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- Monday, December 30, 2024
Southern California Trails
- Socal(290)
- -> San Bernardino County(27)
- -> Angelus Oaks(2)
- -> Santa Ana River Trail
Santa Ana River Trail - #SantaAnaRiverTrail
Socal - San Bernardino County - Angelus Oaks NickNames: #SantaAnaRiverTrail s.a.r.t.
There are many ways to get to Highway 38, so that part is up to you. But, once you get to Highway 38, stop at the Mill creek Ranger sttion to get your Adventure Pass. They do patrol this are HEAVILY ($100 fine for not having it). Go up Hwy 38 about 8 miles. You will come to the town of Angelus Oaks. Park anywhere around the store and post office that is there, or go farther up HWY 38 and there is a rather large turnout where the majority of the riders park. If you do park here, you must ride back to the store if you want the trail I am describing with some ULTIMATE Single-track. Right by the post office their is a dirt road that heads off into the hills. Ride your bike up the dirt road, within a about two hundred yards you will hit the first part of the trail but if you go up the road another 2 miles you will come to more parts of the trail. You can go all the way to mentone on this trail. Thomas Guide page 55-57
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- Trail UpdateRode SART from Glass road to Middle Control and back. This section of the trail is in great shape. Just a beautiful ride with the color changes.
Milehigh a 56 year old Cross-Country RiderPosted:12/02/2014
- Trail UpdateMostly A Great Ride But.....-Rode this trail today and found only two others riding together. I rode up the road that starts at the P.O. I was looking for the upper drop in but had a difficult time finding it because some logging work had moved it off the road. It is about 500 yards up the Ranger road and then 50 yards down a short road at the back of a clearing. the upper drop in isn't marked but the lower one is. It is near the P.O. maybe 200 yards up. The trail needs some serious work to make it great. The washouts are dangerous a few are not survivable if you slip. I was trying to make it to glass rd. but had to turn around about 2 mi. short due to a lack of fluids. I saw a 40-45 lb. Bob Cat running away from the trail. Made me wonder about Mountain Lions and Bears but no such luck today! You will get dusted several times by vehicles on the climb back out on M.C.R. Bring a dust mask, it worked great for me.
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Paragon a 57 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Ti. hardtail 29erPosted:06/22/2014
- Trail Update09-15-2013-Rode from South Fork Campground to store. First 5 miles rocky in spots with a few washouts and downed trees. 2nd portion past 7 Oaks road in good condition except for a few downed trees.
Milehigh
a 47 year oldPosted:09/15/2013
- Trail UpdateThanks For The Chainsaw Work-The trail from glass rd to M C R has been cleared and the sections that I could find from A O to Morton were in decent shape. what an awesome trail
HONEYMELON a 51 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '11TREK Fuel EX8 from CrestlinePosted:06/15/2011
- Trail UpdateSART Challenging This Year...-Don't fall for all the hype, about this trail. This ride is a LOT of work. The 19 fallen trees we encountered here was draining all our energies, momentum and ride pace. The massive snowfalls this year really brought down many old-growth trees. The brushy overgrowth is also downright scary, as you gotta consciously dodge them on the technical DH sections...or else they will knock you down. This year, the ride is about 60% DH and 40% not steep, but grinding climbs. Bring as much energy snax and fluids as you can possibly carry. Air up your tires to at least 33psi, as the rock gardens will constantly bang your rims and try to rip your tires wide open. Mother Nature was NOT good to SART this year. Lets hope some trees/brush/rock can be cleared, making this trail the great epic ride it once was again.
TIP: Stage one shuttle car at the small lot, off SH38 (2E03 Fireroad Trail), instead of parking at Village Home Road. Logged 27.2 miles today.
Zachariah a 47 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 2010 Giant Anthem X2 - SRAM XX/XO gruppo from Palm Desert, CAPosted:05/07/2011
- Trail UpdateGood Condition!-My friends rode it yesterday and its in good condition!
Add wildhorse trail just above southfork for a shuttle-able 7 miles of extra singletrack!
BigBearHostel a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Felt Virtue 2 from Big Bear Lake URL: Big Bear Mountain Bike Trail GuidePosted:05/10/2009
- Trail UpdateIN GOOD CONDITION?-Thinking of doing S.A.R.T. tomorrow. Rideable?
a Cross-Country Rider riding a 2001 TREK STP 400Posted:04/30/2009
- Trail UpdateIn Epic Form-sart is in epic form again
mrscaryPosted:08/01/2008
- Trail UpdateLots Of Trees Down-Rode the section behind the post office for the first time in about a month. There were about 5 or 6 new trees that recently fell and are now blocking the trail. Where's chainsaw guy?
mrscaryPosted:10/22/2007
- Trail UpdateSART Trail Conditions-Rode SART from South Fork Campground all the way to Angelus Oaks after riding from Angelus Oaks to South Fork via the fireroads.
The section just behind the restaurant down to middle control is very loose and dry and a tree is blocking the trail.....not very good conditions in my opinion...the rest of the trail is in A+ shape.
osmarandsara a 38 year old Cross-Country RiderPosted:08/04/2007
- Trail UpdateWest Not South-it should be noted that dude in the last section pedalled west out of south fork, not south. south takes you up into ...
RoundemUp a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider from redlandsPosted:05/07/2007
- Trail UpdateNice Trail!-Rode the SART last Saturday and Sunday. Last weekend was the first time out on this trail. On Saturday we rode the trail from Angelas Oaks general store about 10 miles up before getting lost. The singletrack dropping off of the initial fireroad was really cool. We didn't follow the signs saying FS 2eo3 and that proved to be a mistake as we continued on to a path less traveled that ultimately let us out on private property. We backtracked and called it a day.
On Sunday we decided to leave from the South Fork Campground and headed south on the singletrack. The first part of the ride was most excellent. The twisty, rolling, slightly downhill trail was so fun and exciting to ride. It reminded me of trails in the northern parts of California. We got to the 4-way intersection that gives you the option to continue straight, head down to the river, or up to San G and Barton Flats Campgrounds. We decided to familiarize ourselves with the campground routes. It was fun riding to the campgrounds and it felt good knowing where the trail hooks up to the 3 different campgrounds. We returned to the SART and continued on past the paved Glass Road and on down through several spring crossings. One weird thing was that there was a very muddy part of the trail that led down to a stream crossing. It seems that there was some kind of underground spring that caused the trail to get muddy. The SART is a really fun trail that doesn't offer anything too sketchy. The views and twisty singletrack can't be beat! If you ride the whole thing in one shot I figure it would be about 34 fun miles of almost all singletrack. The climbs are short and of moderate grade. We turned back when we found were we got lost on the previous day. It was a great time, I would recommend it!
ICPAYDIRT a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Pacific BeachPosted:07/06/2006
- Trail UpdateDid The Upper SART-Before it got cold, we were riding the Upper SART (little known section). Most people here talk about SART from Barton Flats tand down. Nobody talks about the section from South Fork to Seven Oaks. I however am talking about the section from South Fork up to the Fish Creek/Coon Creek Fork that's just past Heart Bar Camp Ground. We do the loop from South Fork up and back. There several crueling hike-a-bike alternate routes and the trail comes dangerously close to Wilderness (No Bikes) but overall the trail is the best part of SART (IMHO). Spotted beavers building a dam there a few years ago.
Trail starts on the right hand side of the entrance to the public campground (not the cabins) at South Fork.
Irsean a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Cro-Mo antique from RedlandsPosted:01/04/2006
- Trail UpdateFull Fingered Gloves, Go Figure-Ya, it's definitely not warm on the trail nowadays but the solution is pretty simple. Dress warmly. Rode on Sunday in the afternoon from the Second trailhead a mile up the dirt road in Angelus Oaks through the best part of SART, easily the most fun sections... but they were covered with fallen limbs and trees from the windstorm the previous night. We cleared almost all but a few were too huge (but still walkable). It's actually fun clearing branches. The trail is definitely still rideable! Just get some full fingered gloves and some tights. Enjoy.
Bhayes81 a 28 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Klein Attitude from Lake Forest, CAPosted:11/29/2005
- Trail UpdateFROSTBITE-I rode the SART today probably for the last time this season.....Had a great ride up, but everyone froze their fingers on the way down.
I rode from Glass Road (east) to the split and then one mile up to Barton Flats Campground. The trail is covered in fall leaves hiding the many rocks that have made their way onto the trail also lots of bushes and tress need a little prune. Let's not forget all those accorns, and the wash outs with thousand foot death drops. I love it.
SARTriderPosted:11/27/2005
- Trail Update11-5-2005-I am heading up to the trail tomorrow or my first ride there ever. If anyone wants to guide a small group of 2 or 3 riders down the trail or just ride with us or something do we don't get lost and/or die just send me an e-mail. We try to start our rides early. I planned to go from the post office to south fork campground, but my buddies want to whimp out so we might just make it to glass road.
ridetheraam a 20 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a tricycle from rialtoPosted:11/04/2005
- Trail UpdateAWESOME-The trail is in great condition except for a nice covering of acorns. A few bugs but otherwise a nice tour through the mountains. FYI-reference needing a adventure pass YOU DON'T. The notice of non-compliance you get has no consequence if you do not pay. Fight forest taxation-Just say no.
pauld932 a 45 year old Cross-Country RiderPosted:10/26/2005
- Trail UpdateSWEEET!-Everyone should ride this trail. The T.K. Riders were in total bliss, the views the single track just figgin awsome. The trail condition was perfect lots of acorns, small water crossing and a cool mud pit crossing. S.A.R.T. is worth the drive from anywhere in So-cal so get up there before winter. Oh yeh lots and lots of wind.
T.K. Castle a 998 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a something something from ChinoPosted:10/19/2005
- Trail UpdateNot Burned-Just rode South Fork half way to glass road and theses sections are not burned. But whatch out for those ACORNS they are super slipery.
SARTrider riding a Trek ZX8000Posted:10/09/2005
- Trail UpdateNot Burned-Rode post office to Glass Road 10-08-05. The fire did not affect this section of the trail. Watch out for the overabundance of acorns. They make things a little slippery.
threeschmidts a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a santa cruz heckler from yucaipaPosted:10/08/2005
- Trail UpdateFire?-Has the recent fire affected this trail? I know that the Angelus Oaks and Barton Flats areas were evacuated Sunday, but what is the current status?
I was thinking about riding this trail in the next few weeks.
AngliruPosted:10/03/2005
- Trail UpdateRode this trail on Sat. Had a great time. Myself plus 4 others came down from Lancaster. The trail was in great shape. Rode from Angelus Oaks to Southfork and back. All the trees that were blocking have been removed but maybe 5 of them. For the guy on the SC Nomad I hope your day got better. Will most definitely try and ride again this season.
SS Barby a 26 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2004 Marin Wolf Ridge from Edwards AFB, CAPosted:09/05/2005
- Trail UpdatePost Office Loop-Here is a link that might help. Look under SoCal Trails on the left side of page. Enjoy.
Maccoi a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Cannondale from BP URL: Mounatin Bike BillPosted:08/26/2005
- Trail UpdatePost Office Loop-I would like to find out some more info on the Post Office to Glass rd loop. How long is it, is there people on the trail on a weekend, is there alot of steep drop offs on this section, is this a good solo ride and is there a web site with a good map.
a 46 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized from Mission ViejoPosted:08/25/2005
- Trail UpdateStarted ride a little late. Rode this fopr the first time. Went from post office to trailhead off of fireroad, on to Glass Rd. Didn't now exactly where trail went to so decided to end at Glass Rd and ride up tp highway 38 back to post office. "THIS IS THE BEST TRAIL i'VE EVER RIDDEN", just wish I would've done the post office to South Fork and back to Middle Control rd loop described below. If I only knew. I'll definitely be back.
SS Barby a 26 year old Racer riding a Gt singlespeed/ Marin Wolf Ridge from Edwards, CaPosted:08/17/2005
- Trail UpdateRode SART Last Weekend..-Rode from Angelus Oaks to Southfork. Trail itself was in great condition. There are some downed trees between middle control rd. and glass rd. that you have to go around/under. The main creek crossing is much deeper and wider than it used to be. We ended up taking off the shoes and wading across and it was about mid-thigh deep. You may want to bring an extra pair of socks. All in all we probably had to get off the bikes about a dozen times for obstacles, but it's still a great ride and we only saw 4 other people out there the whole day. Also, don't leave any valuables in your car at the parking area. My truck was broken into and my buddy's wallet was stolen. We had it packed with bike gear, extra wheelset, etc. and none of that was touched -- only the wallet.
Toxic Avenger riding a Yeti from San DiegoPosted:06/14/2005
- Trail UpdateSART Current Conditions?-I'm thinking about going to SART on 4th of July weekend. Can anybody update the current conditions of the trail. I will be doing my usual route, from Angelus Oaks to South Fork and back. I was there in November and there were several trees blocking the trail. I heard it got worse with all the rains. Also, the rumor is that some of the creeks are pretty deep right now.
As always, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 37 year old Racer riding a Scalpel from IrvinePosted:06/11/2005
- Trail UpdateGlass Road To Middle Control-Yes, They are still logging this road. Lots of blowdown and the creeks are running full with runoff.
Talked to a couple of guys that had ridden South Fork Campground to Glass Road. They said it was very good.
Thanks for the DEET guys, it really helped.
Longboard1998 a 44 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Ells ID, Santa Cruz Heckler from O.CPosted:05/30/2005
- Trail UpdateAre They Still Loging The Trail-are they still working on this trail or is it now open
fireroadeddy a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Turner Flux from Capo BeachPosted:05/11/2005
- Trail UpdateThey're Still Working...-Don't bother moving the trees out of the way, the USFS is still logging the area. Whatever you might do will surely be un-done by the operations. Better to just wait until they're finished.
Smokey the BearPosted:04/04/2005
- Trail UpdateTrees Down On SART-Did SART yesterday, 3/20, and found the section of trail west of Glass Road to be very difficult due to dozens of large, downed pine trees blocking the trail. In many places there are multiple trees down all tangled up and it's very tough and time consuming to find a way through or around.
We cleared a few small logs and branches when and where we could, but without a saw you can't do much. If you have a sven saw, throw it in your pack and cut a little bit as you pass through.
The section between Glass Rd and South Fork Campground, aside from a few small trail washouts, is in excellent condition and has weathered the storms pretty well.
LoraxPosted:03/21/2005
- Trail UpdateSART's Closed-I went to ride SART today, and the fire road behind the store is gated off. I talked to two forest rangers, and they said that SART is closed from Morton Peak to Middle Control road due to logging in that area. The rangers said that it will be closed until the end of the year. Also, the loggers are going to be working weekends, so it'll be closed weekends too. The trail is open from Morton Peak to Mentone, and from Middle Control road to Southfork.
Ryan a Cross-Country Rider from Redlands, CaPosted:11/16/2004
- Trail UpdateFallen Trees!-A few of us rode the trail on Saturday 11/13. We rode from the post office all the way to South Fork and back. The temperature was in the 40's when we started, around 9. The trail surface was in great condition, a bit moist wich provided great traction.
The only problem was the multiple fallen trees that were blocking the trail. We must have dismounted almost 20 times during the ride (no exageration here). In a couple of sections, we actually had to find an alternative route to walk around the trail, as it was impossible to get over he trees and their branches.
