Los Pinetos - Placerita Cyn. Park - #LosPinetos-PlaceritaCyn.Park

Socal - Los Angeles County - Santa Clarita (nearest) NickNames: #LosPinetos-PlaceritaCyn.Park

I-5 north to CA-14 north, exit Placerita Canyon Rd. and head east. Two options here:

1) Park at first dirt turn-out (200 yds. from freeway) on right. Ride back under freeway to Sierra Highway, then go left and over the hill to San Fernando Road, then head up the fire road as per Viper. Pass Viper and continue to Wilson Canyon Saddle.

2) Drive to eastern (2nd) entrance of Placerita Canyon Park. Park near the gated entrance. Ride east on Placerita Canyon to Sand Canyon, then go right and climb to Bear Divide, go right and continue up and through Fire Camp #9, then down the ridge to Wilson Canyon Saddle.

Los Pinetos Trail leaves the Saddle to the north and drops through the oak forest.

Endo Verendo cruising the oak forest on Los Pinetos Trail.

54 Review(s)13 Photo(s)Login

• Trail Update1-21-13-Hello I rode this trail yesterday The climb was about 5 Miles to the very top, where there are some great views. rode down took the viper single track back down to the parking lot, it was lots of fun, to steep for me in a couple sections, but over all really good. theres a sign for the nature center with a arrow. if you pass that and go left, theres really fun single track all the way back to the parking lot, you do not need to ride the street back. anyone who is thinking of doing this trail, you should its great.!
  satan666 a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a specialized epic from LA CA

  Posted:01/22/2013

• Trail UpdateFire Road Up Then Down Viper-This was a good shorter loop. Yesterday 11-2 was very windy. Started at Newhall exit park and ride which was full. Paid 5 dollars and parked in empty lot with one other car happened to be the only other riders and just spotted them as i pulled in heading through gate up fire road not toward park residence. 15 or 20 minutes later I was riding the same way and it climbs just keep going up. It is loose, duffy and dry this time of year. The wind had to be over 30 mph. I tend to not be that picky when exploring so I was happy to be riding after driving from bay area on way to LA. I was surprised how far up it went . After a long time I figured those guys went some other way but then spotted them and caught up close to the very top I think but it was about 4.5 miles there is a plateau and a clearing with a single track off of it . That is the Viper trail. It is a downhiller's delight with ripping fast descents with a few ruts. It does go up hill a few times after the down. A classic desert roller coaster. A goat trail width section then the rollers are the highlight culminating with one particularly steep rutted descent which I rode by hanging my rear way back over seat and dabbing foot a bunch of tiimes which works when you are a little scared. The wind was even stronger and blew me off line into the weeds but I kept it upright and I can'T remember wind like that blowing me around. The lower half levels off. Good views off the top and goes through some oil fields at the bottom which lend a gritty feel to this loop. The 2 guys were firemen who were very gracious and showed me the entrance to viper . No other people were out there at all. Mountain bikers should show others the routes that is what it is all about trying new rides so I appreciated the help. It took a little less than 2 hours. Started at 1300 feet and went up to 3700 I think he said and was 9 miles or so. There are more trails around here so it could be extended. I found it interesting desert type terrain for at least intermediate mountain bikers. If you like nasty downhill try viper cause you can see if the trail is clear so it is a good one for going fast on. Not really technical but it is fast with loose sections and ruts thats technical right? Ride on and peace. Just updated backbone trail near Santa Monica as well.
  Romo a 47 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized29 hard tail from Berkeley,Ca

  Posted:11/03/2011

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos Trail-Rode 4 times in the last 2 weeks by climbing up from the San Fernando (Newhall Ave) Park & Ride. Excellent condition! Very tacky and smooth! Bottom section is a little loose. Some nice berms in the upper and mid-sections. Once at the bottom, I continue on the Canyon Trail down to the nature center and then return to the park & ride via Placerita Canyon and Sierra Hwy.
  Steve K a 23 year old Racer riding a Giant Trance X3 from Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo

  Posted:07/11/2010

• Trail UpdateGo For It!-trail is in great condition!
  Matt W a 50! whew! year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Ellsworth ...moment from santa clarita

  Posted:07/16/2009

• Trail UpdateNature Center-this trail is in excellent condition!
  Enjoy!

