent of West Fork Cold Springs Trail makes the pavement riding worth it. Plus the pavement riding on Gibraltar Road and on Mountain Drive are pleasant rides with few cars. This is a great after work ride. The bottom section of this trail can get very crowded with hikers on the weekends. Always wear a bike bell on this trail. There is one water source along this trail at the bottom of the singletrack in Cold Springs Creek, but it is a short enough ride that you should not need to collect water.
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Jesusita Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
This is the most fun singletrack in the Santa Barbara frontcountry without question. The climb is half walk-a-bike and half riding, but it is not a huge climb and you get a lot of great descending for the relatively small amount of climbing. This is a great after work ride. Weekends are too crowded with hikers to have much fun riding this trail on the weekend. Always wear a bike bell on this trail. There are several water sources along this trail (even a potable water drinking fountain), but it is a short enough ride that you should not need to collect water.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 7
Technical Difficulty: 7
Time: 1.75 hours
This is the most fun singletrack in the Santa Barbara frontcountry without question. The climb is half walk-a-bike and half riding, but it is not a huge climb and you get a lot of great descending for the relatively small amount of climbing. This is a great after work ride. Weekends are too crowded with hikers to have much fun riding this trail on the weekend. Always wear a bike bell on this trail. There are several water sources along this trail (even a potable water drinking fountain), but it is a short enough ride that you should not need to collect water.
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Powerlines Fireroad from Downtown Santa Barbara
Ride Type: out and back
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 2
Time: 2 hours
Not the most fun ride in the Santa Barbara frontcountry, but it is a great after work pavement and fireroad ride for training and to practice climbing. This road was maintained in late 2017 and is it great shape. Do this 3 times a week and you will be in pretty good shape!
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Ride Type: out and back
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 2
Time: 2 hours
Not the most fun ride in the Santa Barbara frontcountry, but it is a great after work pavement and fireroad ride for training and to practice climbing. This road was maintained in late 2017 and is it great shape. Do this 3 times a week and you will be in pretty good shape!
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Elings Park (from Downtown Santa Barbara)
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 4
Technical Difficulty: 6
Time: 1.25 hours
A nice short loop that goes through the singletrack trails of Elings Park, and the ocean cliffs of Douglas Preserve. This loop starts and ends in downtown Santa Barbara, so there is also some pavement riding. Within Elings Park, you will retrace your path a few times to do all of the possible loops within the park. Always wear a bike bell on these trails
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 4
Technical Difficulty: 6
Time: 1.25 hours
A nice short loop that goes through the singletrack trails of Elings Park, and the ocean cliffs of Douglas Preserve. This loop starts and ends in downtown Santa Barbara, so there is also some pavement riding. Within Elings Park, you will retrace your path a few times to do all of the possible loops within the park. Always wear a bike bell on these trails
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Trespass Trail Loop (Gaviota)
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
One of the few trails in SB County that is right above the Pacific Ocean. An incredibly scenic ride during sunset hours. The loop starts at the Gaviota Hot Springs parking area (near intersection of PCH Highway and Highway 101). The ride starts with a very steep (but mostly rideable) fireroad up to the summit of Gaviota Peak. Then the fun begins with the descent of Trespass Trail (don't worry that is just the name of the trail, it is legal). The descent is chunky and technical, so be careful and go slow. This trail is popular with hikers on the weekends, so a bike bell is highly recommended.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 2.5 hours
One of the few trails in SB County that is right above the Pacific Ocean. An incredibly scenic ride during sunset hours. The loop starts at the Gaviota Hot Springs parking area (near intersection of PCH Highway and Highway 101). The ride starts with a very steep (but mostly rideable) fireroad up to the summit of Gaviota Peak. Then the fun begins with the descent of Trespass Trail (don't worry that is just the name of the trail, it is legal). The descent is chunky and technical, so be careful and go slow. This trail is popular with hikers on the weekends, so a bike bell is highly recommended.
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Aliso-McPherson Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 4 hours
While still in Santa Barbara County, this loop is far away from the other rides listed above. The best way to do this is to car camp at Aliso Park Campground and do this ride as a day ride. There is no water along the ride, so carry all the way you need. Both of these trails are rugged, narrow, and steep, but do not require bushwacking. The 360 degree views to Cuyama Valley, Big Pine Mountain, and Zaca Peak from the top of the Sierra Madre ridge are breathtaking. This is truly an epic ride for riders who are not afraid to ride in the middle of nowhere.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 4 hours
While still in Santa Barbara County, this loop is far away from the other rides listed above. The best way to do this is to car camp at Aliso Park Campground and do this ride as a day ride. There is no water along the ride, so carry all the way you need. Both of these trails are rugged, narrow, and steep, but do not require bushwacking. The 360 degree views to Cuyama Valley, Big Pine Mountain, and Zaca Peak from the top of the Sierra Madre ridge are breathtaking. This is truly an epic ride for riders who are not afraid to ride in the middle of nowhere.