There were some patches of snow as we got closer to South Fork, and the temperature dropped a few degrees (I was thankful for the booties, leg warmers and jacket).
The return from South Fork to the fireroad (Middle Control?)was a blast! That section of the ride is like a playground. Nobody minded the final grind up middle Control back to the cars. We all agreed that it is a very small price to pay for almost 30 miles of pure single track paradise. Overall, a fantastc ride. Fall is a great time to be on a mountain bike.
Get to SART while you still can.
Ride rating: Expert
Ride distance: 32 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Pilas a 36 year old Racer riding a Cannondale from IrvinePosted:11/14/2004
- Trail UpdateTICKET For BIKECOP-This is a good time to ride the trails, unfortunately there was
enough white stuff (couldn't be snow...) that made it cold and
sluggish in s few spots. Did see some cool bear tracks up
around Barton Flats turn off. Lots of good size limbs down
along with a few trees. Probably the last run till spring.
Ride rating: Novice
Singletrack=100%
MBM a 46 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Titus Racer X from Orange CountyPosted:11/06/2004
- Trail UpdateTrail Conditions On Santa Ana-Trails in great shape with no snow left. Best time of the year is now because the leaves are changing.
Bikecop
Posted:11/05/2004
- Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions?-I was thinking about a trip to SART on Veterans Day weekend. Does anybody know the current conditions of the trail? I'm not sure if they had snow over there during the last storm. I'm also aware that there is another one coming this weekend with the projected snow level above 5000. What is the elevation range on this trail?
I have only ridden the trail in the summer time and I was really looking forward to a ride this fall. I know that it is probably going to be cold, but I don't mind it. I just want to make sure the trail is safe and rideable.
As always, any information will be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 36 year old Racer riding a Cannondale from IrvinePosted:11/04/2004
- Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions?-I was thinking about a trip to SART on Veterans Day weekend. Does anybody know the current conditions of the trail? I'm not sure if they had snow over there during the last storm. I'm also aware that there is another one coming this weekend with the projected snow level above 5000. What is the elevation range on this trail?
I have only ridden the trail in the summer time and I was really looking forward to a ride this fall. I know that it is probably going to be cold, but I don't mind it. I just want to make sure the trail is safe and rideable.
As always, any information will be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 36 year old Racer riding a Cannondale from IrvinePosted:11/04/2004
- Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions?-I was thinking about a trip to SART on Veterans Day weekend. Does anybody know the current conditions of the trail? I'm not sure if they had snow over there during the last storm. I'm also aware that there is another one coming this weekend with the projected snow level above 5000. What is the elevation range on this trail?
I have only ridden the trail in the summer time and I was really looking forward to a ride this fall. I know that it is probably going to be cold, but I don't mind it. I just want to make sure the trail is safe and rideable.
As always, any information will be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 36 year old Racer riding a Cannondale from IrvinePosted:11/04/2004
- Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions?-I was thinking about a trip to SART on Veterans Day weekend. Does anybody know the current conditions of the trail? I'm not sure if they had snow over there during the last storm. I'm also aware that there is another one coming this weekend with the projected snow level above 5000. What is the elevation range on this trail?
I have only ridden the trail in the summer time and I was really looking forward to a ride this fall. I know that it is probably going to be cold, but I don't mind it. I just want to make sure the trail is safe and rideable.
As always, any information will be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 36 year old Racer riding a Cannondale from IrvinePosted:11/04/2004
- Trail UpdateBeautiful Day-We started behind the post office off the 38. We rode the loop and climbed back up middle control road. It was an absolutely beautiful day. The temp didn't get higher than the high 60's in the mid afternoon. Trail in good condition as usual. No bugs. See you up there.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 11.5 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=38% Paved Path=2%
Joshua a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Custom Hardtail from Loma Linda, CAPosted:09/20/2004
- Trail UpdateTree Clearing On SART-rode from south fork campground to the bottom of seven oaks road. deerslayer is right, north and south of glass road there is tree clearing going on and in a few sections the trail has been covered up with loose dirt, debris and sawdust. it's not a major obstacle by any means, although it might slow you down just a bit.
the road work on middle control road mentioned earlier seems to be finishing up. it looks like most of the equipment has been moved to another area. basically it seemed to be more tree clearing work, for the most part.
didn't notice any bugs on the ride today. the weather was excellent, a beautiful clear sky and gusty cold winds.
Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=99% Dirt Road=1%
jeremy beckman a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a specialized rockhopper from hemetPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateOh Yea...-Forgot to mention... Great word "sundry" you get extra credit for that one :)
mtnbikeman a 29 year old riding a Giant NRS from Long BeachPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateHey Now...-I hate spell check (and I was not complaining about spelling anyway). My posts have a certian stlye I'd say... at least they make sense, unless I'm drunk :)
Ride rating: Beginner
Ride distance: 1billion miles Elevation change: none
Singletrack=1000%
mtnbikeman a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS from Long BeachPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateDitto For Mtnbikeman-Before you swoop down with criticism on others, you should check your own "backyard." Your own post is littered with multiple (and sundry) grammatical, spelling, and punctuation infractions that stand out like a sore thumb. Kind of like: "He who hath no sin shall cast no stones"....or something like that.
El Jefe a 35 year old from Trabuco CanyonPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateThanks But...-Thanks for the trail update but (and I hate too one of THOSE people) can you read what you type before posting? Its very hard to figure out what you are talking about... first you say "bugs and fire crews clearing trees" then you say "no bugs here" and the the last sentance makes no sense what so ever... just made my head hurt trying to figure out what you are talking about and where the downed trees are. I will be there Monday or Tuesday, so I hope there are no bugs clearing trees :)
Peace
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 1million miles Elevation change: loads
Singletrack=100%
mtnbikeman a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS from Long BeachPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateBUGS IN THE FACE-Parked on Glass Rd. Took the forest road to 38 then came back on the SART "top half". Bugs and forest crews clearing trees were heavy on the 4.6 mi climb to 38 but I was rewarded with a great ST ride back down to Glass. Trail great - no bugs up here. Near Glass, again encountered 30' trees being pulled across trail. Kind of torn up. Still, what a was to end the day.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=40%
Deerslayer a 58 year old Weekend Warrior riding a FS Marin from WhittierPosted:09/19/2004
- Trail UpdateRoad Work Disruption-Tried to ride the trail accross Middle Control Road yesterday. The county is completing some road work and would not let me pass. I asked them why the FS wasn't completing the work and they said that it's a county road. They couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me when they would be finished. Oh, and LOTS of bugs in the heat.
JohnPosted:09/01/2004
- Trail UpdateSART Is Open-Rode a bit of the SART today with my brother. the sign at the ranger station rated the fire danger as very high but the trails were open. only saw one other rider. the weather was perfect and the section of the trail we rode was clear except for one fallen tree branch that we had to squeeze under. can't wait to ride there again.
jeremy beckman a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a specialized rockhopper from hemetPosted:08/04/2004
- Trail UpdateWas In Big Bear-yesterday and the forest is still open too bicycles (and cars for that matter)... so ride on, but no smoking and no signal fires and everything will be fine!
Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long BeachPosted:08/04/2004
- Trail UpdateHuh...-The way I read that is that until we reach the "critical" stage, the forest is still open to bicycles. Check out the link on that site to the list of allowable activities?
donkey a 27 year old riding a SS from ocPosted:08/03/2004
- Trail UpdateThanks, Cheryl-Looks like we're out of luck until fire season's over/
Dale a 23 year oldPosted:08/03/2004
- Trail UpdateForest Closures-Hi Guys,
Here is a link for recent forest closures for San Bernardino National Forest.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/fireandaviation/firerestrictions.htmlCheers!
CherylPosted:07/29/2004
- Trail UpdateThat's Cool, But-the closure didn't take effect until 2 days after you rode (Monday at noon). Probably not a problem to ride though (for now).
ChuckPosted:07/28/2004
- Trail UpdateRangers Said, "Ride It!"-
The fire signs Were marked High Danger when we rode on Saturday, but the Rangers at the Mill Creek station told us everything was open for riding. Later, at the General Store, another ranger approached us to chat while we were watering up, asked about our route, complimented us for cycling in the area and explained how she was concerned about the forest closures...but that the best thing we could do was to ride in the area.Of course, she presumed we weren't from Compton and didn't have any plans to light a signal fire in the event we got a hangnail.
EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San DiegoPosted:07/27/2004
- Trail UpdateStill Open For Mtb-That doesn't automatically mean you can't park and mtb. See link below for details. www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/images/activities-web.pdf
Ride rating: Expert
OPP URL: Forest RestrictionsPosted:07/27/2004
- Trail UpdateClosed!-dude. they closed the forest again.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/fireandaviation/firerestrictions.html
Ferdie URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/fireandaviation/firerestrictions.htmlPosted:07/27/2004
- Trail UpdateWah-freakin-hooo! SART-
We rode SART on July 24, 2004, as an intended shuttle from South Fork down to Mill Creek. The trails are in excellent condition.Day parking, without an Adventure Tax, is free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station so we left a truck there and planned to take SART all the way into the outskirts of Mentone, but then to come back "up" Fish Creek road toward the Ranger Station, rather than ride pavement into town then back up the 38. That plan failed, so I can't comment on the SART below the Fire Lookout --we had an injured rider and had to bail to the 38 for time.
At the top, we parked in the "cabins" lot across from the South Fork Campground, and hopped immediately onto the SART. The trails is mildy twisty, undulating, 18" wide singletrack with lots of shade, since it's on the north face of the valley wall. Really excellent riding and the climbs are short or gradual...like the Big Laguna Trail, but for ten miles. I missed my singlespeed...this upper section is perfect for it!
Trail conditions are really good, a little too silty/shallow sandy in spots for my Mutano 2.4's, but with no sharp-edged stuff so I was able to air down quite a bit to fix it. Regardless...more aggressive knobs would have been better. No thorns. The crossing over Glass Road surprised me: it's a highway: Stop and look for RV's ready to mow you down.
The water crossings are running, less than hub depth and totally fun to bomb across after picking a line through the rocks. We climbed the fireroad to Angelus Oaks, and it was shaded for 85% of the climb...real smooth, real mellow way to gain altitude. From Angelus Oaks, we took the singletrack back down to the fire road, ...great section and worth climbing the fire road twice to taste that. From Angelus Oaks, but now taking the fire road toward the continuation of SART to Mentone, the climb is gradual but in open sun for a couple of miles. Not bad Saturday, but this would suck in actually hot weather.
The next section of SART, heading down toward the next fire road section, is excellent. It's narrow and sketchy but not technical in several places..one of us pitched off and lost 40" of elevation in 3 seconds: dislocated shoulder. Thanks to a passing 4x4, we got him a ride out, took the last leg of singletrack before the fire road, and then blasted the superfast descent to the 38. We skipped the SART connection to the fire lookout and then Mentone, in the interests of time and recovering our injured buddy. I know this, though: it was HOT down that low.
I drank about 50oz from the top to Angelus Oaks and about 90oz from Angelus Oaks to Mill Creek... Water up.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 28.5 Elevation change:
Singletrack=77.5% Dirt Road=15% Paved Path=7.5%
EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San DiegoPosted:07/26/2004
- Trail UpdateDon't Believe It!-I see the ranger giving tickets in this parking lot all the time. You might have more luck trying to park there without the pass during the week, but the ranger's office is right across the street.
stinkyPosted:06/24/2004
- Trail UpdateHmmmmm...-You still need an adventure pass. You cannot park anywhere on highway 38 without one. You probably just got lucky.
You are right about the upper trail above jenks....well worth the paved/fireroad climb up there.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 50 miles Elevation change:
donkey a 26 year old riding a strong ti 29er from tustin URL: http://18nudepics.com/nude_areal_beaches/Posted:06/23/2004
- Trail UpdateNo Need For Adventure Pass-Just rode SART on Sat & Sun. FYI-If you park in the turnout by middle control road (about 1/4 mile past Post Office) you do not need the adventure pass. The trail is epic and you are lucky if you see another rider all day. The ride is mellow with no intense uphills, except for the ride out. Met some old guy that showed us some super-secret trails on the other side of the highway that blow away SART. Imagine a single track in a few miles of redwood trees along side of a stream, This is what you get when you cross the road. The single track we rode went almost all the way to the bottom of San Gergonio. This is by far the best single track in socal....It is tecnical and in the canopy with no sunlight with plenty of trees, ferns, log crossings, water crossings etc...I recommend it for everyone.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 22 miles Elevation change: 6000-8200
Singletrack=100%
STORMCHASER a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a SANTA CRUZ HECKLER from LBCPosted:06/22/2004
- Trail UpdateSART-We took the section of SART that goes down torwards Mentone rather than the loop. It was very fun. Trail is in great condition and the weather is beautiful. The bugs aren't that bad at all. I love the clean air and all the trees. Nature is awesome! See you up there.
Ride distance: 18 miles Elevation change: A lot
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=35% Paved Path=15%
Joshua Allen a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Custom from Loma Linda, CAPosted:06/22/2004
- Trail UpdateLink Isn't So Scary-Tom,
That link really isn't that scary. After reading it thoroughly, there aren't any items that are objectional.
Oh yeah, I advocate the pass.
