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- Saturday, December 21, 2024

Southern California Trails

Los Robles - #LosRobles

Socal - Ventura County - Thousand Oaks NickNames: #LosRobles

101 NORTH PAST AGOURA TO THOUSAND OAKS... PASS THE 23HWY. GET OFF THE 101 AT MOORPARK EXIT. TAKE A LEFT. (SOUTH) HEAD STRAIGHT TILL THE ROAD DEAD ENDS AT THE PARKS ENTRANCE.. LESS THAN 1/2 MILE OFF THE HIGHWAY. Thomas Guide page 556

Trail UpdateRosewood/Switchbacks/Los Robles-Parked at Rosewood,climed up went down Switchbacks,up Los Robles East,down Los Padres,up Switchbacks,down Rosewood.Killer figure 8 loop .A good 2 hr ride with plenty of climbing and killer descending.Trail is nice and "California dry" which makes for fun descending.You have to have good body position at all times and be lite on the brakes to avoid washouts.Always have to be careful of hikers on Rosewood.This ride has it all ups,downs,flats.
Jmomma a 43 year old riding a Santa Cruz Heckler from Newbury Park
Posted:04/28/2009
Trail UpdateSpace Mountain & Rosewood-On 1-31-09 the BOMB group rode up Space Moutain switchbacks to the picnic table (the table is back and a new bench has been added as well), down Rosewood to Lynn, grabbed the connector trail back to Moorpark Rd. parking lot. Trail surface was in good condition. Brush on the side is trimmed back. Great clear views west to the Oxnard plain with Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands in the distance from the picnic table spot. No wind & blue skies, wahoo!
Jerry (Ventura County BOMB) a 55 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek EX9.9 from Simi
Posted:02/01/2009
Trail UpdatePicnic Table?-Did a great after work ride fri 2-1. Rode from Moorpark rd up to the picnic bench. Its gone. Looked around, over the sides and in the bushes. Nada. Took Rosewood down and back over to Moorpark. Trail is in great shape, super tacky and WAY fun.
simi mike a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 05 reign 1 with upgrades
Posted:02/01/2008
Trail Update7-29-06. Parked at the lot and decided to take the connector trail over to ride Rosewood up to the picnic table overlook, then down the Space Mountain switchbacks. This trail is in great shape. Thanks to those who cut back the vegetation to the top of Rosewood and on the switchbacks. It was cloudy and humid today for our 7:45 AM departure. This trail still gets lots of use with hikers, runners, and MTB riders, so be alert to traffic. Last trail work has smoothed out some of the rough sections between picnic table and the top of the switchbacks. The nasty switchback and drop just before you cross the private road is very tame now. I like it. Everybody was smiling today.
Jerry Ventura BOMB a 52 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Sugar Race from Simi Valley
Posted:07/30/2006
Trail UpdateLos Robles East-Rode The Los Robles from Moorpark to Triunfo Park last night. Ride was in great condition. Went up the new section of Los Robles and over the fire road the Triunfo trail. The bottom half of the new section of this trail is now complete and they did a very nice job. The trail now avoids the steep and dangerous switchbacks that used to be there. The new section does take much of the challenge out but is a much better long term approach to trail use in the area. From Triunfo we went over to the fire road behind Kmart. Was able to clean the first steep hill. That is a first since all the rains. It is still hard but has been smoothed out a bit. Still a good challenge but doable. All in all a great ride and wonderful night. Lots of Toads, Jerusalem Crickets and Tarpins. Nothing like a good night ride. Check out the new Triunfo Trail. It is a lot of fun.
a 36 year old Cross-Country Rider
Posted:11/23/2005
Trail UpdateGood Training!!!-I rode this trail about 2 weeks ago goin up the switchbacks. This trail used to kick my ass but since i've been ridin more it's become a breeze. The switchbacks are good for perfecting your techniques and approach angles. Goin up the fire road is o.k but it's more challenging goin up the switchback side. I go up the fire road when i really want to pump the legs and work up a good sweat. Like previous riders have said this trail is just way too short. Good for runners and hikers. And yuppies at Amgen on lunch break!!! Ride On!!!
a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek from The Ghetto
Posted:10/19/2005
Trail UpdateSpace Mountain!-Name says it all. Occasional crazy riders to watch out for or triathalon types running on the singletrack.
Posted:10/07/2005