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Ojai / Ventura County
Gridley-Pratt Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 3.5 hours
Seasonal water can be found towards the top of Gridley Trail, but don't count on it. Carry enough water for the entire ride. Gridley and Pratt trails are the two premier singletracks near Ojai and can be looped with Nordoff Ridge Road in between. This is a great ride for a Saturday morning group ride. Ride this loop counterclockwise. Always wear a bike bell on these trails.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 3.5 hours
Seasonal water can be found towards the top of Gridley Trail, but don't count on it. Carry enough water for the entire ride. Gridley and Pratt trails are the two premier singletracks near Ojai and can be looped with Nordoff Ridge Road in between. This is a great ride for a Saturday morning group ride. Ride this loop counterclockwise. Always wear a bike bell on these trails.
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Cozy-Gridley-Pratt Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 4.5 hours
Very similar to the route described above, but this also adds the Cozy Dell Singletrack into the loop for bonus singletrack.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 4.5 hours
Very similar to the route described above, but this also adds the Cozy Dell Singletrack into the loop for bonus singletrack.
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Sisar Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 3.5 hours
Year around water can be found along Sisar Creek, but that is at the beginning and end of the loop so it is best to carry all the water you need. The loop begins with a climb up Sisar fireroad and ends with a super technical descent down the Sisar singletrack. Those feeling super adventurous can ride a little farther, then hike on foot to reach the summit of Hines Peak, the highest peak along the Topa Topa bluff (see Hines Peak option below).
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 3.5 hours
Year around water can be found along Sisar Creek, but that is at the beginning and end of the loop so it is best to carry all the water you need. The loop begins with a climb up Sisar fireroad and ends with a super technical descent down the Sisar singletrack. Those feeling super adventurous can ride a little farther, then hike on foot to reach the summit of Hines Peak, the highest peak along the Topa Topa bluff (see Hines Peak option below).
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Rose-Lion Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 5
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 1.5 hours
Year around water can be found along Lion Creek near Middle Lion Campground (car camping). This loop can be done in any direction, but the recommended direction is counterclockwise. Even though this is a short loop, it has some brief walk-a-bike sections and some very technical riding. A great loop if you are car camping at Rose Valley or Middle Lion (you can start from either campground).
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 5
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 1.5 hours
Year around water can be found along Lion Creek near Middle Lion Campground (car camping). This loop can be done in any direction, but the recommended direction is counterclockwise. Even though this is a short loop, it has some brief walk-a-bike sections and some very technical riding. A great loop if you are car camping at Rose Valley or Middle Lion (you can start from either campground).
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Middle Sespe Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 3 hours
Seasonal water can be found in Sespe Creek where the route crosses the creek, but it is only reliable in the spring season. This loop can be done in any direction, but the recommended direction is clockwise, starting from Highway 33. This loop can also be done from Rose Valley or Middle Lion (you can start from either campground). If you wish to not ride on highway 33, then you can also do this as an out and back ride, since both directions are about equally difficult. This ride is not for the faint of heart. Parts of this trail are very overgrown. Wear long sleeve shirt and pack some pants in your backpack. Although the first 3 miles from both ends are mostly rideable, get ready to do some bushwhacking in the middle section of this trail. This is the last trail in the Los Padres that follows Sespe Creek where bikes are still legal.
WARNING! This trail has not seen any maintenance. Trail is completely overgrown as of January 2020. It is not recommended for bikes or for hikers.
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9
Time: 3 hours
Seasonal water can be found in Sespe Creek where the route crosses the creek, but it is only reliable in the spring season. This loop can be done in any direction, but the recommended direction is clockwise, starting from Highway 33. This loop can also be done from Rose Valley or Middle Lion (you can start from either campground). If you wish to not ride on highway 33, then you can also do this as an out and back ride, since both directions are about equally difficult. This ride is not for the faint of heart. Parts of this trail are very overgrown. Wear long sleeve shirt and pack some pants in your backpack. Although the first 3 miles from both ends are mostly rideable, get ready to do some bushwhacking in the middle section of this trail. This is the last trail in the Los Padres that follows Sespe Creek where bikes are still legal.
