Local Rides
Crystal Cove State Park
El Moro Cyn.
949-494-3539
El Moro Canyon is a great place to ride during the summer because of it's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. At times, coastal fog will cool one half, or even the whole park, as everywhere else sizzles during the warmer months. El Moro is an easy to get to by bike or car. We recommend riding in because of the stiff $5.00 parking fee. You can find lot's of free parking in the city of Laguna Beach.
Directions
From Rainbow Bicycle Co., head north on Pacific Coast Hwy., about one and a half miles. Turn right at the signal, just past the El Moro trailer park. Or from Newport beach come south about 3 and 1/2 miles. Follow the signs to the parking lot where you will start your ride.
The Ride
If you want a fairly challenging ride here's what we suggest. Start off by taking the North Ridge to Mach 1, take Mach 1 down to El Moro Canyon. At the bottom of Mach 1 turn right, and then a quick left onto I Think I Can or (East Cut Across). Proceed up the long (fifteen minute) climb. At the top turn left and follow the South Ridge to Missing Link. Missing Link is a tasty little single track. Follow the trail past No Dogs ridge road. Continue on to Red Tail Ridge, go left there. Follow Red Tail for about 1/2 mile and veer right at your first opportunity. You have found Deer Canyon. Follow the trail through the valley all the way up the North Ridge. Take the ridge back to the parking lot.
If you rode from Laguna you'll clock about 15 miles and have climbed about 2,100'. You'll find many other easier, and harder, routes at "The Cove" as it is affectionately nicknamed. Have a blast!
Aliso and Wood Canyons
Regional Park949-831-2791
Aliso Woods is just one of many parks in Orange County that cater to mountain biking enthusiasts. With fifteen miles of challenging trails to test your limits.
Directions:
Our favorite loop starts at Top Of The World in Laguna Beach. From Main Beach in downtown take Hwy. 1 south to Legion Street, turn left. Follow to Park Ave., turn right. Follow Park all the way to the top. At Alta Laguna Blvd., go left. Park at the end of Alta Laguna, in the parking lot.
The Ride:
Take the main ridge road downhill about 1 1/2 miles to Cholla Trail. Take the right on to the trail, a cool 1/4 mile single track, down to the floor of Wood Canyon. Follow the Wood Cyn. out to the ranger station, about 3 miles. You'll have to turn around there. Retrace your route back up Wood Cyn. You'll have few options here. You can take Mathis Grade, a tough 1 mile climb back to the first ridge you started on. Or you can catch Coyote Run, a fun little single track that will take you to Rockit, a tough rocky climb back to the main ridge. Or bypass Rockit and get back onto Wood Cyn. again. Go left for about a 1/2 mile to Lynx Trail. Yet another challenging climb back to the main ridge. Be ready for the long climb back up to The Top Of The World.
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