Trail UpdateBlast On The Way Back!-We rode this trail last Sunday while on our way back from a wedding in Santa Barbara and had a really good time! The trail ride was short and sweet but from what I understand there are lots of trail options if you want to turn it into an epic. The climb up "Space Mountain" was only a little rocky/rutted and gave us a chance to work on our switchbacks. Thanks a mucho to Hugh from North Ranch Mountain Bikers who led the way! We rode the trail at race speed which made me think at times on the way back, this is better than Disneyland! Hugh hung a left at the bottom where we took another trail that was a total blast! That trail emptied out onto a residential street where we pedaled right towards the Moorpark trailhead. A really fun 1 1/2hr ride!
P.S. We rode fast but always under control and always respectful of hikers and other riders! Thanks again Hugh! Tony wish you could have made it!
ICPAYDIRT a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Pacific Beach .com
Posted:06/26/2005
Trail UpdateTrail is in really nice shape. Rode from the end of Moorpark trailhead, up the switchbacks. Happened to brake a chain just before reaching the top and want to thank very much the four riders who stopped at the top to help me get going again. Special thanks to the gentleman who gave me a quick link.
We jammed down Rosewood to the street, but due to the chain issue we had to cut it short and headed back to the car via the streets. All in all a great, though short ride, a great day and a great appreciation of the many other rider on the trail.
Rhyno
Posted:06/26/2005
Trail Update3 Idiot Riders-I rode this trail yesterday, Wednesday the 11th. The trail conditions are great and the trail is as fun as ever. Bugs are out. But from a natural standpoint, that is about the only negative. I wish I could say the same about 3 riders that I ran into on the trail as I was making myself up the switchbacks from the Moorpark entrance. I was riding with a friend and I noticed a few riders just ahead of us. I was near the top when a Guy and a Girl came tearing down the trail on bikes and did not even make an attempt to move or get out of my way. They shouted “One back” as they went by. About 200 yards up the trail I noticed 2 bikers in the trail. Both off their bike. One was the guy that started the trail just ahead of me (going uphill) and the other was the other two riders partner (going downhill). Apparently they had crashed into each other. The downhill rider, like his partners was tearing down the trail and made no attempt to get out of the uphill riders way. Then after the crash go pissed about it and picked up two rocks and was getting ready to to fight the guy. When I came up he dropped the rocks and took off. I chatted with the uphill rider and made sure he was OK. When we got to the top of the hill I talked to some other riders that were driven off the trail by these 3 riders. Apparently they had yelled back and forth with them and the 3 riders had claimed they were part of the North Ranch Riders Club and that they knew exactly what they were doing and that all uphill riders must get off the trail when downhill riders come by. I hope that they did not learn this from the North Ranch Club. That club has always had a good reputation but I have heard some pretty bad things lately.
I would hope that all riders understand that the uphill rider is doing all the work. You should do your best (whenever possible) to let them pass and continue their workout. A few assholes on this night did not understand this. And I for one will teach them a lesson if I see them on the trail again.
Posted:05/12/2005
Trail UpdateTo The Bench And Back-Thought I`d take the new ride out and see how she likes it. Conditions are really nice. The trail is not as bad as I thought it would be after all the rain. Actually the trail is`nt bad at all just a whole lot of fun with all the new ruts,rocks and roots. Crowds were light up and down and the new ride perfomed flawlessly.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: yes Elevation change: up & down
Singletrack=100%
simi mike a 45 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 05 Giant Reign 1
Posted:03/12/2005
Trail UpdateLos Robles, Rosewood-Rode this area Sunday and I would have to say conditions couldn't be any better as the rains have packed things down very nicely. Seems that after crossing Ventu on the climb up towards the bench area that the several small rock garden areas were a bit more technical than normal..which is a good thing. Rosewood is excellent and even the notorious Dead Man's curve (the steep right hander as your descending)is much firmer and easier to handle going up or down. Another thing that was really cool was looking at some of the trees in the neighborhood below Rosewood, some of which have turned bright red as well as gold. A little taste of fall here in Thousand Oaks.
Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Old Bones
Posted:11/08/2004
Trail Update14th Annual Conejo Open Space
TRAIL WORK DAY