WARNING! This trail has not seen any maintenance. Trail is completely overgrown as of January 2020. It is not recommended for bikes or for hikers.
Chorro Grande Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 10
Time: 3.5 hours
Seasonal water can be found along this route sometimes, but its best to just carry all the water you need. The loop is best done starting at the intersection of Highway 33 and Pine Mountain Road, but it can also be done from Pine Mountain Campground (if you are camping there). The clearance in a few sections of this trail were overgrown with plants in a few sections as of June 2014. Bring some pruners and do a little trail maintenance if you ride this trail. The singletrack is extremely technical. This ride is not for the faint at heart!
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 10
Time: 3.5 hours
Seasonal water can be found along this route sometimes, but its best to just carry all the water you need. The loop is best done starting at the intersection of Highway 33 and Pine Mountain Road, but it can also be done from Pine Mountain Campground (if you are camping there). The clearance in a few sections of this trail were overgrown with plants in a few sections as of June 2014. Bring some pruners and do a little trail maintenance if you ride this trail. The singletrack is extremely technical. This ride is not for the faint at heart!
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Boulder Canyon Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 10
Time: 3.5 hours
Water can be found at the fire station at the low point of the ride, but as of June 2014 it is not potable. Carry all water you need. Even though most of this ride is in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, it relates more to the Ojai side. The loop is best done starting at the intersection of Highway 33 and Pine Mountain Road, but it can also be done from Pine Mountain Campground (if you are camping there). This trail is little used and in poor condition (although I have did some trail work on it in 2013 and 2014 and for now it is much more rideable). This ride is only for those who want a true hardcore backcountry experience, and can keep a good attitude when faced with poor trail conditions. This ride is not for the faint at heart. Bring your pruners and do a little trail work if you do this ride. This trail has tremendous potential if more hikers and bikers cared more about it. A healthy population of bears live in this area of the Los Padres. This is the back country baby!
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 10
Time: 3.5 hours
Water can be found at the fire station at the low point of the ride, but as of June 2014 it is not potable. Carry all water you need. Even though most of this ride is in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, it relates more to the Ojai side. The loop is best done starting at the intersection of Highway 33 and Pine Mountain Road, but it can also be done from Pine Mountain Campground (if you are camping there). This trail is little used and in poor condition (although I have did some trail work on it in 2013 and 2014 and for now it is much more rideable). This ride is only for those who want a true hardcore backcountry experience, and can keep a good attitude when faced with poor trail conditions. This ride is not for the faint at heart. Bring your pruners and do a little trail work if you do this ride. This trail has tremendous potential if more hikers and bikers cared more about it. A healthy population of bears live in this area of the Los Padres. This is the back country baby!
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Reyes Peak Fireroad
Ride Type: out and back
Fitness Difficulty: 2
Technical Difficulty: 2
Time: 1 hour
This ride starts from the last campsite at Reyes Peak Campground, decends down fireroad, then you have to climb back up. This is the only easy ride along Pine Mountain Road. A great beginner ride that still offers a decent workout for more advanced riders.
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Ride Type: out and back
Fitness Difficulty: 2
Technical Difficulty: 2
Time: 1 hour
This ride starts from the last campsite at Reyes Peak Campground, decends down fireroad, then you have to climb back up. This is the only easy ride along Pine Mountain Road. A great beginner ride that still offers a decent workout for more advanced riders.
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GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, MT. PINOS, AND KERN COUNTY
Cerro Noroeste (aka Mt. Abel) Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9-10
Time: 2 hours
No water is available anywhere along the route. Carry all the water you need. Not many know about this trail, as it is not on any map. I discovered it when I was car camping one summer at Campo Alto campground. It is obviously frequented by downhill mountain bikers, as there are many crazy jumps and obstacles that I do not try to attempt on my XC bike. Most of these obstacles you can ride around. The pavement climb is very manageable and enjoyable (except for the altitude is 8000 feet plus). The entire south Los Padres National forest can be seen along the pavement climb. The singletrack gets very steep at the lower section. You have to walk your bike through the woods at the bottom or you will trespass into the private cabins below. The bottom section of this trail could use a re-route. This ride is not for the faint at heart, or for riders who are not technically competent.