CGPosted:04/06/2004
- Trail UpdateConditions(trail And Me)-We rode the SART from the turnout not the area behind the store. I found directions to this ride in The Southern California MTB guide. It is a 28 mile out and back(14 miles each way). The first 2.5 miles is on a fire road in poor repair. There are a lot of sandy sections here so watch out. Once you get to the marked SART sign you go in another 1/2 mile before it smoothes out. Make sure to bring bug repellant because the bugs are really annoying here. I don't know if its the elevation or if the trail is really that difficult but by 8 miles in I had had enough. There are some spot where trees have fallen and you have to hike around so it's hard to get into a rhythem. After everything I have said above I still have to say that this is a very fun single track section. It was worth all the trouble for the long stretched of roller coaster trails. If you are not an advanced rider in good condition I would suggest doing this portion as a shuttle. I would normally not suggest shuttling because I feel like I am cheating but the 2.5 dirt road climb really has some ba!!$. Not really steep but at the end of a 24 mile ride it really takes a lot out of you. It took a lot out of me having to ride back up it after only 13 miles! If anybody knows what the distance is on the ride from the trail head described above please post it along w/ the conditions if you have ridden it recently.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 16.2 miles Elevation change: Unknown
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple CityPosted:03/21/2004
- Trail UpdateConditions(trail And Me)-We rode the SART from the turnout not the area behind the store. I found directions to this ride in The Southern California MTB guide. It is a 28 mile out and back(14 miles each way). The first 2.5 miles is on a fire road in poor repair. There are a lot of sandy sections here so watch out. Once you get to the marked SART sign you go in another 1/2 mile before it smoothes out. Make sure to bring bug repellant because the bugs are really annoying here. I don't know if its the elevation or if the trail is really that difficult but by 8 miles in I had had enough. There are some spot where trees have fallen and you have to hike around so it's hard to get into a rhythem. After everything I have said above I still have to say that this is a very fun single track section. It was worth all the trouble for the long stretched of roller coaster trails. If you are not an advanced rider in good condition I would suggest doing this portion as a shuttle. I would normally not suggest shuttling because I feel like I am cheating but the 2.5 dirt road climb really has some ba!!$. Not really steep but at the end of a 24 mile ride it really takes a lot out of you. It took a lot out of me having to ride back up it after only 13 miles! If anybody knows what the distance is on the ride from the trail head described above please post it along w/ the conditions if you have ridden it recently.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 16.2 miles Elevation change: Unknown
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple CityPosted:03/21/2004
- Trail UpdateConditions(trail And Me)-We rode the SART from the turnout not the area behind the store. I found directions to this ride in The Southern California MTB guide. It is a 28 mile out and back(14 miles each way). The first 2.5 miles is on a fire road in poor repair. There are a lot of sandy sections here so watch out. Once you get to the marked SART sign you go in another 1/2 mile before it smoothes out. Make sure to bring bug repellant because the bugs are really annoying here. I don't know if its the elevation or if the trail is really that difficult but by 8 miles in I had had enough. There are some spot where trees have fallen and you have to hike around so it's hard to get into a rhythem. After everything I have said above I still have to say that this is a very fun single track section. It was worth all the trouble for the long stretched of roller coaster trails. If you are not an advanced rider in good condition I would suggest doing this portion as a shuttle. I would normally not suggest shuttling because I feel like I am cheating but the 2.5 dirt road climb really has some ba!!$. Not really steep but at the end of a 24 mile ride it really takes a lot out of you. It took a lot out of me having to ride back up it after only 13 miles! If anybody knows what the distance is on the ride from the trail head described above please post it along w/ the conditions if you have ridden it recently.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 16.2 miles Elevation change: Unknown
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple CityPosted:03/21/2004
- Trail UpdateConditions(trail And Me)-We rode the SART from the turnout not the area behind the store. I found directions to this ride in The Southern California MTB guide. It is a 28 mile out and back(14 miles each way). The first 2.5 miles is on a fire road in poor repair. There are a lot of sandy sections here so watch out. Once you get to the marked SART sign you go in another 1/2 mile before it smoothes out. Make sure to bring bug repellant because the bugs are really annoying here. I don't know if its the elevation or if the trail is really that difficult but by 8 miles in I had had enough. There are some spot where trees have fallen and you have to hike around so it's hard to get into a rhythem. After everything I have said above I still have to say that this is a very fun single track section. It was worth all the trouble for the long stretched of roller coaster trails. If you are not an advanced rider in good condition I would suggest doing this portion as a shuttle. I would normally not suggest shuttling because I feel like I am cheating but the 2.5 dirt road climb really has some ba!!$. Not really steep but at the end of a 24 mile ride it really takes a lot out of you. It took a lot out of me having to ride back up it after only 13 miles! If anybody knows what the distance is on the ride from the trail head described above please post it along w/ the conditions if you have ridden it recently.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 16.2 miles Elevation change: Unknown
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Mrkcy a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant-Iguana from Temple CityPosted:03/21/2004
- Trail UpdateLink Isn't So Scary-Tom,
That link really isn't that scary. After reading it thoroughly, there were only a few items that are objectional. The rest are pure SC hogwash.
Follow up can be taken over to the boards.
Oh yeah, I hate the pass.
gc
GCPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateHEY, TOM (NON-SART CONTENT)-So, Tom, I guess it's safe to say you are AGAINST the Adventure Pass/Fee Demo program......so am I.
Ride rating: Expert
Concerned Constituent a 41 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateSome More A-Pass Reading-While some mention of the A-Pass should be in this section, the discussion really should be over in the Message Board. That said, here are a couple things to read...
Wild Wilderness - Primary Supporting Documents
Wild Wilderness - Smoking Guns WARNING! SCARY READING!
Wreckreation: Paying to play on public lands
Adventure Pass - some things to consider...
Most importantly...remember, WE are the government. WE should not accept what the politicians tell us about OUR budget...WE should be setting that budget by contacting the politicians WE placed in the positions of power.
Tom Kenney a Cross-Country RiderPosted:12/13/2003
- Trail UpdateNice Anon Post...-why dont YOU stay home you LOSER... I'll ride in the snow! Its a nice change of pace and REAL MTBers generally dont mind tougher conditions (makes us stronger) I just LOVE how some local jackass thinks he owns the mountian... and last I checked this is a democratic state and people have the right, no the obligation to speak out when they feel something is not right... personally I don't mind the adventure pass fee (been buying a yearly pass since they started the program)... and while I ride a nice bike, I drive a POS and like it that way (its worse then a VW bus, but I'd rather put all my money into riding). Just this ANON buttmunch telling me to "stay home"... Dont think so Mr.High-and-mighty, unless there is a forest service closure I'll be riding the SART as often as I can get out there... and get over yourself, guess you think the "other" riders are not as worty as you to ride SART? You are sooo tough to write a lamer post and not even back it up... Hope I see you out there sometime so I can show you how to really ride, and oh yea... GET OVER YOURSELF!
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: the whole dang thing Elevation change: lots O' up and down
Singletrack=80%
Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant MCM Team from Long BeachPosted:12/12/2003
- Trail UpdateWhat?-I have no problems with paying for a lift ticket at a resort that has an infrastructure (and liability insurance premiums) to maintain. I've been going to Summit yearly since ’96 and will never complain about the cost. For the price paid there, you get maintained DH trails, all mountain access via chair lift ($$$) for multiple DH runs (as well as access to the top of off-site XC trails), and you’re close to on-site rest room facilities and food service. I’ll gladly pay for the "convenience" of the lift, which is something not available at my local riding spot (thank GOD!). However, at least at Summit you still have the option of not paying the lift ticket and riding up via the fire roads. No Extortion Pass needed to ride here, eh?
However, your logic just doesn't seem to work for trails in the National Forests. You state below that "the money does go for facility/trail upkeep". Just what facilities are there at SART? A praking lot? Oh boy! How about San Juan Trail? Wow, another parking lot! Yeehaw! How about at Mt. Wilson? I ride these trails because I want to get away from the maintained trails and facilities. Anybody here think that SART would be better if all of the rocks, downed trees, and obstacles were gone? I didn’t think so.
You want me to post what I ride? I ride a $750 singlespeed, and I drive a nice new SUV. So what?
Oh, and who really gives a crap about how much racing costs. That has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
Smokey the Bear's rectum a Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/12/2003
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-I agree that we should pay for the pass, but let's not act like the forest service maintains the trail. It is private groups and users that maintain the trail.
this is lamePosted:12/11/2003
- Trail UpdateSART-I want all you guys that are bitching about the Adventure Pass to post how much you paid for your bike and the gas guzzling pickup/suv that you drove up the mountain in. If you're on food stamps, riding a $300 10 year old Stumpjumper and driving a 30 year old VW bus, then you can bitch about the $30, otherwise shut up and buy the pass. I've ridden SART many times and I don't think I've ever seen any 10 year old Stumpjumpers. Actually, quite the contrary, more like $2500 Santa Cruz's and fancy suv's in the parking lot.
And don't give me that crap, "I paid my taxes and the rangers just sit on their ass." The money does go for facility/trail upkeep, and is paid for by the people that actually use them. The precentage of your income taxes that go to the Forest Service budget is miniscule, probably less than .001%. For those of you that are math impared, if you paid $3000 in federal taxes last year, $3 went to the Forest Service budget. Traditionaly, most of the FS operating budget came from royalties and fees paid by the industries that make money off those public lands that you and I own. That would include mining, logging, cattle grazing, etc. But as more environmental restrictions came along those activites and the monies from them declined, consequently the FS budget also declined. One of the ways to compensate for the loss of that revenue was the Adventure Pass program. So unless you want to open up public lands to more use by those industries, get off your high horse and pay the $30.
Or go skiing. Have you checked what it costs for a lift ticket? They're on public land and ski area operators pay a royalty to use those lands. But the infrastructure that has been installed on that public land is being paid for by your lift ticket along with some profit for the operator. So, in a way you're paying them twice, taxes on the public land the ski areas occupy and the lift ticket cost. So why shouldn't we pay some of the cost of upkeep for a trail system to ride on? Or maybe we should have private operators take over the trail systems, like ski areas, do the upkeep and charge a fee. Oh yeah, they all ready do that, it's called Mammoth Mountain Bike Park where it cost $10 per day for a trail pass. And that's just the trail pass, it's $30 for a lift ticket. They can charge that cause even though it's on Forest Service land, the public land that your and my taxes pay for, IntraWest built and maintains the trails, so they can charge us to ride on them. What about Snow Summit? They can only charge for using the lift. The main trail system at Snow Summit are FS trails. So even though SS built and maintains the main downhill trails, they've decided its not worth the effort of trying to charge xc riders to use them. So xc riders get at break at Snow Summit. And you don't need an Adventure Pass cause the parking is within Big Bear City limits. What a deal huh?
Bottom line, I'll pay the $30 for a parking pass and call it a good deal, way cheaper than Mammmoth or any of the big "Bike Parks".
Oh, and one more thing. The average cost of a mountain bike race here in So Cal is $35 and the prize list is a $2 medal, cheap plaque, or if you're lucky, a State Championship Series jersey at the end of the year. Anyway, I don't see too much bitching about that.
So let's sum up, $10 a day to ride at a bike park or $350 to race 10 times with maybe a chance for a crappy medal or if you're really lucky, a jersey. Or $30 to ride great trails all year. If you don't think you should pay anything, then stay home and ride your bike at the local park. It never ceases to amaze me that people will think nothing of paying $2500 to $3k for a nice bike, drive a gas guzzling SUV and then bitch about the $30 Adventure Pass cause they think they deserve the trails cause they paid for them with their taxes.
Oh yeah, how much and where is the snow? Can you still ride from the Post Office to Glass Road and back?
Just sign me,
Bought my pass and not bitching about it.Posted:12/11/2003
- Trail UpdateSnow-Well there's snow on SART as of today so ALL you losers can stay home now.
Sick of thisPosted:12/11/2003
- Trail UpdateI'm Not Going To Pay.....-It should make no difference where someone lives. I pack out what I pack in on every ride and I'm just not going to roll over and pay a fee due simply due to other people's (or another sport's) incompetence. Sure, it's "only" $5 a day or "only" $30 a year, but when they try to stick it to us again by increasing the fee in a few years, or by trying to implement more wonderful fees, are you guys still going to pay because it the "right" thing to do?
You people STILL don't get it. This Adventure Pass is nothing more than a glorified parking pass and a means to generate additional funds needed to PAY FOR THE RANGERS TO PATROL FOR THE PASSES! It's a vicious circle and these passes aren't contributing ANY additional funds into the National Park's budget. I see more rangers spending time looking at people's cars for passes than helping the forest or people in need. On a more interesting note, the Forest Service doesn't even have the funds necessary to collect unpaid citations (which by the way are only the cost of a daily pass ($5), not the $100 as stated above). So feel free to get a citation and throw it away (when you get home, of course).
Come on you spineless bunch of people. Stand up for our rights and just say "no" to the "Extortion Pass".
Smokey the Bear's johnson a Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:12/11/2003
- Trail UpdateYou're Clueless-People like you who live far away and come up for the ocassional trip have no idea what goes on in the Forest. Smokey's point was that the pass is there to compensate for moronic behavior, so smart people don't have to deal with the effects of chronic abuse in the forest. The pass funds don't pay for altering the environment, Nimrod.
Joe Tooley from Big Bear CityPosted:12/11/2003
- Trail UpdateForest Pass Is The Greatest!-I have been buying forest passes for six years. They are great! In fact, this year I lost two of my passes so I bought three total this year. I bet we will see some new paved roads and toilets soon. Come on people, don't you know our government needs more money? Taxes are not enough. The newest allocation of pass money is going towards removing all those pesky rocks on the SART. We need to tame the forest with money. I'm hoping that eventually all the SART will soon be paved so we can open it to rollerskaters. Come on pay up! Show the government that you are an apathetic, mindless population who enjoy getting raped year after year.
jpr a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from TorrancePosted:12/10/2003
- Trail UpdateGood Points Both Ways, But...-When they first instituted the Pass, I spent a year or two getting in shouting matches with Rangers because I parked anywhere I wanted without a pass - after all, I had spent my whole life using the forest sanely, cleaninng up other people's messes, putting out abandoned campfires, etc. But we should all realize the the Pass came about to pick up the unanticipated costs of people trashing the forest, having no respect.
This spring, c'mon up to the big parking lot north of AO after the snow thaws. You'll be sickened to see how much crap is left behind by ignorant snow players. Then those of you who don't want to pay the fee can spend the day clearing out the trash. It sucks, but we have to pay for other people's ignorance so that we can enjoy the forest. The key is education. Stop, be nice to people, but remind them to clean up after themselves, or not to damge the trail. If you're nice to people, they'll heed your advice.Oh, and Eman, I ride the trail more than you can imagine - maybe someday I'll show you how it's done.
Smokey the BearPosted:12/09/2003
- Trail UpdateNo Snow Yet-Five of us decided to try and get in one last ride up here before the snow comes.The forecast for today was possible showers,but what the heck, we were going to give it a go anyways.Man, am I glad we did.The trail was damp but no puddles.The traction was superb and the weather, well the weather was lacking.I'm a desert rat at heart and love the heat.Give me a MTB ride in 100 degrees any day versus one in the 50's.But today was not that bad.As long as you stayed peddeling.Temps were in the 40's but not to bad.The rain did come but it was more in the form of a mist instead of a rain.The trail has changed since I rode it earlier this year.A lot more fallen trees and some parts of the trail are disintegrating.Not as bad as some places and it's still rideable, but it takes the fear factor up substancially.We saw zero other trail users and we logged some good miles.We did 31, and I'm not exactly sure what the route was, but we were out there for 7 cold hours.It was worth it though as this is one of the funnest trails in the San Bernardino mountains.Next storm in should close down this trail for the year, I think.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10% Truck Trail= %
Pain Freak a I dont want to talk about it year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02/Surly 1X1 (Mighty Whitey) from FontanaPosted:12/07/2003
- Trail UpdateProblem-Problem with that is, they are not asking what your primary purpose is for the use of the "pass".We are all interlopers in the eyes of some, weather it be hiking, biking horseback riding, etc.This is already another mismanaged government debacle.The amount of money wasted at our governments hands is what has us in the state we are in today.We/they need to stop the wasteful spending and do it right.No more money should be allocated towards programs that can't prove they are running properly.The "pass" is a perfect example of whats wrong in our government today.Want to make a change?Get rid of the professional politician.Do not re-elect these turds.Let them know at every opportunity that an "office" is a temporary position and it's to serve and then go back to your regular job.Sorry about the rant.I need some more coffee.
Pain Freak a I dont want to talk about it year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02/Surly 1X1 (Mighty Whitey) from FontanaPosted:12/07/2003
- Trail UpdateH'rumph!-Good points on the forest adventure pass, at issue for me is access. If "all" mtn.bikers buy a yearly pass every year, we would most likely be the strongest paying user of the NF, thus we should have a strong voice when it comes to debate on access issues... right now IMBA does a little but otherwise mtn.bikers are the lil'bitch of the forest and we always seem to be getting slapped around when it comes to access... here we have a way to "buy in" on trail rights! -but we could use a little more organization. My two cents
-Peace
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: as many as it takes Elevation change: any time any where
Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long BeachPosted:12/06/2003
- Trail UpdateLet's See....-You’re OK with paying for parking at the beach. But haven’t I already paid for this in my city/county sale tax and my state income tax? I pay bridge tolls for the Golden Gate bridge. I pay building plan check and permit fees and sewer and water fees? And what about camping fees in state and federal campgrounds?