  Posted:07/16/2009

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Rode Los Pinetos on 3-13-08. Went up the fire rode past Viper to Los Pinetos, Trial is is good condition, some nice berms there are a few ruts here and there so be careful other than that a difficult climb to get to it but a great trail.
  a Downhiller

  Posted:03/16/2008

• Trail UpdateViper Rocks!-I can sum up the current conditions on Viper in one word. "SICK!!!!!"

  I saw the Over the Bars Mountain Bike Club riders the previous poster up riding Viper and Los Pinetos again yesterday. It looked like one of their riders who was on a green bike with white forks was doing laps. He was a smaller guy about 35 and he looked to be in amazingly good shape. He was hauling ass down the steep firebreak. That guy is a total stud. He must be a pro?
  a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense 6.6 from Glendale, CA

  Posted:01/02/2008

• Trail UpdatePics, You Say You Want Pics?-There's a link below to some pictures of Los Pinetos and "The Viper" from Over the Bars Mountain Bike Club ride on 12-24-2007.
  Dr. Bill a 54 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Ellsworth Epiphany from Northridge URL: Los Pinetos and Viper Pictures from OTBMBC.com

  Posted:12/27/2007

• Trail UpdateOff The Hinges!!!-Super tacky and grippy single track. These are the best conditions I have seen on this trail in years. But don't just take my word for it, it looks like the superhumans at Over the Bars Mountain Bike Club (see link below for pics)just rode this trail and "The Viper" on Christmas Eve. Check out their website for more information and pictures. Those guys seem to know all the good trails to ride and they are always fun to watch in action.
  a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Titus Motolite Exogrid from Arcadia, CA URL: Over The Bars Mountain Bike Club

  Posted:12/27/2007

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-This 100% single track is smooth and fast. The corners have burms and there are now jumps at the top section under the trees for MTB'ers. I rolled alot of rocks off the trail a couple days ago for an awesome ride. Check out the Pics page for Los Pientos images on the web page below!
  rock4x4 a 26 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 05 Cake 2 Dlx from Valencia URL: http://www.chaingangmtb.com

  Posted:11/11/2007

• Trail UpdatePinetos Trail Early Nov 07-The trail has finally come back from the bulldozing. It is very vast and smooth with some good corner berms in place. Nature center is rideable 100%. It hasn't been this good since before the rains and big fires a few years ago.
  fireballspeed a 25 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 2004 KHS FR1500 from Valencia URL: http://www.chaingangmtb.com

  Posted:11/07/2007

• Trail UpdateA couple of us helped shape the burms and removed piles of leaves , filled rutts and created (small) waterbars/directed runoffs, thats part of the reason the trail was like a bobsled course before the dozer struck again. We actually built the entire burm that was in a flat 180 after a fast DH section.
  I went up today to see what the damage would be from the storm, knowing the trail was shaped like a big chute, with nowhere for the water to escape because the trail is banked on both sides.
  Wasnt too bad.....I raked the top three burms into a little shape, they were rutted out from the runoff. Should be much better than the dustpile they had become. The rest of the trail is a little rutted and has some loose rocks and landlides. A washout down the hill in a spot or two. Its gonna be a much better ride now. When they took out that little rockdrop and made the whole trail handicap accessable it took the character away. Now the rutt crisscrosses the trail after every corner and its rocky. Gotta pay attention now! After Walker Ranch its still wheelchair friendly...
  Looks like the ST from the halfway gate that parallells the FR will need some work....

  
  scotay .com

  Posted:09/24/2007

• Trail UpdateA Little History....-before I give my opinion and let others come to their own conclusions.