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Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 8
Technical Difficulty: 9-10
Time: 2 hours
No water is available anywhere along the route. Carry all the water you need. Not many know about this trail, as it is not on any map. I discovered it when I was car camping one summer at Campo Alto campground. It is obviously frequented by downhill mountain bikers, as there are many crazy jumps and obstacles that I do not try to attempt on my XC bike. Most of these obstacles you can ride around. The pavement climb is very manageable and enjoyable (except for the altitude is 8000 feet plus). The entire south Los Padres National forest can be seen along the pavement climb. The singletrack gets very steep at the lower section. You have to walk your bike through the woods at the bottom or you will trespass into the private cabins below. The bottom section of this trail could use a re-route. This ride is not for the faint at heart, or for riders who are not technically competent.
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Hard Luck Road
Ride Type: out and back or beginner bikepack
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 5
Time: 3 hours
Although at least half of this ride is on pavement, it is well worth it. Hard Luck road and campground was closed to cars by the forest service several years ago for environmental reasons- therefore you will never encounter cars on the pavement section of this ride! The trail after the pavement section is quite fun and this area is very scenic. Year around water can be found in Piru Creek (one of the major creeks in the Los Padres), making this an excellent beginner ride for overnight bikepacking. If you decide to spend the night here, the best spot to camp is at the turn around point along Piru Creek where there are a few informal campsites.
The starting point is a bit hard to find. Directions off of Interstate 5 are as follows:Take the Smokey Bear Rd exit
Turn west onto Smokey Bear Rd (0.1 mi), Take the 2nd left toward Pyramid Lake Rd (322 ft), Continue onto Pyramid Lake Rd (1.5 mi)
Turn right toward Hard Luck Rd (0.1 mi), Continue onto Hard Luck Rd (2.6 mi), Park before forest service fire station where gate is permanently closed at Hard Luck Road.
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Ride Type: out and back or beginner bikepack
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 5
Time: 3 hours
Although at least half of this ride is on pavement, it is well worth it. Hard Luck road and campground was closed to cars by the forest service several years ago for environmental reasons- therefore you will never encounter cars on the pavement section of this ride! The trail after the pavement section is quite fun and this area is very scenic. Year around water can be found in Piru Creek (one of the major creeks in the Los Padres), making this an excellent beginner ride for overnight bikepacking. If you decide to spend the night here, the best spot to camp is at the turn around point along Piru Creek where there are a few informal campsites.
The starting point is a bit hard to find. Directions off of Interstate 5 are as follows:Take the Smokey Bear Rd exit
Turn west onto Smokey Bear Rd (0.1 mi), Take the 2nd left toward Pyramid Lake Rd (322 ft), Continue onto Pyramid Lake Rd (1.5 mi)
Turn right toward Hard Luck Rd (0.1 mi), Continue onto Hard Luck Rd (2.6 mi), Park before forest service fire station where gate is permanently closed at Hard Luck Road.
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Santa maria, MORRO BAY, ATASCADERO AND SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Rock Front OHV to Pueblo Trail to Willow Springs Trail to Old Sierra Madre Road Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 5 hours
A big loop starting and ending at Rock Front OHV area and using highway 166 as a connection to make the loop work. There is some steep hike-a-bike involved at the beginning of the loop at Rock Front OHV area. The idea is to get this hard part out of the way early on in the ride and then the rest of the ride is quite fun. Seasonal water might be available along Willow Springs Trail, but it is best to carry about 4 liters of water so you don't run out. Park at the Rock Front OHV sign shortly after entering Rock Front OHV area.
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 9
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 5 hours
A big loop starting and ending at Rock Front OHV area and using highway 166 as a connection to make the loop work. There is some steep hike-a-bike involved at the beginning of the loop at Rock Front OHV area. The idea is to get this hard part out of the way early on in the ride and then the rest of the ride is quite fun. Seasonal water might be available along Willow Springs Trail, but it is best to carry about 4 liters of water so you don't run out. Park at the Rock Front OHV sign shortly after entering Rock Front OHV area.
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Cerro Alto Loop
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 1.5 hours
A fun loop starting and ending at Cerro Alto Campground between the central coast cities of Atascadero and Morro Bay. There are many options along the route. The GPX file below just represents one option. There is some hike-a-bike involved if you want to make it to the summit (but its worth it).
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile
Ride Type: loop
Fitness Difficulty: 6
Technical Difficulty: 8
Time: 1.5 hours
A fun loop starting and ending at Cerro Alto Campground between the central coast cities of Atascadero and Morro Bay. There are many options along the route. The GPX file below just represents one option. There is some hike-a-bike involved if you want to make it to the summit (but its worth it).
Download GPX file, view map, and view elevation profile