The reality is most city/county/state/federal services are underfunded. (The reasons for this are beyond the scope of this argument.) When I pay for the Adventure Pass, my money goes where I want it spent.
As to my comment on greens fees etc, I consider part of the fee just the cost of my chosen recreation. Which, at $30/year, is certainly less than one round of golf or a day on the slopes.
As for my “blanket of anonymity”, Eman from Trabuco certainly narrows down who you are!
Thanks for taking the time to expand on your position; I just don’t have the same take. It’s time for me to get off the computer and get on the bike. As my brother always says, “Just shut up and ride!”
a socially conscious, generally good guy a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Ti hardtailPosted:12/06/2003
- Trail UpdateIt's PUBLIC Land.....-It's a national "public" forest, not some amusement park that was built for entertainment. Parking at the beach? I can understand this as most beaches are county or city property. As for the green fees and lift tickets? These are fees to pay for MAN MADE facilities, which I gladly pay to use. National forests are already allocated funds from the tax revenue that’s collected from you and I pay. Why should we be forced to pay twice for incorrect budgeting?
We're talking about PUBLIC forests here. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a cheapskate. Even if the fee was only one dollar, I still wouldn't pay simply based on the basis of the fee.
Also, why does one only need to pay only if one drives to the forest? You don't need a permit to use the forest, only to park. This is absurd. End of rant.
By the way, next time, post who you are instead of hiding behind the blanket of anonymity – putz!
EMan a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Uzzi SLX from Trabuco CanyonPosted:12/05/2003
- Trail UpdateBe A Real Man, EMan!-Pay the fee, you putz!
I get tired of these weak-a$$ arguments by a bunch of freeloaders. You pay to park at the beach; you pay for greens fees and lift tickets. Help the forests out, buy the pass.Posted:12/05/2003
- Trail UpdateBuy A Pass? Are You Joking?-Do you even ride? Why in the heck are you advocating the purchase of an Adventure Pass? These silly passes amount to nothing more than double taxation. As a tax payer, the taxes I pay Uncle Sam pay should be all I need to access our "public" forests. What a crock!
Screw the forect service. I'll never buy an "Extortion Pass", have never paid a citation, and never will.
EMan a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Uzzi SLX from Trabuco CanyonPosted:12/05/2003
- Trail UpdateHuh?-Do you even ride? Why in the heck are you advocating the purchase of an Adventure Pass? These silly passes amount to nothing more than double taxation. As a tax payer, the taxes I pay Uncle Sam pay should be all I need to access our "public" forests. What a crock!
Screw the forect service. I'll never buy an "Extortion Pass", have never paid a citation, and never will.
EMan a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Uzzi SLX from Trabuco CanyonPosted:12/05/2003
- Trail UpdateHuh?-Do you even ride? Why in the heck are you advocating the purchase of an Adventure Pass? These silly passes amount to nothing more than double taxation. As a tax payer, the taxes I pay Uncle Sam pay should be all I need to access our "public" forests. What a crock!
Screw the forect service. I'll never buy an "Extortion Pass", have never paid a citation, and never will.
EMan a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Uzzi SLX from Trabuco CanyonPosted:12/05/2003
- Trail UpdateNot True - Pass Is Required-Despite rumors posted here to the contrary, Adventure Passes are required at all times. Besides, why do you want to cheat the FS out of money they need to upkeep the forest due to inconsiderate visitors. Stop being cheap and splurge the $30 for the pass. Then you don't have to worry about it tickets for a year.
BTW - If the deputy sees you park at the post office with no bussiness there, you'll get a ticket. It's open everyday for locals to get to their boxes.
Smokey knows.
Smokey the (burnt) BearPosted:12/04/2003
- Trail UpdateThanks For That Info.-So sundays, and the last Saturdays of the month are both free days. Thanks.
Posted:11/19/2003
- Trail UpdateGreat Ride-We started at about 1 pm and it was a little chilly. Once we got going we warmed up though. Just so everyone knows, I talked to the lady at the convience store beside the post office and she had some god news. On Sundays she said it was ok to park in the post office parking lot without an adventure pass since they are closed on Sundays. I did and had no problems. We started up the fire road and jumped on what I think was the 2nd entrance to the trail. We went down the single track about 6 1/4 miles until the trail stopped at a fire road. Instead of jumping back on the trail accross the road we went up the fire road back to post office beacuse I had a flat tire. It sucked jogging beside my bike for the last 2 miles rather than riding it. Besides that, this was an awesome ride.
Ride distance: 8.5 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=5%
Joshua Allen a 23 year old Weekend Warrior riding a custom from Loma Linda, CAPosted:11/10/2003
- Trail UpdateThe Fires...-Wasn't sure how expanisve the fire was when I drove off Sat Oct 25. They had closed the freeway 30 to big bear. So had to take 38 and decided to ride SART. Bugs were prevalent as ever. Started at the second Entrance Past the Post office. Rode to middle control road and gave up because of the bugs. Rode back up middle control road, past the post office and back to the car. The fire had moved closer but wasn't in any real danger. They had closed 38 into big bear by the time I left.
If you want to escape the bugs, and willing to travel, Mount Waterman (short but challenging singletrack ride to the top) is virtually bug free as is Mt. Pinos (on the beautiful McGill trail), and Mt. Baldy/Thunder moutain (truck trail) (which is sure to be shut down from the fires). If OTOH you want to find even more bugs try San Sevaine ride up to the Joe Elliot Campground (spelled san seviane here on this website) and the bugs will eat your face off.
Posted:11/02/2003
- Trail UpdateLots Of Enforcement-Got 2 tickets on Sunday 10-18-03, one for no Adventure Pass, and the second for littering. Some trash fell out of my truck, and the ranger saw it on the ground. She told me they have a major problem with people littering. My friend was parked in front of the Ranger station. The ranger left a note saying that's private property and the residents can have you towed if they want. Better to park WITH a pass and a clean truck at the turnout above Middle Control Road. The bugs seem worse than they were in September.
Gary Hajesk a 24 year old from FontanaPosted:10/23/2003
- Trail UpdateStill The Best Trail In So. Cal-I rode the trail this morning starting at the loch leven conference center off hwy 38, up the old abandoned road to Angeles Oaks, drop in to SART on the second entrance about a mile or so up the road behind the post office, rode the best downhill singletrack anywhere, rode up middle control road, and back down the old road to the car.
I've done the "post office loop" and the "boy scout loop," and I'd rank the "Loch Leven loop" as both more challenging and rewarding.
According to the paper posted at the general store, that whole area could burn down any day. So hurry up and ride up there before it gets too cold or burned up!
oh, and the gnats are still there. The good thing is they can't keep up on the downhill.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 19+ miles Elevation change: ?
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=25% Paved Path=25%
Stark a 31 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Fisher Sugar 2 from Highland URL: come ride with us some time!Posted:10/04/2003
- Trail UpdateStill The Best Trail In So. Cal-I rode the trail this morning starting at the loch leven conference center off hwy 38, up the old abandoned road to Angeles Oaks, drop in to SART on the second entrance about a mile or so up the road behind the post office, rode the best downhill singletrack anywhere, rode up middle control road, and back down the old road to the car.
I've done the "post office loop" and the "boy scout loop," and I'd rank the "Loch Leven loop" as both more challenging and rewarding.
According to the paper posted at the general store, that whole area could burn down any day. So hurry up and ride up there before it gets too cold or burned up!
oh, and the gnats are still there. The good thing is they can't keep up on the downhill.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 19+ miles Elevation change: ?
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=25% Paved Path=25%
Stark a 31 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Fisher Sugar 2 from Highland URL: come ride with us some time!Posted:10/04/2003
- Trail UpdateBugs Will Bere Here For A While-Cindy -
Too bad about your experience. Be careful. To answer your question, the bugs will be here until we get the first cold weather this season. It'll take cold temperatures for a few days straight to make them go away. The large amount of late spring rainfall we had earlier this year has made the whole mountain system full of gnats.
Smokey The BearPosted:09/24/2003
- Trail UpdateBad News Bugs-Ugh! I rode the same day as you Old Bones. Yes, the bugs are VERY nasty. My boyfiend and I swallowed a bunch, and thought nothing of it - until we got home a couple of hours later. I vomitted for an hour straight before we went to the Emergency room. By that time my face was all puffed up and itchy, too. The doctor said I had some allergic reaction. I don't see what else it could have been but the gnats. Bottom line: be careful about the gnats. Not swallowing them is almost impossible, but try not to. When do they go away?
Ride rating: Expert
Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change: 1000 feet
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=25%
Cindy a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT from Long BeachPosted:09/24/2003
- Trail UpdateSART-Rode this trail for the first time recently and was very impressed. It was a rather hot day (a good 90 even at this elevation)so it made the ride tougher than it would be under cooler conditions. If you ride it in the next couple weeks be advised that the gnats are swarming big time in a few areas of the trail--seemingly where your on an uphill so you can't escape. I must say the amount of gnats is almost biblical in scope as you literally would be in a cloud of hundreds getting bit repeatedly. Now as for the trail it is excellent. The first mile or so is easy rolling singletrack with a switchback or two. Later on though the trail contours the side of a steep canyon with some significant exposure on your left side. If you are jittery in exposed areas you might want to walk a couple of sections here and there. By the time you hit a fireroad (Middle Control?) things are much more tame exposure wise. This next section is a blast as you roll up and down though some prime singletrack. You'll cross a creek than head up again for some more. Be careful around a few right turns which come up quickly--we saw one where some rider obviously came in too hot and went over the side. There are no really long climbs until you get close to a paved road than cross over to the other side. Here there is some sustained climbing for a couple miles or so but nothing brutal. Eventually you pass the turnoff to Barton Flats where there are water spigots--note there are no spigots to refill at at South Fork so if you're running low head to Barton Flats. On the way to South Fork campground there are some ups and downs with some more exposure at times and a couple small washouts but generally the trail is in good shape. When you hit South Fork you can head on back for a mainly downhill ride until the fireroad climb back to your cars or if tired you can bail out and ride highway 38 back to your parked cars for 10-11 miles. Overall, one of the best trails around.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 31miles Elevation change:
OLD BONESPosted:09/23/2003
- Trail UpdateLooking Down From 2n10-Thanks for the advise... I took a trip to BigBear to ride some of the great XC trails around Summit, and find access points down to 7 Oaks ect... looks doable, but going solo might not be the best idea, I don't think there will be many good "bail-out" options once I hit the flats above SART... maybe set a campsite up around there and do more checking around... I think there is also some wildlife areas (no bikes) that make the trip longer... time to hit up REI and get some area trail maps and then "improve" them like you always have too. Thx again... anyone else think this sounds like fun let me know, I ride mostly on weekdays.. -Peace
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: ???miles Elevation change: many ups and downs
Singletrack=??%
Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long BeachPosted:09/02/2003
- Trail UpdateHey MtnBikerMan --Good luck getting to BB city. I guess it's do-able, but you'd have to jump off SART, get down to the SA river by 7 oaks or Camp Radford, and get on one of the fire roads (1n54, 2n06). That's a short trip right there, but then you'd have to climb the fire road 3000 feet (7800-4800) in about 4 or 5 miles just to get on the ridge south of BB. Then it's all downhill about another 8-10 miles to BB. Then you can have a beer, turn around, and get back to wherever you started. I advise you try it when it's cooler.
Old Man a 101 year old riding a schwinn 10 speed from naturePosted:08/20/2003
- Trail UpdateCorrection On Unbearable Heat-SART Does not cross highway 38! It was Glass Road that I crossed (AFAICT from the maps).
Agreed about the last part to the post office. It is a bear climbing back up on the return trip and if you are going at walking speed the flies are all over you. A lot of people just park at the entrance to the wide fire road that intersects the SART (it's only a short distance past the post office).
Posted:08/19/2003
- Trail UpdateSART: Post Office To Campground-Did this one actually last week, I was lucky in that the day I was there, there were storm clouds and overcast conditions made the ride very enjoyable. In fact only my second time visiting this trail. I did ride up and then a little ways past the campground... the trail gets a bit confused and I am wondering what it would take to get up to Big Bear Lake from there. The stream crossing were flowing and deep in certain spots (I think there was a T-storm the day before) but just made the ride that much more fun... The trail is in excellent condition, and since the last time I was there all the trees that had fallen across the trail were gone and made the trip seem shorter to the campground... the way back was tough, that last section heading back up to the post office is very rutted and soft, so climbing that was not possible... and there were like a million flys buzzing all around which I kept inhaling, but I guess they are good protien. Great trail... and I think a doable ride to get to Big bear city without using a car!
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 32 miles Elevation change: lots O' up and down
Singletrack=90% Truck Trail=10%
Mtnbikerman a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS from Long BeachPosted:08/19/2003
- Trail UpdateUnbearable Heat-Well even the mountains were no shelter from the unbearable humid heat that's afflicted us for the last week or so. Ran out of water real fast (1 liter + 32 oz. Sorry, can't convert). Rode a few miles past where the SART actually crosses over to the East Side of Highway 38. SART really kicked my butt this time and what I remembered as an easy ride back was labored. I walked back up to highway 38 from the dirt road and (Thank goodness) the post office was a few hundred yards (downhill) from there.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: ?? miles Elevation change:Posted:08/19/2003
- Trail UpdateDid Sart 2 loop and Sart 1 on different days. Sart 2
was awesome. Started at post office, went up
fireroad to the second entry. The loop we did
ended on the fireroad (middle control) which we
ascended back to hey 38. You can make another
loop starting at the other side of the fireroad. The
trail will connect with another route which goes all
the way to the sart 1 campground east or west
back to middle control fireroad for a longer ascent
back to the start. Lots of exposure on first
singletrack.
Ride rating: Advanced
a 53 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a enduroPosted:08/04/2003
- Trail UpdateNever Mind About The "Loop"-Okay, just got clued in. The looping trail that I read about was SART II which is a different trail. The SART described here is the non-looping trail that ends at the campground.
Got a clue. a Cross-Country Rider riding a trek 7000Posted:07/24/2003
- Trail UpdateHow Do You Complete The Loop?-Hi. Just wondering about the Loop that is SART. I started behind the post office where there is a dirt parking lot. From there I went to the campground and turned back and went back on the same trail i came up on. Where does the SART continue at from the Campground? I did not see how this trail loops. Any help would be appreciated.
BTW - does anyone have data on distance to the campground from the post office (in Angelus Oaks).
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: ?? miles Elevation change: will not kill you.
wondring a Cross-Country Rider riding a trek 7000Posted:07/24/2003
- Trail UpdateSART Route-I'm thinking about riding SART next week. I rode there once, a couple of years ago, but I don't remember the route very well. I recall starting by the post office, not in the first single track but in the second one, I believe a couple of miles after. We did a loop that dropped us back on a fire road. Then we descended for a while and made a right onto another single track section that took us all the way to a campground right by Highway 38. I would like to repeat the same route, but there were a couple of forks after we took a right from the fire road section, and I don't remember the exact direction we followed.