  I've lived and ridden this area for almost five years now. Los Pinetos was hammered a few years back by a nasty fire and the winter rains of both 2005 and 2006. The County ran the dozer up there at least twice in the last couple of years. As a result, the trail was in great shape.

  So, in short, there was no serious erosion or areas where safety was a concern. The trails was hard packed and tacky prior to the recent dozing. It's my impression that they did this work to simply clear out the poison oak, which was thick up top and encroaching on the trail. What about having a trail maintenance day or days to clear up the PO? Do we have to get the "wheels of steel" out to cut some brush back? I've done trail maintenance in the past, and I would have done it again had the call gone out.

  This has nothing to do with wheter Antonovich has been good with respect to open space issues. This is beside the point. This shows a lack of concern, or perhaps an abundance of ignorance, for a concept known as trail sustainability.

  With the recent events and discussion on this board, it's a bit ironic that I was up at the Five Points trailhead earlier today only to discover a newly placed COUNTY sign permitting BIKES on the trail!
  lmnop a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Superlight from Valencia, CA

  Posted:06/08/2007

• Trail UpdateWell Said.-He may not be perfect, but he has done a lot more for our open spaces that any other politician in a long time. Beyond Devils Punchbowl and Oat Mountain he has opened up many more spaces and kept open many existing spaces.

  And though you may not like riding on trails after they have been tractored to less then stellar conditions, in the long run the trail will remain in better condition for it. I agree that it may not be the ideal way to maintain the trail, but with the number of trails that have to be maintained it is quickest way to make sure all trails get attention.

  Of course if we get more volunteers to help maintain trails then we may not need the tractor quite as often. Less then 10% of people who regularly ride mountain bikes have volunteered for trail maintenance. I did so 8 times last year. When was the last time you did rock4x4? If you did, perhaps you would also learn how important all snakes are to the environment and not kill a rattlesnake as you eluded to in your other post. Remember you are in his home, not the other way around.

  Enjoy the trails but respect them and the work that is needed to maintain as well, and the animals that live on and near them.
  
  Matt

  Posted:06/08/2007

• Trail UpdateDon't Get All Huffy!-Two things to consider...

  1) The trail will be it's normal self in a year or two. Bulldozers will never win against Ma Nature.

  2) If not for Antonovich, most of Oat Mountain would still be off limits, and parking would not be free at Devil's Punchbowl. I'm not saying the guy is a saint, but he is on our side.
  
  Dr Wellington Yueh

  Posted:06/07/2007

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-I found out that Mike Antonovitch, the supervisor for Santa Clarita authorized the trail to be bulldozed that way he can ride the trail drunk on his horse safely. I hate that guy now! www.chaingangmtb.com
  rock4x4 a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a cake 2dlx from valencia

  Posted:06/05/2007

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-I found out that Mike Antonovitch, the supervisor for Santa Clarita authorized the trail to be bulldozed that way he can ride the trail drunk on his horse safely. I hate that guy now!
  rock4x4 a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a cake 2dlx from valencia

  Posted:06/05/2007

• Trail UpdateAnother Trail Destroyed-Another trail destroyed, barely rideable.

  Posted:05/19/2007

• Trail UpdateYeah, this ride sucks now. Thanks alot for bulldozing the trail for us, now its just inches of powder. It was just getting fast with nice corner berms, but now you can't even pedal it.
  fireballspeed a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a KHS FR1500 from Valencia

  Posted:05/19/2007

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-OH NO! Another dozer went down the top half of the trail last weekend. Now the top half lost all its burms and has powdered dirt on the corners. This will take alot of riding to fix the trail. The bottom half is still good.
  rock4x4 a 26 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 2005 Cake 2Dlx from Valencia

  Posted:05/15/2007

• Trail UpdateLos Pientos-Just rode the trail last weekend and it is getting very fast and friendly. The turns are starting to build up banks for good cornering and the bushes are trimmed back. The wash out is still fixed and is a great ride right now. www.chaingangmtb.com
  Rock4x4 a 26 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 05' Cake 2 Dlx from Valencia, CA

