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A fun network of singletrack in the pines and alpine meadows of the Big Laguna Recreation Area.


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Map Key

9.4

Miles

15.2

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,074' 1,851 m

High

5,389' 1,643 m

Low

628' 191 m

Up

1,048' 319 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

The Big Laguna trails are a network of singletrack trails accessed from the Sunrise Highway. The trails make a great extension to Noble Canyon or can be ridden on their own.

Description

One great link up of BLT trails starts from Red Tail Roost (Laguna Mountain Volunteer Center). From here, ride Red Tail Roost to the left when you exit the parking area. Pedal up an easy climb before a big downhill stretch. The initial part of the descent is open with big swooping turns before dropping into the pines. If you like technical challenges, there are a few sections of log features to test your skills.

The Red Tail Roost section dumps out onto a dirt road. Turn left here and bear left again going up Agua Dulce Creek. The road will climb gradually and eventually funnel into a singletrack. Keep climbing at bit more before a short descent to cross Agua Dulce Creek before pedaling uphill to a intersection.

Continue on the singletrack ahead to access the Gatos section of the BLT, a trail that's been recently rerouted and improved. It's a fun section that climbs and contours through the pines. Stay right at one intersection along the way.

Gatos spills out onto the edge of Big Laguna Meadow. From here stay left and skirt the outer edge to the west. Stay right at the next intersection to continue through the meadow.

At the following intersection go left through the gate. This is the Water of the Woods section and a little extra credit singletrack as you work your way around to Big Laguna Lake. There is a short climb followed by a quick descent before circumnavigating a small lake. From here, the trail continues through an open area with a few clusters of big boulders strewn throughout. The trail then bends around to the left towards the south end of the Big Laguna Lake.

Crossing the dam of the lake is a bit lumpy and bumpy but provides a great view of this beautiful alpine setting. Keep your eyes to the right side of the lake and the lower hillside on the north side of the valley ahead - that's where you are going.

Turn left to access the singletrack that skirts the meadow and pines along the east side of Big Laguna Lake. You'll be pedaling uphill to the north towards Noble Canyon trail.

At the top of the meadow you'll come to an intersection. Left will take you directly to Noble Canyon, right is a connector to the Penny Pines trailhead. From there you can also access Noble Canyon in its entirety.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Susie Murphy

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 42 votes

#351

Overall
  4.6 from 42 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#48

in California

#351

Overall
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39,638 Since Apr 24, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Red Tail Roost features a number of different natural wooden features to test your mettle.
Apr 19, 2013 near Pine Va…, CA
The San Diego Mountain Bike Association crew on the Water of the Woods section of the Big Laguna trails.
Apr 24, 2013 near Pine Va…, CA
Alpine meadow in the Cleveland National Forest.
Apr 24, 2013 near Pine Va…, CA
Flowers and a covering of fog during a spring ride on the Gatos Spur.
May 16, 2017 near Pine Va…, CA
The upper part of Red Tail Roost on BLT to Noble Canyon is open and flowing
Apr 24, 2013 near Pine Va…, CA
Sundown in the Laguna Mountains.
Sep 3, 2018 near Pine Va…, CA
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