MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

El Prieto Trail

Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (61)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Angeles National Forest
  5. Arroyo Seco
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Sweet singletrack with lots of technical riding. ”

Chris W
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

1.8

Miles

2.8

KM
Singletrack

1,999' 609 m

High

1,309' 399 m

Low

15' 5 m

Up

705' 215 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

El Prieto is a unique singletrack experience in Southern California. Extreme exposure, 180-degree switchbacks, stream crossings, and rock gardens all within an oak-lined canyon. This is classic mountain biking with a challenge for everyone.

Beginning riders may choose to walk some technical sections but the trail is rideable from beginning to end by experienced riders. Beware of poison oak along this trail as its present all year.

El Prieto is usually accessed by climbing up Brown Mountain to the first saddle and then descending the Fern Truck Trail to the upper El Prieto entrance. As you ascend Brown, you'll see the downhill exit of El Prieto at the log. Do be aware that plenty of hikers visit El Prieto and using a bell is highly advised, especially on weekends.

Contacts

Local Club: Mount Wilson Bicycling Association

Land Manager: USFS - Angeles National Forest Office

Shared By:

Chris W with improvements by John May
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 61 votes

#1

in Arroyo Seco

#98

Overall
  4.7 from 61 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Arroyo Seco

#8

in California

#98

Overall
110 Views Last Month
22,938 Since Jun 1, 2013
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
6%
2%
90%
2%
Add a Photo

Photos

Jen keeping it rolling through dusty ruts. Great trail for the area!
Jul 11, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
It's fun to jam down this trail, but you'll miss all the beauty of the canyon.
Dec 12, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
Patrick hits a switchback splashdown special near the top of El Prieto
Mar 17, 2018 near La Caña…, CA
This trail is tirelessly maintained by volunteers like Erik, seen here riding past his sawyering handiwork.
Dec 12, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
The crew drops in at the top of El Prieto.
May 12, 2017 near La Caña…, CA
Rider POV
May 25, 2016 near La Caña…, CA

5 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 30 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 30, 2025
Felipe Maroto
8.3mi — 1h 43m
Apr 10, 2021
Michael Rasco
8.5mi — 3h 00m
Sep 3, 2020
Kirill Anoshin
Sep 15, 2019
Moco Mono
Dry but still a great ride! Crowded a bit. Please use a bell! 14.5mi
Sep 21, 2018
TJ U
Feb 18, 2018
Chris T
trail is a blast!
Jan 28, 2018
J P
Started with Sunset then down to El P. 2mi
Nov 24, 2017
Marc Daniel

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started