Can anybody give me a more accurate description of the route from the post office to the campground? I would like to get info on mileage for the different sections and which turns forks to take. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Pilas a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Cannondale Hardtail/ from IrvinePosted:06/29/2003
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Rode SART on 6.17.03 Great conditions. Creeks crossings are not to deep. It actually felt good. Would like to thank all the people that didnt come out to ride that day. Did not see a single person up or down all day. Its amazing how fast and fun it can be, when you have the trail to yourself.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 21 Elevation change:
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Jose a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized from VenicePosted:06/17/2003
- Trail UpdateHave Fun Overhauling Me..-I really didn't enjoy being completely submerged in that murky cold mountain water. I could sure use some maintenance now. I hope I don't freeze up on you unexpectedly during the middle of some epic ride sometime soon.
Your Hubs a 1 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a fun trail one last time from the graveyard of mistreated bike componentsPosted:05/18/2003
- Trail UpdateTHE WATERS NOT TOO DEEP!-Did SART twice this weekend on 5-17 and 5-18, it was an awsome ride other than when one of my buddys broke his pinky.(go figure)
Crossed that river 6 times just for fun.
If you've never done this ride, Go for it!
BULLIT riding a 5th Elemental Santa Cruz BullitPosted:05/18/2003
- Trail UpdateSART In Good Condition-Did an out and back today, starting from the bottom of Middle Control Rd. The only muddy spot was the steep climb after the first major stream crossing (stream was a little to deep to ride across). Also had to dismount twice for downed trees across the trail, other than that, the trail was in great condition.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 22 Elevation change: 2500
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=5% Truck Trail=5%
DirtCrab a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Not long for this world Titus Racer X from San DiegoPosted:05/17/2003
- Trail UpdateI Am The Real Smokey.-There is an imposter in the midst. The REAL Smokey (me) isn't concerned about SARS and AIDS - that's city stuff. I am concerned with all things in the forest, in particular with the SART. As long as it's respected when you ride it I don't care if you call it Buttcheese.
Smokey the BearPosted:04/07/2003
- Trail UpdateSART-SARS... That's very tasteful Smokey. Why don't you just call it AIDS. That will have more impact, don't you think?
Veery tasteful...
TurtlemanPosted:04/07/2003
- Trail UpdateSARS It Is!-SARS it is!
ppikPosted:04/04/2003
- Trail UpdateImportant Update-Still cool up here but the snow is almost completely gone. Some mud still in spots the sun don't shine. **Important Update** To avoid confusion with an apparent namesake in Orange County that starts just north of Newport Beach, SART will now be know as SARS (Santa Ana River Singletrack). That's right - SARS. Spring is here so be nice to the trails and don't forget to be courteous to other riders.
Smokey The BearPosted:04/04/2003
- Trail UpdateSnow.-There's about two feet of snow on the ground, making the trail hard to navigate and easy to destroy. Smokey suggests we give the trail a rest until spring.
Smokey The BearPosted:02/26/2003
- Trail UpdateThe Whole Thing-Don't try to park at the store. Right across the street, over the berm is a state parking area (small) that nobody uses. Needs an adventure pass.
Anyway: Ride past the store and porta johns, on dirt rd. for 1/8 mi to signed trail head, take a right and descend another 1/8 mile to signed junction with SART 2E03. Go left and gently climb for about two miles before it hits a dirt rd. and the singletrack ends. reverse your rt., scream back and pass the junction where you came down from AO, continue descending down to an exposed creek crossing, then on through two short fire rd. climbs, cross Glass rd., keep keeping on past a few switchbacks till you reach South Fork Camp and Rt. 38. Turn around, ride back to your car saving enough juice for the thirty minute climb up the switchbacks out of the valley to AO. You've just done most all the singletrack you can get on SART starting from AO without enduring long stretches of fireroad. Some's in the pines, some's in oaks, some's in chapparel, but it's all windy, narrow, a good bit of it's exposed with some rocky and unfortunate runouts. An amazing and priceless ride. About 5 hours solid.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 36 miles Elevation change: 2000
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
trailbuilder a 48 year old Cross-Country Rider from Claremont, CAPosted:02/12/2003
- Trail UpdateToo Many People!-I took my kids up on Sunday the 22nd. Boy, what a fiasco! We couldn't park by the store because the Sheriff told us it was for the post office only. After that we parked a mile from where we usually do.Then we tried to get some snow riding in, but couldn't even get started because of all the people sledding. When we got back to the truck, someone had dented the side and didn't even leave a note. What happened to this place? It used to be the deal.
Tom McClintock a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from HighlandPosted:12/26/2002
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T-Rode the trail last weekend. Man was it cold! If they get any more snow up there I'd say wiat until Spring to ride. That stuff is miserable riding.
Jon Busch a 26 year old Racer riding a Tricke out Giant xtc NRS from YucaipaPosted:12/05/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-Rode SART from the Thompson Hunting Grounds trailhead. May just be the best conditions I've ever seen. As we gained altitude from Angeles Oaks, rode into the snow. Trail from the hunting grounds back down to the trailhead at Angeles Oaks is maybe 80% covered in snow, but still a blast and worth the climb.
The remaining trail was, to use an overused word, awesome. Also some snow/ice at the campground turnaround. The creek crossings are not too deep at the moment, but that water is cold. It was also chilly, even in the middle of the day, wear/take warm clothes. Get out and ride SART in the next couple weeks if you can.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 38 miles Elevation change: 3000?
Singletrack=95%
Ed MorrisPosted:12/02/2002
- Trail UpdateSART Open-The SART is now open. This info obtained from the mill creek ranger station. Happy Trails!
ted a 38 year old Downhiller riding a k2 from lake forestPosted:11/27/2002
- Trail UpdateDon't Mess Around SART IS CLOSED-I called the Forest Service, and it's true: SART IS CLOSED. They told me anyone caught in closed areas will be fined. The sounded pretty serious about it, so be careful. Normally I'd ride anyway, but I'm not even going to try this time.
PsychoRider a 39 year oldPosted:10/08/2002
- Trail UpdateSmokey Knows-I told you. Be cool. We can resume having fun when things get safe again.
Smokey *The* BearPosted:10/07/2002
- Trail UpdateSART On SBNF Is Closed!-Any portion of SART on the San Bernardino National Forest is closed indefinitely(I know I work for the Forest). Expect it to be reopened whenever we get some real rain or snow. If you ride it anyway, be careful, you could be fined up to $10k. I recommend contacting the SBNF directly if you need more info, (909) 383-5588.
mtnthcPosted:10/07/2002
- Trail UpdateSART *IS* Closed!!-OK knuckleheads, this is supposed to be an intelligent forum for an exchange of information about SART. Turns out Smokey The Bear is correct. All offroad areas including trails in the SBNF are closed until the first significant precipitation. I saw this on the news and called Mill Creek Ranger Station (909.794.1123) to confirm. Check out the link below if you don't believe me. Apparently this is the driest year on record in the mountains, and the forest service doesn't want to take any chances with fires. The rangers are patrolling the area. We don't want to get a bad reputation with the people who control access, so let's do what they're asking us. If we ride smart, we ride forever.
Paul Gonzales a Weekend Warrior E-mail: http://www.sgwa.org/fire_restrictions.htm URL: http://www.sgwa.org/fire_restrictions.htmPosted:10/07/2002
- Trail UpdatePuh-leeze!-Any fool knows SART starts just north of Newport! Duh!
Mtncranker a 49 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Titus Loco-Moto from La MiradaPosted:09/13/2002
- Trail UpdateSART Has Been Moved-SART has been moved to a location that is more easily accessible to city folks. Please access SART from it's new entry point in Laguna Beach. This also will allow more of the public to see your fancy jerseys and tight pants. Thank you for your cooperation.
Smokey The BearPosted:09/12/2002
- Trail UpdateSART----Is Not Closed-Called and talked to the supervisor's office for the San Bernardino National Forest(909)383-5588. They said the trail is not closed.
Bob a 35 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Gary Fisher Sugar 3 from Irvine, CAPosted:09/05/2002
- Trail UpdateSART Is NOT Closed!-This trail is not closed. We are riding there this Sunday. I contacted the Mill Creek Ranger Station (909) 794-1123 and verified this. I did not believe Smokey the Bear anyway. It is 1.5 hours from Orange County and it would be a shame to do the drive and find this out.
While I am here I will describe our ride. It is a 22 mile out and back. We drive down the Middle Control dirt road about 2-3 miles until you see a metal gate on your right. There is a marker for the SART trailhead. Park off on the side and be sure to have your adventure pass. Enter at the gate. It is wide single track for about 1/2 a mile. You pass a fork about 400 yards in. Stay straight here. Going right will take you up towards the town of Angelus Oaks and then on and on and on to Mentone? By staying straight the trail keeps going through the forest. 100% Singletrack heaven. There are a few creek crossings and some technical stuff but for the most part it is rolling single track. After 11 miles and one road crossing you come to a campground. We rest here then turn around and go back. It is more uphill on the way out to the campground - but nothing gnarly. Out and back is a blast. It is way worth the 1.5 hr drive. I think all of the postings below speak for themselves. We have done this ride and the Post Office loop. We prefer this one by far. Why ride on that fire road?
Anyway, SART is not closed. E-mail me or call for yourself if you need any other info. If you are out on Sunday 9/8 look for me, Tom and Bob. Happy Trails!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 22 miles Elevation change: 1400
Singletrack=100%
Dave a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Gary Fisher Hardtail from Laguna Niguel, CAPosted:09/05/2002
- Trail UpdateSmokey the bear has been smoking!!!!
Posted:09/05/2002
- Trail UpdateHmmmm......-Not sure. Obviously we need to do some research on it. I think I'll go up on Saturday and see if it's closed or not, and report back on Monday!
Anyother researchers care to join me?
Mtncranker a 49 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Titus Loco-Moto from La MiradaPosted:09/05/2002
- Trail UpdateClosed??-Is the post below really true???
BULLIT a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Fith Elemental Santa Cruz Bullit from LakewoodPosted:09/04/2002
- Trail UpdateSART Closed As Of September 1-The trail will be closed from Labor Day 2002 through Memorial Day 2003. Please stay in the city during this time period. Your cooperation is greatlty appreciated.
Smokey The BearPosted:09/04/2002
- Trail UpdateUmm... Helped What? Your Ego?-Didn't bother to yell back cause I've never run into a trail situation like this. Not because of a lack of concentration. I later stopped for a pair on my uphill as they came downhill. This seemed more sensible since I'm going a little slower. BNIK.
I ride plenty polite. This was a new situation. That's all.
Posted:09/04/2002
- Trail UpdateGot Water?-I swear I felt like an F1 driver - the prep was engineered with only drops of hammergel and water left in the end. PF, dude, you should have made the last 6 of ST.
Other than a couple loose switches, trail conditions were great.
Ride distance: 32 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=96% Dirt Road=4%
Silent Bob a 26 year old riding a Token 01 Truth / 00 JokerPosted:09/01/2002
- Trail UpdateThat Was Us-Apology accepted.I've lost concentration myself while on a hard trail.It would of helped if you'd just yelled back sorry though.
Pain Freak a Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02 from FontanaPosted:09/01/2002
- Trail UpdateOne Day A Month No Pass Required-Got lucky today. Apparently on the last Saturday of each month there is no need to purchase an Adventure Pass. But always check at the ranger station. Don't simply take my word for it.
The trail is very narrow so when you meet another cyclist the convention is the person climbing uphill has the right of way while the person going downhill must yield the right of way. I was initially confused when I met the first group of riders, sorry.
Also bring lots of water. I brought 3.5 liters (heavy) and that was not enough for the round trip to the Campground and back to the post office. Didn't bother to get some water at the campground. You could probably do with 2 liters of water and then refill at the camp. I drank most of the water on the way to the campground (mostly uphill).
Yes, the trip to the campground (I guess north on the trail) is tough. I didn't have time to eat today before I rode. Big mistake! On the return trip from the Campground I was feeling great and going at a good clip since the way back is *mostly* downhill. I did bring some snacks but not much. Once I hit the dry dusty wide fire road just past the gate blocking SART I started losing steam and by the time I hit the first parts of the trail where there are fast and step-like downhills going to the campground (now you have to climb them) my tank was empty.
To add to this I've been working graveyard shifts this week and I was awake at 10:00 AM and by the time I was at the trail it was already well into the Afternoon. By the time I got back to my car it was very dark. Mosquito? or fly constantly buzzed my head on the way back (ugh!!) I almost missed the uphill trail leading back to the car too.
Despite these problems it's a beautiful trail with shade everywhere. Some parts of trail are dusty and loose and some sections are very rocky. Your butt will be hurting.
Also watch out for that white gate on the way back. You'll be going very fast when the gate looms at the end. For some reason I couldn't tell it was the gate until I almost rode through it. I must have hit my brakes about 25 ft. before almost slamming into it full force going downhill. Lucky me, I just adjusted my brakes this friday. No squeal no brake jacking.
Well in any case I made it back and in one piece.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: Elevation change: surprisingly not humungous
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Exhausted a Cross-Country Rider from Rowland Heights, CAPosted:08/31/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-Rode from the back of the post office in Angeles Oaks to South Fork campground. I believe it's about 12 - 13 miles each way, so 24 - 26 miles round trip. There were "no parking" signs everywhere around the country store and post office (and you should take these signs SERIOUSLY because the owner of the store was about to tow a car that had been parked in front of his store for only couple hours). If you look across the highway 38, there is a side road with a ranger station and a plenty of parking area as long as you have adventure pass. Also you can drive up the dirt road behind the post office and you can find a parking in short distance- with adventure pass.
Anyway, the SART is an absolute jewel. Wonderful single tract through forests with nice combination of swith backs, some modest climbs, exposed areas with majestic views. The trail is in great condition except for several mildly eroded areas with loose traction. I agree that this trail is not for the beginners because of the length and in some sections if you were to fall you would seriously hurt yourself.
Also don't forget to refill your hydration pack once you reach the South Fork campground. On the way back I had to fight the dehydration on top of fatigue in climbing back to Angeles Oaks. The restaurant makes great hamburger.
Long live SART (and the big deer that I saw)
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 25 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=95%
Turtleman a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from anaheimPosted:08/26/2002
- Trail UpdateGreat Workout, Great Fun!-I rode the short loop twice. It took about three hours. The first time down I flew over the handle bars. Speed+sand+front brake=pain. This was my first crash on a mountain bike. It's a dangerous single track, but that's what makes it fun! The second time down I saw a deer just off the trail. This is a beautiful place to ride.
Paragon a 45 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Gary Fisher Paragon from Circle CityPosted:08/03/2002
- Trail UpdateRode It For First Time Recently.-What a fun trail. It sort of reminds me of the nordic cross country race trail up by snow vally, except up there you pay with a climb, ride a fire road, then have your fun going down. At SART (at least from the store back to the parking turnout) you have your fun, then suffer up a big long hot fire road. If I was in better shape I'd ride it twice to make the trip more worthwhile.
It is an outstanding trail, but not for beginners or the faint of heart. Some of the rocky parts would seriously hurt if you went down. There were no wet crossings this time of year and the trail seemed in good shape.