  Posted:04/24/2007

• Trail Updateeasy
  diamondback

  Posted:09/04/2006

• Trail UpdateNearby Fire...-... has closed the park. Call ahead if you plan to ride before Labor Day.
  ScottR1

  Posted:08/28/2006

• Trail UpdateDozer "fixed" the trail. http://www.clipdin.com/forum/index.php?topic=134
  scottay

  Posted:02/06/2006

• Trail UpdateBridge has fallen.... http://www.clipdin.com/forum/index.php?topic=111
  scottay URL: http://www.clipdin.com/forum/index.php?topic=111

  Posted:01/18/2006

• Trail UpdateRode this and Viper yesterday. Rode from San Fernando Canyon Rd park and rode. Fireroad is in great shape. Rode on my SS in a 32:16 gear ratio, a little tough for me, wish I rode maybe 32:18. Took me about a hour to the Wilson Canyon saddle/ Los Pinetos trailhead. Wow! What a descent, couldn't beat the oak tree canopy. The bridge across the washout is a little sketchy. Talked to a local hiker, they said the forest service is supposed to build a better bridge. After the bridge the trail gets really rutted and overgrown. Rode down to the nature center tried to hang out there for a little bit but got attacked by knats. Decidedto go back up to the top so I could descend the Viper singletrack. Too steep and overgrown for me and my singlespeed for the climb back out. Very doable on a geared bike. The knats attacked me all the way back to the top. I guess I was just riding to slow. Nice ride though. Would much rather just ride down to bridge turnaround and ride back to top and then finish off with Viper.
  SS Barby a 26 year old Racer riding a Gt singlespeed/ Marin Wolf Ridge from Edwards, Ca

  Posted:08/17/2005

• Trail UpdateGreat Ride, Little Itchy !-I also rode with rock4x4 today, saw lots of other riders sharing the trail it was fun. From the top to the bridge is still really overgrown, but below the bridge is smooth sailing. looks like somebody has worked the lower half of the trail. Thanks !
  P.S. Tons of Poison Oak !!!! Stay on the trails, I have been itching for two weeks since the last ride.
  Fireballspeed a 22 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 2002 KHS Whichdoctor from Saugus Ca, USA

  Posted:06/26/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Rode the trail today with 4 others to the nature center and some great person built an incredible brige across the big washout. Needs hand rails. I got some scratches from the bushes on some of the trail but it's still my favorite in the SCV! Where eye glasses if you want to go fast to protect them from scratches. We ride this almost every sunday morning.
  rock4x4 a 24 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2005 cake 2 dlx

  Posted:06/26/2005

• Trail UpdateSirfallsalot hang in there don't give up on this ride, as it is one of the great rides. Beginners yes they are entertaining as Matt W. still laughs at me everytime. KEEP RIDING
  stevemc a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a specialized rockhopper from canyon county

  Posted:06/14/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-im a fairly new rider, and i went on this trail with a couple friends the other day. THIS TRAIL IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!(though they thought it was funny as hell) unless u want to be walking your bike a lot. not saying i walked my bike, but i certainly was not on it the whoole time,...i have the bruises to provge it! although except for a couple of sections missing from the trail, it was fun. more fun though if u know what your doing
  Sirfallsalot a 22 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized Stumpjumper

  Posted:06/13/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos 6-12-05-Did this trail from the drop off side yesterday. Trail is still overgrown in some sections and lots of loose rocks and ruts. It also gets fairly sandy in some places. Overall still very technical and a good challenge.
  Fireballspeed a 22 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a KHS from Santa Clarita, Ca

  Posted:06/13/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Hey Matt W. you are my hero I just wish I didn't have a real job so I could ride more. HEHEHEHE just kidding keep fighting the good fight brother. thanks for the update.
  Steve Mc a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from canyon country

  Posted:04/06/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Did this ride today--it is getting OVERGROWN...so much so that I did not enjoy it as much as say 2-3 weeks ago!(Cause I could not go as fast as I like!-heh-heh) Anyhow with the growth, ruts and eroision of the trail I would say this trail is a VERY TECHNICAL TRAIL considering most riders could clean the trail prior to the rains!