Saturday, October 9, 2004
(Rain Date: October 16)

Trail Users & Open Space Enthusiasts!

Meet at: Conejo Community Center, Thousand Oaks
(Botanical Garden Entrance off Gainsborough Road)

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Registration & Board Buses
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Trail Work
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM FREE Barbecue & Bike Giveaway
Sponsored by Carlson Building Materials & Giant Bicycle

This is our biggest event of the year, bringing together hundreds of Open Space enthusiasts!
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!!
For more info, call the Ranger office: 805-381-2741

Event Sponsored by CONEJO OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION AGENCY
Preacher
Posted:10/08/2004
Trail UpdateGood Ride-Rode this set of trails for the first time on Saturday, June 12, and they're in good shape! The oak-shaded singletrack climbs are like roller coasters, the long switchbacked climb is in excellent trail condition and makes for a great climb before the heat arrives. Space Mountain is like riding through a refrigerator after that climb, and the trail is a real fun ride!
The posts were there at Ventu road, along with a big stop sign, but no swinging gate. Plenty of sight-line to either side at the intersection.

EBasil riding a Fisher Cake from San Diego
Posted:06/14/2004
Trail UpdateMostly Still Good-Went from Moorpark towards Westlake on the Los Robles on Tuesday night. Took the Triunfo Single Track into the park. That thing is a mess. I was on it about 3 months ago and it was great. Very technical but fun. Well last night was a very different story. Looks like they tried to do some trail work but ended up tearing out about 1/2 the trail in spots. Lots of rocks all over the trail. Not a good ride at this point. From the park went to K-Mart and back across on the fire road. The fire road is in mostly good shape with some sand pits but nothing to bad to overcome. The area is very dry. The cow pond that normally has water in it until end of August or early September is bone dry. We are in for a long and very sad summer.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 11 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=20% Dirt Road=80%
Matt
Posted:06/02/2004
Trail UpdateLos Robles-The Los Robles trail is still in good shape and not too loose yet given the dry conditions. However when descending down Rosewood, 3 of the switchbacks have some serious silty areas which I have never seen before. I don't know if someone did some work there or not but it certainly has increased the difficulty factor when climbing them or descending.As for the area at the bottom of the 2 switchbacks descending to Ventu the gate still hasn't been put up yet.
Posted:05/03/2004
Trail UpdateMetal Posts-The metal posts are there, because COSCA is going to install a swingable gate. The idea is that they want riders to stop before crossing the private (dirt) section of Ventu Park road. There have been collisions and near misses with the residents up there in the past.
When they do put the gate in, please DO NOT go around it, as that will cause an entirely different problem.
Thanks.
Mulder
Posted:02/06/2004
Trail UpdateLos Robles/Rosewood-Rode 2-5 from the Moorpark side up to the picnic table. Conditions were great and the views were awesome. The metal posts at the road crossing I think are meant to slow people down. If a gate were to go up it would be easy to get around anyway. The descent down Rosewood was a blast as usual, and the new Manitou Min 2 forks were definitly worth the $$$.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10/12 ??? Elevation change: yes
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
simi mike a to many year old Weekend Warrior riding a 02 nrs1
Posted:02/06/2004
Trail UpdateLos Robles-Trail conditions are excellent right now just about everywhere on the main and side trails. I don't know if it's been posted on other parts of this board but there is an interesting development on the Los Robles trail where it crosses dirt Ventu road. They had put a stop sign up at the bottom of the descent from the 2 steep switchbacks as your heading W/B. Due to the fact bikers were not stopping at the sign area before crossing the dirt road they have put up 2 metal poles on either side of the trail there with the apparent intent to put a gate in there. As I was returning east on the trail coming back to Ventu there was a posted sign on the side of the trail explaining basically that nearby homeowners had complained about bikers not stopping before crossing dirt Ventu, thus the reason for putting up a gate in the future. I would imagine that if the gate is put in there will be some type of sign for W/B riders before they descend the switchbacks to the Ventu crossing--would make sense for legal reasons plus to avoid serious bodily harm to a rider coming down towards the crossing point.Keep your eyes open when you're riding this part of the trail.As the odds of running into a car using dirt Ventu is extremely slim it's probably more likely a way of protecting hikers going up the switchbacks from bikers barreling down them.
Dan from T.O.
Posted:01/11/2004
Trail Update
CORBA/COSCA Adopt-A-Trail Orientation Meeting
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2004
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
CORBA is adopting the Los Robles Trail in Thousand Oaks!
Click here for more information.

The Preacher
Posted:01/07/2004
Trail Update10/11: COSCA Trail Work Day-Correction: 10-11-2003, as in OCTOBER 11, 2003. I'm an idiot. Sorry.
The Preacher
Posted:10/07/2003

Trail Update09/11: COSCA Trail Work Day-

COSCA TRAIL WORK DAY, BBQ & RAFFLE
Saturday, October 11, 2003

Our biggest event of the year! Fun for the whole family!! Chance to win a mountain bike, donated by Giant Bicycle!!!

7:30 AM: Meet at Conejo Community Center Park in Thousand Oaks. Exit 101 Freeway on Lynn Rd. north, right on Gainsborough Rd. right at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden sign (just past the 7th Day Adventist Church). Breakfast snack. "Thank You!" Bar-B-Que and raffle after the work. This is a great event with many volunteers. (Rain Date: 10-18-2003)

Click here for a map.

Click here for more information from the Conejo Open Space Foundation web site.