I'll be back for this one.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
Stark a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Sugar 2 from Highland, CAPosted:07/17/2002
- Trail UpdateIts All About Respect!-In regards to many of the postings below, I have been riding SART for years and also work for the Forest. For the most part SART has been an unregulated MTB'ing paradise. Its imperitive that we mountain bikers treat the trails, environment, other people with respect! Short-sighted inconsiderate riders WILL get these trails closed to bikes! SART has some of Southern California's best MTB'ing, lets not let our EGOs, pride, or pure stupidity get these trail closed to riding. And if you can't seem to handle treating the environment, trials, and others with respect, get your self a motorcycle, quad, or personal water craft goto 'Glamis' or 'The River' with all of the other motorhead Neanderthals!
Chris,
Chances are I know the 'Ranger' who threatened to give you a ticket, she is not a bitch, in fact she is a very highly regarded Forest employee! She could EASLIY have a GREAT INFLUENCE on whether or not these trails stay open to MTB'ing, so next time swollow your pride, play it cool, and give the lady and trail some respect!Right now SART from South Fork to Mentone is ours, lets keep it that way!
Anonymous a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a top of the line mountain bike from nearbyPosted:07/09/2002
- Trail Update6-2-02 Conditions-Rode sunday it seems that horses were on the trail and made things real loose and soft. Didn't realize horses could do that much damage to a trail. Loose rocks and holes every where and talk about soft "wash out" city. Be carefull until it packs down again.
Share the trails
Posted:06/03/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-Rode SART over Memorial Day weekend. Was wandering what we would find considering the posts for this trail over the past few weeks. But considering the dry conditions, the trail is in pretty decent shape. We took the road from the Post Office over to the hunting grounds trail head, which is about 4 miles and involves a bit of a climb. But believe me, it's well worth it as the payoff is about 6 miles of the best singletrack downhill this side of Mammoth. If you don't want to do the climb all the way over to the hunting area, there is a trail access point about a mile or so from Angeles Oaks you can access the trail and add on some downhill.
There was some traffic, but not bad. And as we've been riding SART for a few years now, I didn't think the trail was getting too much abuse. We only saw 2 or 3 guys on downhill rigs. I think there's just too much pedaling to make it worth it for downhill rigs. SART is really a cross country riding trail, which is a good thing as it keeps the worst of the downhill crowd away and the coresponding trail damage. SART is the best trail around, no debate about it.
The loop we did, which included the extended downhill and all the way to South Fork Campground and back to Middle Control road is 38 miles, according to the alitimeter about 4000 feet of elevation and took us with a couple regrouping spots about 4 hours.
Ride rating: Expert
Ride distance: 38 miles Elevation change: 4000 approx
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
Ed Morris a 47 year old Racer from So Cal AreaPosted:05/28/2002
- Trail UpdateJPR, You Ignorant Slut-Boy did you just tattoo youself LOSER. You're just some fool flatlander who thinks the mountains are your backyard to trash. I work for the sheriff's department, and I can tell you the rangers can, will, and should give morons like you tickets.
Calling a spade a spadePosted:05/09/2002
- Trail UpdateChris, I Understand-Ignore all the idiot responses to your posting. There is no such thing as going "too fast" on single-track. No ranger has the authority to tell you how to enjoy the trail. If they want to write you a ticket, just take off or give her B.S. information.
Too many rangers play GOD and think they know what's best. As long as your not riding anything motorized or shooting up the forest with guns, you're fine.Everybody Relax.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=100%
JPR a 29 year old riding a cove stiffe from TorrancePosted:05/09/2002
- Trail UpdateDon't screw it up for us you loser. It's to bad the Ranger didn't give you a ticket and tell you never to come back.
For a Ranger to give you a "lecture" you must have been a real idiot.
We need to go up there and watch out for idiots like you, not the Rangers.
Next time you go up there put a name tag on saying A******, that way we'll know who to "lecture". Long live the Rangers.
Posted:05/09/2002
- Trail UpdateChris, Grow Up!!!-I've never ridden SART but it's in my near future riding plans. If it gets closed because of irresponsible riders like yourself, it would be a huge loss to the rest of us who respect the rules of the trail. Instead of "Tearing Up The Trails" as you put it why don't you take your young immature ass out and do some trail work to help restore some trails that have been torn up by inconsiderate punks like yourself??? Don’t let me catch you or I’ll turn you into the rangers myself..
Rick a 39 year old Weekend Warrior from San DiegoPosted:05/08/2002
- Trail UpdateChris, You're Brainless-It's assholes like you that give mountain bikers bad names. All it takes if a few cases of what happened to you to guarantee that no one else is able to ride the trail. If I see someone doing what you did on the trail, they'll be hearing from me. In fact that's a good idea for anyone else who rides responsibly and sees something like this: tell the idiot to ride smart.
Joe S.Posted:05/08/2002
- Trail UpdateHey Chris......-You guys need to slow down and stay on the trails.
You wouldnt like it if the next time you went up
there to ride there just happened to be a sign
saying no bikes!!!Be smart....
CrzyRidr3Posted:05/08/2002
- Trail UpdateSART 5-4-02-Me and my friends were tearing up the trail behind the store and got harased by this ranger. She said we were going too fast and not staying on the trail.She said that we were going to ruin the trail. She lectured us for like a half hour and said next time she would give us tickets. What a bitch! Next time we just won't stop. Other than that the trail is really cool, just watch out for the rangers.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change: 1000 feet
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
Chris a 21 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT STS 1000 from YucaipaPosted:05/08/2002
- Trail UpdateSART On 4-28-02-Forget your El Prieto and San Juan Trails and throw in Old Camp and Chantry Flats for good measure. Roll them all up and you still get more miles out of SART! It was a little under 1.5 hours for the drive from OC, not too much more than the aforementioned locations. Too bad it cannot be an after work ride! You get pine tree shaded single track, stream crossings, oak trees, rolling single track through grassy meadows, roots, rocks, logs and more.
SART is the best combination of single track, technical fun to be found for two wheels in SoCal. I got too carried away and rode more miles than I should have. Fifteen miles outbound and 12 miles return. The first five after the Post Office are a fast roller coaster single track that swoops through the trees. Despite the narrow, twisty course, I managed to hit 19 MPH on some part of it. My grin was bigger than Jack Nicholson's "Joker" in Batman. The next five miles very gradually climb back towards Hi 38 with lots of fun challenges. At one point I had a bad shift and almost dropped down a rocky canyon as the trail was less than a foot wide. Not a place for equipment malfunctions! At Hi 38 you cross over and start a steady uphill climb. I gave up at 15 miles as I knew I could run out of time on the return trip and was unsure just how much further the trail went. At this point I took a short break and then turned around.
Back downhill was fast! To maybe the 22 mile point, that is. I was pretty tired and took a fire road shortcut that saved me three miles but was still a slow 2 mile uphill for a tired but happy MTB'er.
I highly recommend full knobbies. I had a Veloci-Raptor on the rear which was perfect. The Hutchinson Python on front didn't perform so well on cornering until I dropped the air pressure. A front knobby would have been better for hard cornering in the sandy soil. The soil was still damp from the rain so I got away with pretty good cornering with the front.
Temps were cool at the 10:15 AM launch time, maybe 55 degrees. Conditions were perfect the rest of the day The altitude runs between 5 - 6K and the effects didn't seem too bad. There were few hikers of MTB'ers on the trail so I had very few encounters.
I also saw all of the trail overruns and it look as if folks were going to fast through corners and exited poorly and off the track.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 27 miles Elevation change: <1000
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
Jim a 48 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2001 FSR Enduro from Huntington BeachPosted:04/29/2002
- Trail UpdateSART On 4-28-02-Forget your El Prieto and San Juan Trails and throw in Old Camp and Chantry Flats for good measure. Roll them all up and you still get more miles out of SART! It was a little under 1.5 hours for the drive from OC, not too much more than the aforementioned locations. Too bad it cannot be an after work ride! You get pine tree shaded single track, stream crossings, oak trees, rolling single track through grassy meadows, roots, rocks, logs and more.
SART is the best combination of single track, technical fun to be found for two wheels in SoCal. I got too carried away and rode more miles than I should have. Fifteen miles outbound and 12 miles return. The first five after the Post Office are a fast roller coaster single track that swoops through the trees. Despite the narrow, twisty course, I managed to hit 19 MPH on some part of it. My grin was bigger than Jack Nicholson's "Joker" in Batman. The next five miles very gradually climb back towards Hi 38 with lots of fun challenges. At one point I had a bad shift and almost dropped down a rocky canyon as the trail was less than a foot wide. Not a place for equipment malfunctions! At Hi 38 you cross over and start a steady uphill climb. I gave up at 15 miles as I knew I could run out of time on the return trip and was unsure just how much further the trail went. At this point I took a short break and then turned around.
Back downhill was fast! To maybe the 22 mile point, that is. I was pretty tired and took a fire road shortcut that saved me three miles but was still a slow 2 mile uphill for a tired but happy MTB'er.
I highly recommend full knobbies. I had a Veloci-Raptor on the rear which was perfect. The Hutchinson Python on front didn't perform so well on cornering until I dropped the air pressure. A front knobby would have been better for hard cornering in the sandy soil. The soil was still damp from the rain so I got away with pretty good cornering with the front.
Temps were cool at the 10:15 AM launch time, maybe 55 degrees. Conditions were perfect the rest of the day The altitude runs between 5 - 6K and the effects didn't seem too bad. There were few hikers of MTB'ers on the trail so I had very few encounters.
I also saw all of the trail overruns and it look as if folks were going to fast through corners and exited poorly and off the track.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 27 miles Elevation change: <1000
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
Jim a 48 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2001 FSR Enduro from Huntington BeachPosted:04/29/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-We rode SART 04-24-2002 from above the Post Office down to Middle Control and then back up. The Trail for the most part is in good condition.
There are a few problem areas where there is a lot of erosion from people riding to fast and skidding. This is tearing up the Trail. Some other Riders keep going off the Trail making new-banked corners every chance they get.
This is a great place to ride. Lets keep it that way. It wouldn’t take much for some environmental group to shut this down as it parallels the Wilderness area.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 9 miles Elevation change:
Milehigh a 43 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Gary FisherPosted:04/28/2002
- Trail UpdatePlease Be Cool.-Some of us ride SART on a regular basis and really notice when the trail gets damaged. Recently (between 4.17 and 4.24) some hack rode the portion between the store and Thomas Hunting Grounds and left all kinds of marks where he or she couldn't stay on the trail. This probably doesn't apply to most of the folks who post here, but let's all remember that if we damage the trail it's not gonna get fixed 'til we do it ourselves. Let's live the 'low impact' philosophy to keep the trail great. Thanks.
A localPosted:04/24/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-Went riding 2-10-02 and conditions were relatively good still. Started at the bottom of the Morton Peak fire road and rode up via the old Highway 38 to Angelus Oaks. Then took SART back down to Mentone. A most excellent ride! North facing slopes and areas that stay shaded most of the day were snowy and icy. If it stays this warm should be even better by the next weekend, . . .
Ride rating: Expert
Ride distance: 31 Elevation change: ~4000+
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=10%
mtnthc a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Litespeed OBED from Yucaipa, CAPosted:02/13/2002
- Trail UpdateSART-Went riding 2-10-02 and conditions were relatively good still. Started at the bottom of the Morton Peak fire road and rode up via the old Highway 38 to Angelus Oaks. Then took SART back down to Mentone. A most excellent ride! North facing slopes and areas that stay shaded most of the day were snowy and icy. If it stays this warm should be even better by the next weekend, . . .
Ride rating: Expert
Ride distance: 31 Elevation change: ~4000+
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=10%
mtnthc a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Litespeed OBED from Yucaipa, CAPosted:02/13/2002
- Trail UpdateAngeles Oaks A Must-The trail is in great shape right now. The hard pack has some moisture making for excellent tracking through this pristine forest. I ride this trail on the weekends and sometimes at night. There are very few ruts right now and the temperatures have been warm enough for short sleeves during the day. Need I say more? We did the loop that starts at the post office through the downhill single track (which starts 1.5 miles past the post office) and back up the fire road. When you come out for the first time onto the fire road there is another section of single track across the fire road that brings you further down on the same fire road. This section is dangerous as there are rock slide areas but if you can make these sections- it can be a lot of fun. Now for an alternative message for those that have been there this past weekend... I hope someone has come across my camera that I left on top of my friend's car as we left the parking lot of Hwy 38. It is a small Minolta camera that has film with all my family x-mas pictures, etc... It means a lot to me and I would offer a reward to anyone that could call me and turn it in. My phone number is 909.897.5105 and email is bill@comworksdg.com.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 14 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
Deep a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a great from RiversidePosted:01/14/2002
- Trail UpdateSART In The Winter!-Must have been mtnthc's tracks I saw up there yesterday - there aren't many tracks on the trail this time of year. I did an afternoon ride from the second trail crossing 1.5 miles above the post office down to Middle Control Road. That downhill side of the trail wants to reach out and pull you in if you get anywhere near it! The trail condition couldn't possibly be better. But beware - someone has ridden up the trail on a motorcycle and torn a deep rut or two in the switchbacks.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 9 miles Elevation change: 1000 ft of climb
Singletrack=66% Dirt Road=33%
SartMan a 44 year old riding a Jekyll from CalimesaPosted:01/10/2002
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail - Angelus-Road SART out of Angelus Oaks for the past two weekends. With the exception of a very little bit of snow and some rock fall, the trail is in excellent condition for riding. Will probably be heading there this weekend!
Ride distance: 20 Elevation change: ?
mtnthc a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Litespeed OBED from Yucaipa, CAPosted:01/10/2002
- Trail UpdateSnow Fest-Yes, I actually rode SART today, sunday Dec 16. I drove up to Angelus Oaks and parked at the Post Office. Chains were required any further on 38. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to ride, so I hiked up the road behind the Post Office. Not being too icy, I hopped on my bike. I rode past the sign where the trail cut-off is up to the next starting point, about 2 miles. Some 4x4's had been on the road, but when I got to the trail, it had not been ridden since the last snow. The 4-6 inches of untouched snow made for some tough climbing and sketchy downhill. (At certain points I could lock my front wheel and it would just slide as I pedaled) Definately a different kind of riding! I made it all the way to the control road that leads back up to the turn-out. Slipping and sliding all the way up, it ws a cardio-fest, very chalenging, and very pretty. Try It!
Ride rating: Advanced
Singletrack=75% Truck Trail=25%
Tom Huge a 26 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Jamis Dakar-Comp (any other Jamis fans out there?) from LA URL: AboutTom.comPosted:12/16/2001
- Trail UpdateSART In Mid-November-I rode SART on 11/13 after the rain the previous nite. It was cool, but with some warm clothes it was fine. The trail was pretty rock hard, no dust. There was some serious traction going on. There was no mud at all, except near the stream crossings. Just get off the bike and walk these. This ride is awesome. I saw nobody the whole day. I would say that with a few more rains or snows, that the trail will be unrideable until spring. This is one of the best days of riding in my recent memory. The apple fritter at the mid-way point, sitting in the sun on a picnic table, was sublime. There is some snow up on the higher peaks and the leaves are still yellow in spots. Ride on...
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 20 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%
Donut a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Surly 1x1 from Hermosa Beach, CAPosted:11/15/2001
- Trail UpdateCold, Wet, And Icy-We got a lot of rain last night that was a frozen mess by the time the sun came up. I wouldn't recommend riding SART 'til spring thaw. If you do, bring a phone so you can call 911. They might find you before you freeze to death.