  One VERY COOL thing is some kind soul strung a rope across the face of the falls & it makes it WAY EASIER to portage the falls with your bike...thank-you whom ever you are!...Just be VERY CAREFUL at this section as it not only can ruin your day but put a damper on your life as well...trust me..watch out for this thing!

  Anyhow...I want to shake the hand of the guy that can clean this trail with no dabs!! Hans Rey anyone!?

  Go Ride!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Matt W a 45 whew! year old riding a Ellsworth Moment On Spynergys from Santa Clarita, CA

  Posted:04/05/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Pintos-Did this ride 3-10-05 VERY FUN! The weather & trail conditions were perfect. Started at about 3:00 in the afternoon. Lot's O Water runnin!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Matt W a 45 whew! year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized-Enduro Expert-Spynergy Wheels from Santa Clarita, CA

  Posted:03/11/2005

• Trail UpdatePost-October Storm Update-After moving to Sylmar earlier this year, this trail became one of my local favorites. I rode this trail a few times after the fire, and I was a little worried what the lower section of the trail would look like after the recent rains. After reading something on mtbr.com about a 4' by 8' washout along the trail, I took off yesterday afternoon.

  While most of the trail did not burn, many areas above it did. The lower half of this trail is littered with rocks from debris flows that swept down nearly every side canyon. The worst one was the "4 foot by 8 foot washout". This soil and loose rock in this canyon was scoured down to the bedrock, and the trail was washed away here. Below this are numerous other hike-a-bike sections.

  The scene down at Walker Ranch was no better. The trail is washed away in sections, and I had a hard time finding my way around. As I started off down the "nature center" trail, I wound up down in the creek as the trail had disappeared again. The "nature center" trail has numerous hike-a-bike sections, and you would be better off hiking this trail or staying off it until either mother nature or trail volunteers can do some clean up.

  Both the lower section of Los Pinetos, the "nature center" trail will need lots of care and attention. The worst part is that winter rainy season is just starting. Lets hope that the worst is over with this first major storm event. I urge everyone that rides this trail on a regular or semi-regular basis to do some volunteer work in this area when the time comes.
  LMNOP a 31 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Sugar 3+ from Sylmar

  Posted:10/24/2004

• Trail UpdateAs dirtshark said, luckily the upper part of Los Pinetos didnt' burn. I did drive Placerita Canyon yesterday and in by Walker Ranch. The Nature Center area has just the basic building or two. The area between Walker Ranch and Placerita Nature Center is greatly charred and little vegetation is left but it seems like the fire didn't reach the upper areas of the mountain. The fire jumped the road around this area also.
  Steve K a 17 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Canyon Country (Santa Clarita), CA

  Posted:07/24/2004

• Trail Updatethis trail did NOT burn thankfully. The whole upper half looked saved as the fire did not enter the Los Pintos canyon
  Dirtshark a 42 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Landshark from Valencia

  Posted:07/23/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Fuegos En Los Pinetos-Los Pinetos is one of the main areas affected in a large brushfire. This trail unfortunately will not be as it recently was. The whole Placerita Canyon, Santa Clara Divide, and Bear Divide area are up in flames. Closed until further notice and we'll just keep our hopes especially for this trail since it is such a great singletrack. Highway 14 is closed and homes southeast of it have been having evacuations. The heart of the fire swept through the Placerita Canyon area so I'm not too sure of the conditions. Just hope for good.
  Steve K a 17 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Canyon Country (Santa Clarita), CA

  Posted:07/18/2004

• Trail UpdateRode this trail on sunday 4/18. Its still one of the best, least used trails in Santa Clarita. Its nice and damp from saturday's light rain and lush and green. enjoy my brothers!
  Singletrack=100%
  Dirtshark a 41 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Landshark/ yeti from Santa Clarita