The Preacher

Posted:10/07/2003

Trail UpdateRosewood, LR, Wendy, Satwiwa-Rode 'em today... HOT!
Rosewood had some very fresh looking brushwork. Near the top, I came upon the TW crew. We told each other we were crazy for being out in the 102 degree heat. I thanked 'em for their hard work. As I rounded up the next switchback, the heat peaked at 105!
Los Robles heading west is still brushy near the top, but it was freshly brushed from just before the steep hill up to the horse stables down to the intersection with Felton Trail.
Wendy Trail has been cleared all the way.
Hot? Yes. Itchy? Less.
The Preacher
Posted:08/13/2003
Trail UpdateLos Robles/Rosewood-Looks like the climb up Space Mountain is slightly more technical because of the big storm earlier in May. As you head West past the Ventu Fireroad towards the "Y" there are some spots which are getting overgrown with mustard plants-same thing for the top part of Rosewood.Lots of flowers still which means lots of bees and other flying things-also keep an eye out for snakes and ticks.
Old Bones
Posted:05/18/2003
Trail UpdateRosewood, LR, Wendy, Satwiwa-Rode 'em on Friday. Gorgeous! Flowers everywhere.
Saw a big coyote on Los Robles... got real close up behind him since the wind was blowing strong in the other direction. Gave him a "yoooot" and he took off up the hill, in about three, 20-foot leaps. Anybody notice the greater-than-usual-this-time-of-year amounts of scat on the trails?? Those coyotes are eatin' good, I guess!
Wendy Trail is reaching it's usual overgrown state, this time of year.
Stopped at Satwiwa and zoned out on Boney Mt. for awhile. Then up and over the Ranch Overlook Trail and back home.
The Preacher
Posted:04/07/2003
Trail UpdateFun 40 Mile Ride-Here is a great ride for anyone that wants to do an Epic tour of the mountains around the Conejo Valley. The loop that I did was just over 40 miles of which about 70 % was single track, 15 % was fire road and 15% was paved road. I decided to do this ride to get ready for my “Backbone Trail in a Day” ride coming up in early April. It’s a long ride with consistent up and down, but overall there are no hills that will kill the reasonably fit rider. The length, more then any one particular hill will wear you down.
I did this ride on Saturday January 11th, a perfect day for riding. I started at Decker and Hidden Valley Road. From there I did the entire Los Robles trail from end to end coming out at Potrero. Click here for more details on this section of the ride http://hypercomp.net/community/mtb/robles.shtml. The trail conditions are excellent. Even with the recent warm spell the trail is still very tacky. No deep sand pits as of yet. From Potrero I went into Sycamore canyon (http://hypercomp.net/community/mtb/images/mugu_map.jpg) via the Los Robles Trail Connector and newly opened single racks (Two Foxes Trail and the other, I forget the name) to the Backbone trail (Wood Canyon View Trail). I took this to the top of Guadalasca Trail. From here I went down Guadalasca to Wood Canyon, turned up Wood Canyon and followed it up past the upper water tower. Again, all trail conditions here are excellent. Everything is green and very “Spring Condition” like. From the water tower I continued on the paved road to the marked single track on the right before the long paved decent. I went down this trail about half way and took the unmarked, but well maintained trail on the left. This leads you back down to the main part of Sycamore canyon but is much more enjoyable then just riding down the paved Wood Canyon connector road. I came back out of Sycamore and took the Los Robles trail back to Decker and Hidden Valley.
The great thing about this ride for locals is that if you wear out before completing this ride you can escape at several places and ride home. I highly recommend this ride to anyone looking to do a long fairly hilly ride. It took me about 5:45 minutes to complete the ride. It also showed how me where I stand for my proposed “Backbone Trail in a Day” ride which will be about 74 miles long. I still have a way to go for that one. Happy riding to all.

Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 40 miles Elevation change: lots
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=15% Paved Path=15%
Matt a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider from Newbury Park
Posted:01/13/2003
Trail UpdateCOSCA TWD THIS SATURDAY, 10/12!-
Come one, come ALL! See the post below, or click here:
http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
The Preacher URL: http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
Posted:10/08/2002
Trail UpdateConejo Open Space TWD 2002-
http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
The Preacher URL: http://www.cosf.org/2001/html/cvc-trailwork.html
Posted:09/17/2002
Trail UpdateSlow Down, Be Nice, Be Proactive-This story came through the grapevine (albeit a grapevine of reputable sources), so please excuse me if I don't have all the facts. Still, it warrants a post here, as the Los Robles Trail could once again come under threat of closure.
Apparently, there was a near miss on Los Robles, about 2 weeks ago. A MTBer was heading down, "too fast" and had to bail out and crash off trail when he came upon some hikers. As if that wasn't bad enough, he got up and started verbally abusing the hikers, blaming them for his crash, and reportedly threatening them with physical violence.
One of the hikers is now on mission -- through COSCA (Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency) and CRPD (Conejo Recreation & Parks District) -- to get ALL trails closed to bikes.
Though the above is unlikely to happen (at least in the near future), the bottom line is this: we have GOT to slow down and be more careful on popular, multi-use trails. If you have to go fast & nuts, go somehwere farther away from civilization. When you ride on trails in the Conejo Valley, you need to be aware that there could be other trail users around any corner, at any time. Slow down, be nice, and maybe even do something proactive, like helping COSCA, COSTAC, CRPD and COSF with their projects that benefit ALL trail users, even MTBers. Or, just do something little, like pick up a piece of trash the next time you're out.
If the angry MTBer mentioned in the above incident is reading this, you need to personally get in touch with the above mentioned trail organizations and ultimately, with your 'victims' and apologize. "Repent, my Son. Lest this great trail be closed forever, and ye shall feel the fires of eternal damnation." Translation: If you get this trail closed, I will hunt you down.
Alright, so I got a little out of hand, but you get the point. MTBers will always be viewed as "invaders" and "bad elements" by some other trail users. Even if incidents like this are NOT our fault, we will still be the ones that risk getting the boot.
Take heed!
The Preacher
Posted:08/09/2002
Trail UpdateLOS ROBLES-We did the 13 mile loop described in the previous post on Sunday. It's pretty obvious why the far western part of this trail doesn't see as much riding as the area between Moorpark and Ventu. As you head from west to east you encounter stud hills 1 and 2. These monsters are extremely difficult to climb given the steepness and loose rutted conditions. The 2nd is worse than the first and conditions will only get looser barring a surprise rainstorm. The last descent by the fence/horse stable area is very tricky but we negotiated it doing a controlled brake slide for 50% of the way--no other choice. After that you grind up to the "Y" and than ride west eventually up the Ventu switchbacks than farther to and down Space mountain which is a great descent with numerous switchbacks, rocks and ruts. As you go back east on the fireroad towards Rosewood you get your only break from the technical riding. Rosewood is tough climb with more switchbacks and you'll be worked by the top of it. Unfortunately you now have to climb that nasty descent near the horse stable and handle the tricky descents down stud hills 1 and 2--if you have a fear of steep loose rutted descents you would be best served to get off and walk these 2 hills or suffer the consequences. Overall this feels like a lot longer than 13 miles given the demanding terrain, lots of switchbacks and tricky descents.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 13 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=5%
Wide Load a Weekend Warrior
Posted:05/13/2002
Trail UpdateLos Robles-Here's a 13 mile loop a few of us did Saturday which is a physically demanding technical ride. Starting at the far Western part of the trail off Potrero Road, head up the trail. After a mile or so of buff fast singletrack things start getting steep as you past the Felton turn off. Just past that are a couple steep climbs which are like horderves for the 3 big climbs up ahead, the first two of which come up quickly. Both of these two steep ascents were not as bad this day as on other occasions when the trail is not as packed down. Still, they are extremely difficult due to the slope which has got to run about 20 degrees. As I was about half way up each I had trouble keeping the front tire down and ended up having to walk part of them. Super Joe as we call him cleaned the first and was a few feet from nailing the second before he got caught. After the last steep descent along the horse stable area, we headed up the switchbacks than east towards the Ventu fireroad and the last of the 3 steep ass climbs which is up the 2 switchbacks-this one is definitely makeable. Than it was across the ridge and down the switchbacks from Space Mountain to the bottom. Once at the bottom we hung a left on the Spring Canyon trail. Go west about a mile until it deadends than take some pavement until you hit paved Ventu and go right down to Lynn Road. Hang a left on Lynn and in a short distance you'll find the trailhead to the Rosewood trail. It's about 2 miles from there to the top with some serious climbing through a number of a switchbacks and than back home via the Los Robles trail going same way you came. The same 2 nasty ascents become nasty descents which can be quite tricky and rutted--keep your butt back. Great ride and lots of singletrack. Thanks to Joe for the loop.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 13 miles Elevation change: 2000'
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=5%
Dan from T.O. a Die-hard Enthusiast from Thousand Oaks
Posted:01/28/2002
Trail UpdateLos Robles/ Rosewood-Well, the same trail maintenance gremlins which carved up Chesbro a few months back have done it to Los Robles now. I'm sure it's an attempt to make the trail "more user friendly"--translation:make it easier for beginners and lower intermediates. What they've done is removed virtually every wood waterbar all the way from Moorpark to past the Ventu fireroad intersection. Additionally, they have removed a lot of rock which one used to encounter up to Space Mountain and past there where the trail is more level. They have created a lot of silty bogs in doing so including at a couple switchbacks. They have left some divots and mounds as well where waterbars were removed. Thumbs down from this poster! How's the saying go"somethings are better well left alone"? Can't wait for the rains to shape things up again. Fortunately the descent down Rosewood remains unchanged.
Ride distance: 10miles Elevation change: 2000'
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
OLD BONES a Die-hard Enthusiast
Posted:10/22/2001
Trail UpdateLOS ROBLES-Took a 1/2 day off work and rode this one today. Basically rode from the trailhead on Moorpark road all the way down the Rosewood trail towards Lynn Road and than reversed course back toward Moorpark. Whenever I do this trail I like to finish it off by heading up the East trail and then riding down the Los Padres trail back to Moorpark Road. I noticed they put in a new Bridge along the Los Padres trail just before the trail starts to head under the canopy. This trail is a nice little reward for the climbing. Total distance on this ride is about 13 miles, mostly singletrack. The trail is generally in good shape with the only silty spots being in the upper meadow area and at the lower switchback near where the trail descends toward Ventu Park road--just makes it a little bit harder but still makeable.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 13 miles Elevation change: 2000'?
