Mariposa Trail

This is a connector trail between Madonna Rd and Prefumo Canyon Trailheads that accesses multiple out-and-back viewpoint trails. To get to the trailhead, take Madonna Rd west until it terminates in a traffic circle. Either park in the circle or along the adjacent park. The trailhead is on the west side. At the trailhead, take the right fork and continue uphill on smooth, winding singletrack. The trail winds through oak groves along a creek for 0.5 miles. At this point, the trail opens up onto a ridgeline and meets with a paved road. Continue left and uphill past two intersections on this paved road following power-lines. The paved section lasts until the 1.2 mile mark where the pavement terminates, and the trail forks. Follow signs for Mariposa Trail. The next mile is on very rocky, technical singletrack and passes multiple forks that lead to short out-and-back viewpoint trails. Follow signs and navigation will be easy. At mile 2.3 and the intersection with Big Thistle, the trail becomes smooth doubletrack for the remaining 0.5 miles. Stay left and climb slightly to reach the Prefumo Canyon Trailhead.