  Posted:04/19/2004

• Trail UpdateBest Local Singletrack....-Los Pinetos....talk about ONE GREAT TRAIL. We rode it 3/21, so i'm a little behind with the update though. We started our ride from Little Tujunga Canyon Rd., rode past Bear Divide, the Nike Missle Base, and Fire Camp #9. Continued across the ridge on 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Rd.) to the Wilson Canyon Saddle where we hit Los Pinetos singletrack on the right and descended Los Pinetos to Walker Ranch area of Placerita Canyon. Started the ride like 8 and ended something like 10.
  The climb from Bear Divide up to Fire Camp #9 is still the workout part of this ride as the road climbs about 1300ft. in 3 miles. The climb is still the same its always been starting with great views of the Santa Clarita Valley, then bending around the other direction for overlook of the Pacoima Reservoir, Kagel Canyon, and the San Fernando Valley. It was a little cloudy on 3/21 so the farthest we could see was the Santa Monica Mountains. No ocean view or Catalina this time. On this stretch we found a spur road just before the Nike Missle Base that leads off at least like 5 antennae stations. The spur road only goes like 1/3 mile and gives you a good overlook of the damn. Continued on to fire camp 9. The firefighters were playing their game of volleyball and were friendly like usual. From the missle base all the way across the ridge to Wilson Saddle, it was interesting to find my cell switching constantly between ATT Wireless and Cingular networks since it has the capability to do so, but i guess both companies just had strong signals up here. Santa Clara Divide is pretty much the same, just a lot greener surroundings due to the recent rains. When you look across at Oat Mountain area you can see the hills the got burned last fall in the Simi Valley/East Canyon fire. Wilson Canyon Saddle now has public restroom and I rode a little of Los Pinetos going the other direction which seems to follow the contour of Wilson Canyon Truck Trail. From the saddle, down to half-way down the mountain Los Pinetos is in perfect condition. The oak forest seems a good 20 degrees cooler and with the recent rains everything is green and beautiful. Grasses and ferns are now everywhere. good pic areas if we hadn'f forgot the camera. Speed jumps are still in good condition and there are still some waterbars to watch out for. watch your speed though. Saw 1 hiker at the saddle. Spring area still looks the same with another singletrack leading from there up to the saddle with Santa Clara Divide just up from Wilson Saddle. Spring was actually running but we didn't get any water. Continued on out of the oak forest into the chapparell which did get a little water damage unfortunately. nothing major though. Just be careful not to skid in the lower section. there were a couple skid marks previously, but looks like we're keeping it pretty good. You'll do some bushwacking in the lower section because the rain cuased the bushes to grow out and narrow the trail. The big rut is still there...just watch your pedals. Zip on through the last bottom section without any difficulty and you're at Walker Ranch/Placerita Canyon Rd. saw 3 other hikers in the lower section. all hikers were bike friendly though. Ya, los pinetos is just one of those really sweet trails we are fortunate to ride on. Especially enjoy the upper half. Happy ridin.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 13 (bear divide to walker ranch) Elevation change: +1500/-3000
  Singletrack=50% Paved Path=10% Truck Trail=40%
  Steve K a 16 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Canyon Country (Santa Clarita), CA

  Posted:04/03/2004

• Trail UpdateHad Same Experience-I've had that same experience with the horrible mud at the bottom of Whitney Canyon Fire road. The mud gets in your tires and just keeps clumping thicker and thicker. Luckily it is only the bottom section, but I reccommend waiting at least 3 days after rains. rains recently have been strong in santa clarita. Otherwise, good trail. Happy riding
  Steve K a 16 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Canyon Country (Santa Clarita), CA

  Posted:02/24/2004

• Trail UpdateWhitney Fire Road To Los Pinetos-Just did this trail for the first time in my life today. At the start of the Whitney Fire Road we ran into so much mud that our bikes got clogged and riding was imposible. Thankfully after porting our bikes about 300 yrds the road firmed up and we were able to ride. But getting the mud off the shoes and clips was a pain! The climb is fairly long and can be steep at times but the ride down Los Pinetos trail is amazing! There was a bit of water damage to the trail and we were all very careful not to skid our tires and make it worse. This is a great ride.