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
Dan a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GIANT from Thousand Oaks
Posted:06/25/2001
Trail UpdateSwitchbacks-Trail is in great shape. Rains have removed the loose stuff and the base is very firm. Rode from moorpark up switchbacks and over to the picnic table and back. Tested my helmet by falling off bridge at bottom of switchbacks (my bad). It worked, helmet dead, skull intact, darwin cheated.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: Elevation change: 1400 ft
Vern a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Raven Lefty from Simi
Posted:01/30/2001
Trail UpdateLos Robles-Rode it before the big game Super Bowl Sunday and despite the recent rain it's in good shape. Some of the wood ties have been covered over by soil/mud and the ride up to space mountain is easier than normal because of the lesser technical challenge. Once up top the trail is in the shade most of the way at this time of year so the trail is damp but not wet. Same conditions go for the switchbacks down to the neighborhood below the crest at the "Y". Didn't head over to Potrero so I can't comment on that area.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change: 1000'
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
THE BIG SHIP
Posted:01/29/2001
Trail UpdateLos Robles--East Side-Not nearly as heavily travelled as the West side of the trail. Start at Los Padres trail off Los Padres street and ride the single track until you reach the fireroad. Ride the fireroad up and hang a left at the junction. As you go east on this fireroad you'll come eventually near the K-mart area and you can ride briefly on the pavement to Triumfo park. At the far NW part of the park is the end(or beginning, depends how you look at it)of the Los Robles trail. This end of the trail starts out easy enough but soon is a hard right turn/downhill followed by a hard right up a narrow switchback with a tight left turn. You will then climb up the gravelly loose rocky surface about 5-6 tenths of a mile until it levels out.Be prepared to hike your bike briefly because the loose soil combined with the steps will cause your rear tire to spin out and stop you. Once you have crested the trail it becomes a rocky somewhat technical singletrack until you connect back to the fireroad you came in on which you can retrace your route home.I usually ride up space mountain to get another 5 miles in making the whole thing a little over 16 miles.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 16miles Elevation change: 1000-1250
Singletrack=25% Dirt Road=60% Paved Path=15%
Vern the magnificent a 40ish year old Weekend Warrior
Posted:04/10/2000
Trail UpdateLos Robles-Rode the trail from Moorpark Road towards Potrero on Sunday 3/19. The trail is in excellent condition past the Ventu fireroad area and up to the "Y". If you go left at the "Y" be prepared for some ruts as you descend towards the horse stable area. The hill near the stable is quite a challenge now as it is rutted and gravelly (coming back down it on the way back is an E-ticket ride and be prepared for a lot of dabbing/fishtailing).After you clear the hilly areas the trail is in good shape.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 13 miles Elevation change: 1500'
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
Paul a 30's year old Die-hard Enthusiast from T.O.
Posted:03/23/2000
Trail UpdateLos Robles-Rode the trail 2/6 and the recent rains have packed things down very nicely. In particular, the right and left turns near the Ventu Park fireroad are in the best condition I've seen them in a long time. I like to finish off this ride with a trip down the Los Padres trail. It's short but sweet and the chance to ride under some tree covering is always a welcome change in So Cal.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change: 750-1000
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
Pat a 34 year old Weekend Warrior
Posted:02/07/2000
Trail UpdateLOS ROBLES/LOS PADRES-The climb from Moorpark Road up to Space mountain is definitely a little loose as an earlier poster said but certainly manageable for intermediates and up.Try to make a point to ride the short but fun Los Padres trail-it's a nice little singletrack that runs from a fireroad to a exit on Los Podres street.The bottom half is heavily shaded with lots of leaves on the ground--kind of a different look than you see out here normally.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: Variable Elevation change: 500-1000
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=25%
THE BIG SHIP a Weekend Warrior
Posted:12/27/1999
Trail UpdateSwitchbacks-recent rains have cleared off the loose sand. much skidding evidence on the trail. there is no reason to skid on this trail (or many others) so cut it out. busy on sunday, riders, runners, families with little kids wandering about. Ride in control.
the sheriff was looking for night riders on Friday night. the trail is 'closed' after dark. If you 'take a nap' at the top and end up riding out in the dark, be on the lookout for Smokey at the moorpark trailhead.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
vern a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a cdale lefty from simi
Posted:11/15/1999
Trail UpdateThe trail is in dire need of a good rain. The turns up the switchbacks are very loose and silty.
Posted:10/18/1999
Trail UpdateFrom Kimber And Back On West LR-As a reminder here are a few things you should bring:
Bicycle (duh)
Large Water bottle or bladder pack
Gloves
Helmet (I don't ride with people who don't wear a helmet)
Plastic lens Sunglasses or protection goggles (you may want light amber or clear lenses depending on the hour of the ride)
Patch kit and/or spare tube
Energy gel, Engergy bar or snack bar (especially KIRK!) - Three musketeers bars are becoming a favorite among top riders
First Aid kit with pain relevier, snake bite kit, gauze and bandaids (just in case)
Riding pants/Shorts and Jersey
Shoes with good traction - there is one hill I'm sure we will all be walking so make sure you have good traction.
Tool kit
The Trail
We will be leaving from off kimber by baja fresh and the ride length is around 14 miles (6 street and 8 miles of dirt). Average speed is usally around 12 miles per hour. The fastest I have ever made it was 50 minutes. We will start up Wendy drive and across Felton to Lynn, then racing (Literally) down Lynn at around 40 miles per hour. We will turn to the trailhead just south/east of Ventu. From there we will be heading towards k-Mart on a fire road and turn north/west up to the radio tower on West Los Robles Trail. This segment will take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes and is about 1 mile long of uphill switchbacks. At the top we will continue across the mountain and down a short (100 ft) intermediate technical section. We will proceed up the next set of 3 switchbacks and turn left down a small singltrack downhill. (Or we can continue straight to quickly return to the street if we are running behind) At this point we will be heading up a 200-300 ft steep uphill (it is ridable, but most people including me end up having to walk at least part of it). The next mile is a series of smooth novice-rookie downhills which can be taken slow (5-10 mph) or at high speed (my last run over them was at 37.6 mph) - there is no medium, so plan on one of the two. We will proceed around another 1/4 mile over some small single track to Felton and depending on time, may be able to take another downhill over by the Wendy water tower. This water tower leg is around 300 ft once at the top is is an advanced segment with many rocks and dropoffs.
You should plan on pacing yourself and not spending all of your energy getting there.

