Santa Monica Ridge Trail

This area of trail is accessed from the top of Del Mar Mesa Preserve. The trail starts with a steep descent down a rocky utility road. At the bottom, there is a deep creek crossing. Once across the creek, ascend the other side and look for a singletrack trail on the left. Take this trail and pick your line. It is full of cobbles and loose rock. The elevation changes are constant (like a roller coaster).

The end of this trail opens to a wide path, then singletrack. Ride the singletrack towards the lake and partially around the lake. The trail around the lake is very narrow with low hanging tree branches and thick brush. Follow the singletrack to the trail that ascends to the top of the ridge. At the top is a field, cross the field to the singletrack. This trail winds around and descends back to the bottom. At the bottom is a horse trail which you ride until the highway.