  I highly recomend it to everyone!

  
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 14 Elevation change: 2200
  Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=50% Paved Path=20%
  Alan Bell a 40 year old Weekend Warrior riding a K2 Razor back 3.0 from Los Angeles

  Posted:02/24/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH Rode this morning left the truck at 8:30am on Placerita and rode to San Fernando fire road. Ever sit down to a holiday meal and load your plate only to realize you are never going to finish. That was a little how I felt today as this was my first ride since December and why I picked this climb I will never know, made the whole loop though and it was AWSOME (hate to say had to rest and push a little on the way up) but the trip down was more than worth it. This is one of those trails that made me start riding. Only passed two people coming down on the way up and met about 4 others on the road but no one on the trail but me. This is a must do ride in my book.
  Steve mc a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized rockhopper fsr from Canyon country

  Posted:08/30/2003

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Rode it on Tues. Trail condition is great...it is showing a little more use due to inexperienced riders or downhill racer wannabees....skidding! Oh well what can you do except bring it peoples attention!...this ride sure is a gift to any mountain biker!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  M Westlake a 44 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized from Santa Clarita

  Posted:08/27/2003

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos Trail Is OPEN To All-Since there's been a lot of discussion here and elsewhere regarding whether or not this trail is open to bicycles I'll share what I learned today. According to Terra, who works at the Nature Center at the bottom of Placerita Canyon Park, told me that Los Pinetos is officially open to bicycles. FYI, this is not City of Los Angeles property - it's an LA County Park, thus we aren't automatically damned for eternity as we would be if it was LA City. She went on to say that only Los Pinetos Trail is open and to definitely AVOID the "Nature Trail" that runs down and through the canyon at the bottom of Los Pinetos. Fair enough!!! And, as others have mentioned, let's not treat this trail like it's part of some kind of downhill event - it's multi-use, so keep it under control at all times and be courtious to the other users. Happy Trails!!!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 14 miles roundtrip Elevation change: 2200
  Singletrack=45% Dirt Road=45% Paved Path=10%
  Tim Tommasino a 39 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Blur from Northridge, CA

  Posted:08/17/2003

• Trail UpdateFull Moon..Well Almost!-Did this ride on Monday....one day b-4 a full moon so I would say it was 7/8 of a moon!...Anyhow the trail is great some trail work has been done so it is a little wider in some sections yet loose because it needs come rain! Also WATCH OUT!!!!!!......They have cut some SERIOUS water bars into the trail & these could take you down if you are not watching for them...other than that only saw one tarantula & was able to enjoy the Magic Mountain fireworks on the way up!...(Gave me an excuse to stop!)
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Matt Westlake a 44 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Enduro w/Spynergy Xyclone Disks :) from Santa Clarita, CA

  Posted:08/12/2003

• Trail UpdateNight Ride!-Well...I have been riding my bike for over 15 years..never in So.Cal have I seen a SCORPIAN...last night I saw 2!...& one TARANTULA !...on San Fenando Road.....other than that the ride was great...it really made me seriously consider sitting down at night!...I saw them both within 30-40 yards of each other!....Any how this is a great ride esp on a summer night!...Go for it!
  M Westlake a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized

  Posted:07/17/2003

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos-Please be careful on the weekends and holidays- a lot more foot traffic with spring weather. We do not need a bad rep on this great downhill! Trail is in great shape. A real trail compared to how the once fun-filled road from the bottom of San Fernando is now a well manicured and graded bore. Remember to share it with those of us who trail run as well as ride! I double dog dare you to ride it (not walk) from the bottom up... and maybe they will open the new bathroom at the top someday soon. Not!
  Ed a Cross-Country Rider riding a old GT- but I'd rather trail run from Valencia