Ride rating: Novice
Ride distance: 14 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=10% Truck Trail=10%
Blaster a 32 year old Downhiller riding a Cannondale Super-v 700 Freeride 4.5i Travel from Newbury Park
Posted:09/27/1999
Trail UpdateFriday PM. Trail in good shape but skunk odor was huge. Didn't meet the source :) Be on lookout on the west single track approaching the first peak. Skunks and snakes, all part of the show.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=20%
Vern a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 'Dale with super fatty (like butter) from Simi
Posted:09/27/1999
Trail UpdateTHE BIG SHIP-Rode the trail recently and saw 2 4-5 foot snakes, including a rattler that came suddenly from some bushes and ended up getting pinned under my rear wheel for a split second--it freaked the hell out of the guy behind me.Keep a lookout for those snakes. The trail itself is looking good.
a Weekend Warrior
Posted:07/01/1999
Trail UpdateHeckler-Rode the trail on Memorial Day (5-31-99). It's in great shape. Rode Los Robles East to Sycamore Canyon. Excellent singletrack with bermed turns, switchbacks and all around great condition. It seems like this trail was made just for mountain bikers (though there are plenty of hikers so be aware and courteous). Anyone who travels up the 101 through Thousand Oaks has got to ride this trail--one of the best around.
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
a Cross-Country Rider
Posted:06/01/1999
Trail UpdateMark-Rode the West trail on 4-3-99. The trail is in excellent shape. It's been about a year since I rode this last and it's better than ever. Kudos to the benevolent people who built the new section of singletrack that winds down from the top to the culdesace at Lynn Road. What a blast. From Moorpark Rd. to Lynn Rd. is now nice up and back, with good climbs on both ends and about 11 miles overall. Really fun singletrack. Looks like I'll be visiting my mother-in-law in Thousand Oaks more often now!
Mark a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Hardtail lovers from SAn Diego
Posted:04/05/1999
Trail UpdateDan From T.O.-Rode the trail recently and it's generally in excellent shape. Most of the posts here talk about the Western part of the trail only but there is some decent stuff on the Eastern part. If you start at Moorpark road ride to the sign directing you to the East and you'll ride the fire road about .5 miles until you make a sharp left. Here things get quite steep and depending on your condition you could get gassed quickly, especially in going over the wooden steps. In fact part of the trail here is so loose , rutted and steep even the strongest climbers will breifly have to get off and haul your bikes. Than get back on and climb one last steep section. From here you can take the scenic loop or bomb down into the valley on the fireroad. The fire road goes on for several miles up and down. Eventually you'll see a sign saying "los robles south". Take this right and climb the rocky single track to the ridge and hang a left. Take this until you come to the exit onto a residential street and than ride the streets to Triumpho Park. Start back up at the trail head and here you'll have some pretty challenging singletrack. Ride it until you come back to that fire road you came on originally. As your riding West, instead of going all the way back the same way you came, turn right at the sign heading to the Los Padres Trail.You'll initially take a fire road which says it leads you to Moorpark road but after riding a quarter mile or so you'll see a sign on your left which is the Los Padres Trail. Many riders out here are unaware of this great heavily shaded little singletrack which is under 3/4 of a mile long but really fun and scenic. If only this quality of a trail could go on for 5-6 miles you'd have one of the best rides anywhere. This takes you to Los Padres Street. Once there hang a left and you are back on Moorpark a short distance from where you parked.
Posted:02/22/1999
Trail UpdateThe best part is the down hill coming from the Potero Rd. entrance at the end. There are are few extreme uphills at the beggining but overall its a great training ride for both downhill and x-country.
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=2% Truck Trail=2%
Chad Jones a 16 year old Racer riding a GT back woods "decked out" from Camarillo
Posted:11/16/1998
Trail UpdateCpt.Vortex-this is a very good beginer trail no real extended hardcore climbs
some fair single tract but all in all a simple up & back hardly worth the drive if your out of the area
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
cpt.Vortex a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Litespeed from moorpark/simi