Dave Balls a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from Angelus OaksPosted:11/13/2001
- Trail UpdateTuff call. I would call the local ski resorts,once they've gotten snow it's pretty much over. Besides being friggin freezing,a majority of the trail is in the shade, meaning the snow will stay for a while. It also ruts the trail real bad. You might be ok for the next couple of weeks, but once it starts raining/snowing forget it.Unless you one of "those" types that like riding in the snow and 20 degrees.
Snow + Steep Cliffs= 911 Be Careful
SART LoverPosted:11/13/2001
- Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions?-Can you still ride the SART? I was there over the summer and I absolutely loved it! I want to take my buddy in the next couple of weeks, but I'm not sure if it is possible to ride it in the winter months because of the snow. If anybody knows the current conditions, I would apreciate the info. I'm thinking about the end of November or early December. Thanks
Pilas a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider from IrvinePosted:11/13/2001
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T-Now's the time to see the bears. Saw some good tracks last weekend.
This time last year I saw a big mother at the top of 2E03.
Posted:10/03/2001
- Trail UpdateRiding With Mutant-
11 hours
55 miles
8500 verticle
4 powerbars
75 grams of trial mix
1 berger
170 oz of water/gatorADEDude, lets face it, with stats like that I am definitely mutant.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 55 miles Elevation change: 8500 feet
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
chirs a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Superlight from frenchPosted:08/13/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-MY SELF AND 2 FRIENDS RODE THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST W/E.PERFECT TRAIL CONDITIONS AND WEATHER.WE STARTED FROM SOUTH FORK AND RODE THE WHOLE THING ALL THE WAY TO GREEN SPOT STORE ON THE 38.
KILLER DOWNHILL TRAIL. THE UP HILL CLIMB SUCKED (NOT FOR THE WEAK)ABOUT 10 MI SINGLE TRACK CLIMB BUT IT WAS WORTH EFFORT FOR THE BITCHEN 15 MI DOWNHILL INTO TOWN.
NO POISON OAK NO BEARS JUST BUGS AND COOL TRAIL.
(DID SEE A SNAKE)BUT WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ITS THE MOUNTAINS.WILL BE BACK IN 2 WEEKS.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 40 miTOTAL Elevation change: 4000 FT
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=5%
D SURBER a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 2001 TREK VRX400 (DONE UP RIGHT) from RIVERSIDEPosted:08/06/2001
- Trail UpdateSART & Bears-My wife and I rode SART on Sunday the 29th. My wife always drives down and parks at the bottom of the canyon to avoid the climb out. She drops me off at the top and I take the singletrack downhill and meet up with her at Glass Road. So on Sunday as I was in between the first and second water crossings, before Glass Road, I came around a corner and up on a small brown bear. I have a feeling this is the same critter the previous post is talking about. It's definately a juvenille and more in the 175 pound range, not 400. But like the previous described, as soon as he saw/heard me, he high tailed it off into the brush. I figured he was headed to the creek for a drink. Also like the previous, I looked around for a possible momma bear but nothing. We've been riding SART for a few years now and have seen deer and wild turkeys, but this is the first bear sighting. And to add something else, I've never seen poison oak on this trail and have never gotten any. And I even looked on Sunday after reading some of the recent posts. The only nuisance we know of are the bugs, which at certain times of the year can be a pain. But the trail is so nice, it doesn't matter. The only trails I've seen that compare to SART are the Ouachita, Womble and Blakley in the Arkansas Ozarks, which are rated in the top 25 in the US by IMBA. They are very similar, miles of twisty rolling singletrack through dense woods.
Anyway, ride SART it's always worth the drive.
Ed MorrisPosted:08/01/2001
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T.-Well, I finally rode Santa Ana River Trail for the
first time yesterday with my brother, and I have to
say, it is the most amazing trail I have ridden. The up
and back route added up to 22 miles of singletrack, in
some of the most picturesque landscapes possible.
Stream crossings, banked turns, tree covered,
effortless riding that seems to continuously reward you
with downhills, which you don't ever feel like you have
to pay for with any climbing. Hence our nickname "Magic
Trail", because it feels like it's downhill
both ways. I will say the 5,000' start elevation did
affect me, but that just gives me more motivation to
get up there more often.On the descent (What else is there?) we ran smack into
a 400 pound black bear on the trail, not twenty feet in
front of us. It turned and ran up the mountain side,
startled by our noisy halt. Needless to say, we were
worried, not knowing if this was an adolescent or not
with mama near by, we turned around and high tailed it
back. After a short contemplation of what to do, we
decided to just ride back carefully and quickly.
Obviously, we survived to tell our tale, and it made
our excursion that much more epic.Thanks Magic Trail
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 22 miles Elevation change: 1500'?
Singletrack=100%
Wannabe a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT LTS1000 from Newport BeachPosted:07/30/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-I have been riding sart for many years, and have recieved my share of poison oak rashes, ticks, and bear encounters. Speaking professionally, the Lyme quarantene mentioned below is probably ficticous. Mr. Beshakus may have a point about the locals, however. It has been my experience that people who live near the trail don't neccessarily think loud, obnoxious and littering bikers are beneficial to their lifestyle. Let's try to keep the peace and remember that we're visitors here. Please be courtious, and don't litter. In fact, pick up trash if you see it. It just takes a few jerks to make us all look bad.
Dr. V. a 46 year oldPosted:07/13/2001
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T.-Rode the trail this past w/e, and it was great! No ticks, bears, oak, or angry locals. Recent moisture kept the dust down and it was tacky and FAST. Storm clouds hovered above as we did the loop keeping us cool and focused. Yes its still a bit hairy in spots with the exposure, but you can go slow or unclip in those sections. And there are other pretty decent loop options for the vertigo crowd as well.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 21 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=25% Paved Path=25%
TK a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar from RSMPosted:07/10/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-This guy is blowing smoke up everybody's skirt. There is no poison oak to speak of trailside, you don't get quarantined for Lyme Disease.He obviously does not want other people riding the trail. The 7 ticks and the bear are possible. I have met the folks in the store and no bad vibes
A doubter of the postPosted:07/09/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-Dude!!!!! What part were you riding!!!!
If I think about posion oak I get it.
I have never ever recived it on this trail!!!
This trail rocks!!!!
Also don't ride alone and don't feed the bears!!!!
poision boy a 39 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek 9.9 from Rancho cucamongaPosted:07/06/2001
- Trail UpdateSART = BAD NEWS-I just rode this trail the other day (7.3.01)and do not recommend it to anyone. The trail is full of poison oak (the rash now covers 75% of my body), and I was chased by an angry bear. When I finished the ride, I had to remove 7 ticks from myself, and now the doctor has quarantened me for Lyme disease.The precipitous drop offs made my heart jump more than once. I broke my chain and tried to get help from a local in Seven Oaks. He chased me off his property. He was *not* friendly.
Ride rating: Expert
Steve Beshakus a 25 year old Die-hard EnthusiastPosted:07/06/2001
- Trail UpdateSART What A Great Ride...-I rode SART on Sunday 7-1-01...and saw nobody on the trail. Though I did see a car parked with bike racks in the middle of the trail. Its the third time I rode this trail...and god I love it already. It's in great condition. I bought a map of all the trails in area. I guess you can ride SART from top to bottom...9800ft to 2600ft...I have not tried that yet...that's more a shuttle type of deal...its probably about 30-40 miles one way but do-able! Today, I just rode the loop from general store/post office to glass rode through the valley and up the middle divide road back on to SART again...i totaled about 18.5 miles...great ride not to hot with all those trees...shade shade everywhere!
I plan to ride all the way to the end of SART (top side) next week... now that i feel comfortable with a map and all! Should total around 25 to 30 miles next week...Anybody want to join???... There is nothing real advanced about SART...though its definitely not a beginner ride...though some areas are technical, I consider it a intermediate ride...then again I consider almost everything intermediate...where my recreational bike friends would probably consider it expert or advanced..anyhow...a must ride for Southern California...
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 18.5miles Elevation change: 1500ft max
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=15% Paved Path=10%
Kenny a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant xtc NRS from Loma LindaPosted:07/01/2001
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-I rode ther yesterday ,This time I parked at the bottom and climbed up part of the paved and then droped on the trail off glass road ,What a grinder ,I rode most of the way up ,I only saw one other biker that was it, I had a great ride a little hot but ok ,this is one of my favorite trails here in So Cal some technical sections,stream crossing`s rock gardens ,Just agreat trail ,This trail should not be ridden alone
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 19.0 Elevation change:
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=20%
Shocktower a 3 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Alta lomaPosted:06/07/2001
- Trail UpdateS,A,R,T-Rode there last Sunday weather conds were perfect
sunshine down here it was gloomey all day
Record time for the group 1:05 no crashes to speak of except Robbie went over the bars were the water goes
down the trail near the tree, there is something about
Rob and trees!!!!!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%
MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamongaPosted:06/02/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-Hi I`am the guy with body armour,I could climb that trail any day ,We only had a short amount of time so we thought it would be faster to shuttle this is a nice trail not at all technical ,But lots of fun next time I will climb with my full armour , The muddy trail you should put a sign up to warn rider`s that the trail is muddy , Wow all in all it is a fun trail cimb up the fire road or the trail watch out for people with dog`s off the leash enjoy the ride
Ride rating: Novice
Ride distance: 11.09 Elevation change:
Singletrack=80% Dirt Road=15% Paved Path=.5%
Shocktower a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Alta lomaPosted:05/29/2001
- Trail UpdateSART-I rode the SART on Sat from the bottom of Middle Control past Glass Rd, up to Hwy 38 and back. The trail is in great shape. The entire route was dry except the short, steep hill after the first creek crossing. The natural spring at the top is draining down the center of the trail, making it muddy and rutted. I recommend that everyone walk this section to avoid trail damage until someone gets a chance to do some maintenance and route the spring down the side slope and cover it with a few boards. When this is done, please don't remove the boards; otherwise, riders will redirect the spring down the trail. It seems as if some of the rocky sections have been cleaned up. There are no technical obstacles at all the entire route (other than the creek crossings). However, this is still a great trail. I saw a group of about 6 shuttlers coming down from Hwy 38 towards Glass Rd. One of them was wearing full body armor. That and the post below about shuttling people up this trail is comical. It's pretty much the same effort in both directions and none of it is very steep.
Ride rating: Novice
Ride distance: 24 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%
SS a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Catamount from OCPosted:05/27/2001
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T. FROM SOUTH FORK-- STARTING IN MAY2001 -
- by reservation Only -(email for details)
- 2 Shuttles a day from Angelus Oaks(parking)
- to South Fork(Trailhead at top)at 8am and 9am -
- Limited to 10 people per Shuttle -*NOTE: THIS IS NOT A DOWNHILL SHUTTLE GUYS, THE CLIMBS
WILL KILL YOU ON A 40LBS. SLED, THIS IS ALL Xcountry.
this is a chance to enjoy the longest and most prestine
section of this trail, and an attempt to unclutter the
midsection a bit, during peak usage it gets a little crazy.....most locals know what i mean.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 18 miles One Way Elevation change: 1000ft
Singletrack=110%
PaulyDeMtbX a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a bike that gets me there and back from The BearPosted:01/03/2001
- Trail UpdateSART TRAIL-Rode there today conds great
weather was perfect
team Trek kills team GT.
sorry Todd
Little snow and some Ice
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%
MR BONK a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamongaPosted:12/31/2000
- Trail UpdateS. A. R. T.-Lucky ME! I live by the Mill Creek Ranger station so I ride the Angeles Oaks area/SART frequently. I just found this website and have a few comments and suggestions.
1. Believe the guy who saw the bear. I recently came upon a full grown bear within 15 feet on the LockLeven/old highway 38 trail. Also within the last year have seen a mother and cub towards the seven Oaks dam and a couple of bobcats. Still waiting for the first mountain lion.
2. I am told you can get around the wilderness pass by parking on the right side of highway 38 by the river bed because it is private property. There are lots of places to park from the ranger station until the turn off to forest falls. You will have to ride your bike up LockLeven/old 38, or from the road to morton peak (longer). I have parked here on many occasions and never run into a problem
3. The ride to the top of Morton peak from HWY 38 is a good fitness test. My brother holds the record as far as we know in 25 minutes to the top. some hikers have a homeade log book by the old fire watch tower.
Past the turn off to morton peak, the road splits again with the left going to seven oaks dam and the right going to Thomas hunting grounds/Angeles Oaks. At the fork here you will often run into target shooters. They arent suppossed to be shooting there but have run into this many times. Never had a problem, just be careful....usually they are drinking Jack Daniels and not Gatorade.4. I think it is a good idea to park down by LockLeven or road to Morton Peak to begin your days ride because then you can end your day downhill either by the SART to Seven Oaks dam/Mentone, Morton Peak/Hwy 38, LockLeven/old 38. Personally, I usually ride up to angeles Oaks for the workout and am usually pressed for time and bomb down the pavement on Highway 38. It is quite a thrill, have reached 50mph prior to hairpin turn at Forest Falls. Actually, I feel fairly safe. On the curvy portions from angeles oaks you are nearly going the speed of traffic and once you get to the straight portions of HWY 38 there is a very wide shoulder. I do not do it on weekends however when there is more traffic.
5. I am frankly amazed at how uncrowded the trail is, even though I know it is no secret. On week days I have ridden on the SART for 3-4 hrs and not seen anyone. Maybe I should keep quiet.......but again good mountain biking citizens should know.
6. Nothing beats A Cool-a-Coo ice cream sandwich at the angeles oaks country store. Please treat them nice, don't make a mess in their store or leave your garbage overflowing for them. One out of town mountain biker went into the store to clean up his bloody wounds dripping all over then left his bloody rags in the store! Cyclists are of a higher echelon. Don't be jerk.
7. Fall is an awesome time to ride. There can be a lot of flies that can keep up with you on the hot uphill portions in the summer. Now they are gone and it is cooler. Pack an extra layer. Angeles Oaks is at 6000 feet and is cooling off fast now in the evening.
Happy riding
Ride distance: depends Elevation change: YES it does
Matt a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized Stumpjumper from YucaipaPosted:10/16/2000
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T.-You beat me to it. I rode S.A.R.T on Sunday, and at the top of 3E03(where 3E03 meets HWY. 38), my partner and I saw a full grown Black Bear, I sh** you not. For those of you that don't believe,I will post some pictures later this week.
Your right, this place is, and will always be the King.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 20 Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%Posted:10/16/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Santa Ana River Trail; Angelus Oaks
The San Juan Trail has been dethroned as the King of
Southern California singletrack. This place is
unbelievable, it is no good to read about it, SART needs to be experienced first hand!!!!!!!
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 18 miles Elevation change: 2000
Singletrack=90% Truck Trail=10%
a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT RTSPosted:10/16/2000
- Trail UpdateS.A.R.T. Me Up!-Sunday 3pm... new turf. Made our way east to hit the Santa Ana River Trail. I have heard so much about this trail I almost felt I didn't have to actually ride it. One thing is for sure, it doesn't really matter where you start or finish there is a lot of climbing and descending in both directions. As I'm sure you've all heard it is a true roller coaster that follows the contours and ripples of the hillside that the trail clings to. In and out, up and down, in and out, after the first couple miles you get feelings of deja vu as a left turn leads to a short downhill into a sharp banked right which leads to a short uphill. Repeat 50 times, throw in a few straight stretches broken up by a couple creek crossings and you get my drift. Great sections of tree dodging were probably the most memorable part for me. Another trail that could easily be added to the long list of trails called "Jedi". Very fun trail, although I might add on the extension down into Mentone next time.