  Posted:03/16/2003

• Trail UpdateThe BEST Ride On Canta Clarita!-This trail is plain AWESOME! I ride it at least once a week AND I have been riding this trail for over 14 years! Today we did a HUGE LOOP using this as the "Drop"! We left from Towsley, headed south on the old road, Left/North on Sierra Hwy. to San Fernando Rd. Right to the trailhead climbed that...Droped to Placerita, south on Placerita to San Fernando, Left on San Fernando to Lions. Rt on Lions to Old Orchard Left on Old Orchard up & over the hill to Towsley!...Now that was a fun loop!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 23+ Elevation change:
  Matt W a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Enduro-Spynergy Disks from Santa Clarita

  Posted:02/21/2003

• Trail UpdateI believe that the no bikes sign is there because the bottom of the trail is in Placerita Cyn. Park which is an LA City park. We all know that bikes aren't allowed off road in any LA city park.
  Endo Verendo

  Posted:05/22/2002

• Trail UpdateShouldn't Be A Problem-Hmmm...it's funny that the sign was brought up, because I distinctly remember that "no bikes" sign at the BOTTOM of this trail too. That didn't bother me because I always rode the trail from the top down, after ascending on the fireroad from San Fernando Rd. or riding up Sand Canyon to Bear Divide.

  Of all the times I rode this trail (which was quite a bit as it used to be one of my local trails), I was yelled at by a hiker only once. However, that hiker was a crotchety old man who, frankly, seemed angry at the world in general. Overall, there was very little foot traffic on this trail and any others leading up from Placerita Canyon Park.

  It's a fun trail. I would ride it until advised otherwise.
  
  Heckler from San Diego

  Posted:05/22/2002

• Trail UpdateLos P. Access Issues-Yep, the sign at the top is still the USFS 'multi-user' sign. Half way down, there are two 'No Motor Vehicles' signs right where the trail enters the park, but no mention of bicycles. The 'No Bicycles, etc' sign is still at the bottom.

  I've done this trail 4 times now, with no ranger encounters, and all the hikers have been 'bike-friendly' (some have been surprised). There seems to be an understanding that the trail is an easement through the park, and as long as you continue directly up the road to the parking area, there are no problems. Next time I'm out that way, I'll stop in at the park headquarters and inquire (put on the soft sell) and post back here with what I learn.
  Tom Kenney a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Attitude from Reseda, CA

  Posted:05/21/2002

• Trail UpdateIs the sign at the bottom still there?
  Is says:
  "No Weapons No Bicycles, No Motorcycles"
  Is the sign at the top still the same?:
  
  
  
  ET a 45 year old from Simi Valley

  Posted:05/21/2002

• Trail UpdateLos Pinetos Trail-Did the Bear Divide/Los Pinetos loop on Sunday. Parked at the San Fernando Rd. trailhead (Viper, et al) and headed over Placerita Canyon to Sand Canyon, then up to Bear Divide and over the ridge through Fire Camp #9. Temps were cool to chilly the whole day.

  Los Pinetos is in great shape. The old wooden water bars have been replaced by large 'speed-bumps' that make for excellent jumps. Don't hit these bumps too fast or you'll be in trouble in a hurry!! Some brush work has been done on the lower section, as well as a thorough grading by the bobcat up to the first concrete water bar. Had the trail mostly to myself, except a nice lady walking her three very happy dogs.

  Go easy on this trail if you go. Not much skidding damage yet, but some. This is an excellent trail, and is more varied and pleasant compared with the 'test of body and machine' that is the Viper. This trail is not a race course, as there are many blind corners, and usually many hikers on the lower half.

  
  

  Enjoy!

  
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 10 or 20 Elevation change: 1500
  Singletrack=40%
  Tom Kenney a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Attitude from Reseda, CA

  Posted:05/20/2002