Posted:10/09/1998
Trail UpdateFor added fun: From the moore park entrance, visit the ?? loop trail on the right.(this is a very short side trip for those traveling the main trail) At the y, bear right a short but sweet descent down some single track. At the bottom, you have 2 choices. 1) Hardcore riders with turn around and use the same trail to return. 2) The rest of us will turn left onto the road. Following a short climb, we will find the return entrance on the left. Stay on the left side of the trail as it climbs back to the y.
The west portion of the trail is in good shape up to the 2nd peak (on west side of ventu road crossing). Thereafter,(further west) the trail has been 'smoothed' (some time in mid august). The resulting surface is very 'fluffy' and less fun. (loose surface, increased effort, reduced traction,...)
An alternative to riding through the fluff is to take the Rose??? (mead,mont,wood...) Trail (it is labeled at the top) from the peak down to lynn road near ventu park intersection. This trail is steep and twisty but fun. There are some signs warning of upcoming tricky bits. Do not count of all of the tricky bits being labeled.
Stay in control, this is a multi-use area.
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
M Estes a Weekend Warrior riding a Cannondale F500 from Simi
Posted:09/08/1998
Trail UpdateMud Puppy-The entrance of Moorpark Road South splits Los Robles Trail, designated East Los Robles Trail and West Los Robles Trail. The entire trail starts at the north side of the first bridge on Potero Road just west of Westlake Blvd. There is parking at the East, West and Moorpark Road entrance. The end of the West trail is about a half mile from Wendy Drive on Potero Road. The general description on this page includes Sycamore Canyon. There is no water resources on this trail. The West trail is mostly single track and the East trail is mostly fire/truck trails. Both trails are fun to ride but the east trail has many turn offs which are unmarked. The east trail has a KILLER hill on both ends. The East entrance has a 30 degree hill to climb and at Moorpark the hill is 45 degrees plus. The West trail has a windy single track climb from Moorpark Road to the top of the trail. The West trail has great views of the Conejo Valley. Each trail is about 3 miles long and are quite different in terrain.
a Cross-Country Rider riding a Proflex Animal from Newbury Park, California
Posted:05/09/1998
Trail UpdateWe Call It Switchbacks-Just wanted to note that this ride can connect to the Sycamore Canyon(listed below) area in Newbury park. This allows you to do up to 50 miles of riding in one day if you're in shape. If you want more details send me an Email.
Keith Pytlinski a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Fisher Paragon from Simi Valley Ca URL: Believers on Mountain Bikes
Posted:05/07/1998
Trail UpdateMud Puppy-Trail is fine from the rains. There is some damage. This trail is mostly single track and is technical in nature. The trail starts on Moorpark road and exits on Potero Road near Wendy drive. The above trail description includes the Sycamore canyon trail as well. Initially from Moorpark Road you go in about one mile and then go on a zig zag climb to the top of a mountain ridge. The ridge ride is almost horizontal till you come upon two 180 degree turns, over a dirt road and another small climb. Then a couple of severe 45 plus degree hills up and down. Some more zig-zags and over the top to Potero Road about 500 yards east of Wendy Drive. This is a very technical trail on the climbs and drops. Very beautiful view of the Conejo Valley. The only hassle to this trail is the ability to take a wrong turn onto another unmarked trail. It is not a trail where you can go all out and real fast because of the windy turns and technical ! terrain. The terrain changes from hard dirt to rock to loose rock and several variations in between. Most climbs and descents are windy, steep or loose soil.
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
a Cross-Country Rider riding a Proflex Animal DH from Newbury Park
Posted:04/29/1998
Trail UpdateLos Robles Single Track-THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE RIDE WITH MOSTLY SINGLE TRACK SWITCHBACK. AT THE TOP THE SINGLE TRACK WINDS ALONG THE MOUNTAIN TOPS HEADING NORTH, EVENTUALLY ENDING UP NEAR POINT MAGU. THERE ARE VARIATIONS ON THIS RIDE LIKE MANY SO CAL RIDES. ASK MOUNTAIN BIKERS ABOUT CONNECTING RIDES. DEPENDING HOW YOU FINISH THE RIDE, ONE CAN DO A LOOP THAT IS ROUGHLY 22 MILES OR SO. OR JUST RIDE TO THE TOP AND BACK IS LESS THAN 6 MILES.
SingleTrack=85%, DirtRoad=15%
{BO RIDLEY@AOL.COM}
Posted:04/29/1998

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