Good luck to you.
Dusty BottomsPosted:09/08/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Have rode the SART a few times this summer, the last time was this weekend. I like taking the SART south down towards the Seven Oaks Dam. Follow the road behind the Angelus Oaks store & Post Office, past the first SART trail head for about 1.5- 2 miles more until you come to another SART trail head. At this point the SART splits two ways. You can take the trail to the right (north-east) and down towards the Seven Oaks camp ground/Middle Control rd. or go (south-west) towards the dam. The dam trail (as we call it) is awesome. It is a great single track that criss-crosses the Thompson Hunting Ground Road several times. There are a couple of technical sections that could take you over the edge and down about 50-75 feet of rock and bushes if you lose control. The SART eventualy dumps you out on the Thompson Hunting Ground road which you ride for a couple of miles to a big flat spot. From here, you can take the road to the left, which takes you back to HWY 38 just below Lock Leven/Forest Home area, or you can go to the right which is the funnest part of the rideand is the way to the dam. Some people call this Warm Springs Rd., but it is overgrown and a fun single track most of the way. As you near the dam stay left on the dirt road and ride it to the top of the dam. Go across the dam and down the front of it and ride the paved road out through the entrance of the dam to Green Spot Road. Go left here to get back to Mentone/Redlands area, or go right to get to Highland. Have fun!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 20 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=10%
Ken a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT XCR4000 from Yucaipa, CAPosted:08/28/2000
- Trail UpdateS.A. River Trail Anglelus Oaks-Directtions are great, Thanks. You do have to buy an adventure pass to ride here.As we parked there was a ranger talking to a horse back rider and as we parked he came over to me and asked me to display it. It was only 5.00 for the day. You have to ride up about 200 yards pass the post office and stay on your right hand side of the fire trail or you will miss the single track. I have ridden the majority of the trails on this sight but this is by far the craziest. This trail is not for the novice. There are sharp turns with tree branches hitting you in the face and loose dirt if you are not careful you could easily go over the side. I fell about 3 times and I loved it. My buddy would some times come to a complete stop on the middle of the trail and I would crash trying to pass him. The dirt is soft it was like falling in a sand box. There was a part on the trail where part of the mountain is sticking out I slowed down because its my first time there and it was a good thing because thats where the cliff was. You could die if you fall over this cliff there is nothing to hold on to. Some parts of the trail have been washed away and you either have to use the mountain or bunny hop to get to the other side of the trail. I LOVED IT. The trail ends on the fire trail and you have to ride back up. It did not seem like 10 miles. But I have never seen such beauty. There was times where I would litterally stop ridding just to enjoy the scenery. There is a tree that was struck by lightning or something that looked pretty evil. Blair Whicth type of stuff. All in all the hell wth snow summit, I found a new love and thats the Single track at the Angelus Oaks.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: miles 10 Elevation change: 4,000
Singletrack=70% Dirt Road=30%
Manuel Espindola a 30 year old Downhiller riding a GT STS DH from RiversidePosted:08/08/2000
- Trail UpdateSART Is Soooo Cool!-Did the SART for the first time this year over the weekend. Camped at San Gorgonio and dropped in from there. The trail is pristine! How sweet it is!
I was having an exceptional day, then it happened (just 2 miles from the end of the singletrack) - caught my front wheel to far right. Doh! Down you go! Landed my ribs right on the climbing bars, bruised or may have cracked 1 or 2. Still, climbing back to the campsite wasn't bad, just long and arduous. We took Seven Oaks Road to Glass Road, then up the un-named dirt road all the way back to the SART trailhead and Hwy 38. We rode Hwy 38 the short distance back to San Gorgonio Campgrounds, in retrospect - we should have climbed the SART back from where it crosses Glass Rd back to the campgrounds. (We opted not to because I thought the trail might be more crowded than it was and I was concerned about meeting a fast-moving downhiller on blind curve. So, what is the proper etiquette for this trail? I rareley see folks climbing the trail).
Anyway a good time was had by all. The ribs are already healing and I can still ride - so life is good!
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 25.77 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
MTB Fiend a 41 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a ProFlex Animal from Lake ForestPosted:07/25/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail 2E03-Rode trail on 6-18-00, and all the trees that blocked the trail are gone. This trail is now perfection. I recommend that you get up there and check it out.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=100%
a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from Highland, CaPosted:06/19/2000
- Trail UpdateThe Ideal Loops-Ive been riding this trail and over the trees for 8years...............THIS PLACE IS #1 FOR THE AREA!
there are over a dozen variations to this trail, from easy to hard, long to short....all of which require a map and someone thats ridden it before to enjoy it the most.....i do private trailguiding in the big bear area and have extensive knowledge of the SA trail. drop me a line and ill set you up with routes or a great deal on a grouptour, its a great value to enhance the experience and eliminate hassles.....
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 7 to 40 miles Elevation change: 500 to 3400
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
Pauly North Shore a 420 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a frame, shocks, and two wheels from Beautiful Big Bear URL: Big Bears' Best BikeShopPosted:06/13/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana Trail-Went 6-11-00 and two out of three trees were cut away.This trail is perfect.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specilized 2000 from Highland ,CaPosted:06/12/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Rode this trail Sunday 6-4-00 trees are still down
conditions were perfect.
Clean air temp 86 little water to cross except the big one.
NEXT SUNDAY SUNSET RIDGE
Ride rating: Advanced
Singletrack=100%
CHICKEN LITTLE a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a TREK VRX400 from RANCHO HA HA CALIFPosted:06/06/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-WENT 5-28-00 TO SANTA ANA TRAIL, AND IT'S KILLER. THERES A FEW TREES THAT HAVE FALLEN IN VARIOUS SPOTS, BUT BESIDES THAT,IT'S THE BEST SINGLE TRACK AROUND. THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY SAID THEY WILL BE REMOVING THE TREES THIS WEEK...
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 20 miles Elevation change:
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specilized 2000 from Highland ,CaPosted:05/30/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Anna River Trail-Rode the trail today. The Santa Anna winds were blowing and the air was nice and cool. The trail is in pretty good shape. There were about six trees blown across the trail, and a few areas look like they got washed out a bit. Not too bad though. Definitely could use some trail maint. though. A few patches of snow were left here and there, but the ride was SWEET!!. As always, love doing this ride. And best of all, the rangers have enough sense to leave the trail natural unlike the IDIOTS running our State Park System Trails. Them and their freaking bulldozers need to take a flying leap somewhere. Congrats to the National Forest Service.
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 15-20 Elevation change: 2000
Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
MBM a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Schwinn Homegrown XT from WestminsterPosted:04/01/2000
- Trail UpdateSanta Anna River Trail-this trail is super technical in places it can get extremly steep in some areas at about 70 degree angles in some places this trail is not for the faint of heart their is at least one section on the trail that I have found where their are 40 -55 foot drops on the side of the trail. their are one or two stream crossings and alot of sand sections that can throw you if you are not careful. During the winter their is the possibilitie of snow in which case you should be extra careful because you do not want to slide off any cliffs. Also make sure you carry alot of water the trail does go into some pretty remote areas and if you were to get hurt it would take a while for the rescue crews to get to you. Hikers tend not to hike on this trail alot at least not when I have been on the trail so you will not have to worry about hitting anybody.
Ride rating: Advanced
Ride distance: 15-25 miles Elevation change: 3,500 ft
Singletrack=75% Dirt Road=25%
Isaac aka Mad Dog a 16 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a cherry red Cannondale F500 from Forest FallsPosted:01/21/2000
- Trail UpdateSA River Trail-Wow, did this puppy this last w/e. Super single track that goes on for about 11 miles. Not terribly technical, but very exposed for about 1/3 of it. If heights bother you, and riding fast down a sometimes sketchy trail with a 150ft rocky drop just off your right side sounds intimidating, then better make plans for Chino. Most of the exposed sections are on the first half of the trail, ending up at Glass rd. The portion after Glass rd crossing is just as good without the smell of imminent bodily damage. We parked at the base of Middle control rd, thats the place to be, or park where Glass rd meets up with Seven oaks rd. Otherwise yer in for a long climb back to hwy 38............
Ride rating: Intermediate
Ride distance: 19.5 Elevation change:
Singletrack=60% Dirt Road=20% Paved Path=20%
TK a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a DEAN Colonel from Rancho Santa MargaritaPosted:11/07/1999
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Rode this today from Middle Control Road (parked on Hiway 38) up to the South Fork of the S.A. River, and back. What a great singletrack! Why didn't I come here years ago?! The trail seems to be well maintained, and in generally good repair. Just enough technical to be interesting, no nasty climbs (although the climb out on Middle Control Road is definite let-down after all the singletrack). Total of 27.5 miles, over 3,000 feet climbing.
Singletrack=85% Dirt Road=15%
mtncranker a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Hardtail from SoCalPosted:11/06/1999
- Trail UpdateTRAIL WORK - THOMAS HUNTING GRD-The section of the trail from behind the market out toward Thomas Hunting Grounds has been completely rebuilt. All the brush has been cut back and all the rocks are off the trail. The slide area has been all cleaned out and is totally rideable. Its like brand new. It's great, go ride it.
If that's my Adventure Pass money at work then thanks to the Forest Service. I'll never complain about the $30.00 again.
Malcolm a 53 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Tazmon from Redlands, CAPosted:10/02/1999
- Trail UpdateSANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL 2E03-RODE THE WHOLE TRAIL ON TUESDAY AND AM STILL AMAZED THAT THIS TRAIL IS IN CALIFORNIA. HOWEVER, THERE WERE SOME SECTIONS OF THE TRAIL THAT WERE POWDERED FROM BEGINNERS BRAKING AROUND EVERY SWITCHBACK. HEY LAGGERS, DON'T RUIN IT FOR THE REST OF US!!! GET SOME CONFIDENCE AND LET THE FORCE GUIDE YOU. ALSO, THE BUGS WERE BUGGING ABOUT MID-DAY. BUT I WHEELY HAD A GOOD DAY. RIDING ON THE EDGE, CANIS...
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
CANIS LATRANS a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT LTS DS 1 from CORONA, CAPosted:08/05/1999
- Trail UpdateS.A. River Trail-Hey everyone, I rode up there the past two weekends, usually on friday eveings and the trail has been great. The trail has dried up from winter and its at its prime right now. (not too many people yet) One other thing I noticed somebody wrote in saying to buy an adventure pass, but if you want to protest it then dont buy one! its only a test right now (if I'm right)and so it is NOT mandatory to have one. I hear that if you take it to court the fine is very small if you do get a fine. Please protest this stupid pass also, we already pay federal taxes that go for national forests. ok enough of my ranting. have fun and well see ya up there
chris grunewald a 18 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a rocky mountain from beaumontPosted:05/12/1999
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-Wow! This is some great singletrack! Start behind the Angelus Oaks Post Office and proceed up the dirt road and stay to the right. When you reach the top of the hill, you'll see a sign for the trail (2E-03). The first part of the trail is some incredibly fast downhill. Watch out for the corners or you'll find yourself sailing over the tree tops down below. The trail is filled with great terrain with a majority of it covered by forest. Most of the streams are crossable if you hit the right line. (I didn't on several occasions and thus became the proud owner of cold wet muddy feet) Otherwise, beware of big-ass pinecones falling from the sky. These suckers must weigh 5 pounds a piece and will knock you out cold just as you round the corner with the 200' drop-off.
Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=5%
Brent Ramsby a 28 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT Backwoods from Los Angeles, CAPosted:05/11/1999
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana Tr. - Morten Pk.-The singletrack leading down from Morten Pk. access road to Mentone
wash is REALLY OVERGROWN at this time. Of the 5+ miles down, had to
walk (i.e. push through bushes) a couple of miles worth. When this
trail is in good condition it's a joy to ride. Great downhill single-
track that has some of the best views of the valley!
Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=60%
Karl Reiser a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT LTS-DS1000 from Cherry Valley , CAPosted:10/29/1998
- Trail UpdateSanta Ana River Trail-S.A. River Trail is awesome. It's 11 miles (22 out and back) of the best singletrack in So Cal. Trail conditions as of 10-4-98 were mostly dry with a couple of deep creek crossings. You could also do this trail as a shuttle.
Singletrack=100%
Scott McLean a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized RockhopperPosted:10/05/1998
- Trail UpdateThis whole area is riddled with fantastic single track. The section of 2E03 East of Angelus Oaks is probably the best. The Santa Ana river trail is very good too. If you like single-track, this is heaven. Take a large CamelBak and spend all afternoon in the clean, cool mountain air.
The trails are in good to excellent condition and the are very scenic. Althought there are very few technical sections, there are many sections where a mistake would be expensive. Missing certain corners would launch you into space.
The area also gets wet, especially earlier this year. Be prepared for wet feet. Some of the streams look ridable, but contain holes that will swallow your front wheel, stop you dead, and force you to dismount. Ha Ha - hear your buddies laugh. The water's only one foot deep, but mighty cold!
Watch for trucks on Middle Control Road, they're more numerous than you expect and they're not expecting cyclists.
Enjoy.
Singletrack=90% Truck Trail=10%
Terry Hutt a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek ZX6000 from Running Springs, CAPosted:07/09/1998
- Trail UpdateVariation-Santa Ana River Trail-From the store, ride toward the Post Office (You'll see it) an up the dirt road. There is a little light climbing, but it's really short. As you start descending the fire-road pay careful attention as the road has two forks in it. On both forks, you will stay right. After the 2nd fork, ride down until you come to a clearing with a sign that reads: "Santa Ana River Trail 2E-03". If you're riding in the morning, this is a good place to enjoy the last bit of sunlight your going to see for a while. You will see a trail that drops down. This is where the single-track starts. It is very narrow. Some of the dirt is really loose, and fast corners may make your tires slide out. This is a very technical section about (3 miles worth) but is Super Fun.
I can not stress enough to WATCH your corners. I don't know how many times I almost went over. I didn't rate this trail for beginners because it is narrow and technical. I was hesitent to rate it for a novice rider, but if they watch their speed, and have ridden technical before, then they could probably make it.
***Warning---There is one section that is very technical, but major fun. It involves riding along the edge of a waterfall/creek. There are a lot of big rocks, and if you go down (app.30-50 foot drop), you may be seriously hurt, or killed. Just watch your speed, and your skills.
After you skirt the falls, you will make a quick water crossing. It isn't deep, and it is just above the falls. After this, you do some single-track climbing (not bad) and continue on.You will run into a fire-road. Go right here and take it up. It is a long, drawn out climb up the fire-road, but really it isn't that bad. This fire-road ends at the turn-out where most people have parked their cars.
Like I said, the climb is long, but if you want to sample some excellant, through-the-trees, around-rocks, flirt-with-death, fast, fun, and technical, single-track, then this is the loop. Round-trip distance is probably close to 10 miles.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me and I will get back to you. Have a good ride, and I'll see you on the single-track!
Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
Sean Stodelle a 25 year old Racer riding a GT LTS-1 from Yucaipa, CAPosted:10/25/1997
