Trail Overview
If looking for a challenging enduro ride, this is one of the best in the Los Padres National Forest area. It is a point-to-point singletrack restricted to dirt bikes only and follows the Piru Creek as it winds through a steep canyon between adjacent hillsides. The Forest Service rates this trail as "Most Difficult." From the east end, it starts with a fast-and-flowy section over closely spaced whoops before transitioning to a narrow shelf path several hundred feet above Piru Creek. Great views of the canyon are possible from this vantage point, but don't lose focus on the trail for too long, as the drop-off on the side is severe in places. There will be several switchbacks and tight ledge turns in this section before the trail eventually descends quickly to the creek bed. At this point, be prepared for deep sand near the creek edge and rock gardens. There will be two creek crossings, which might be deep and wide depending on the time of year, before the trail climbs back up the hillside near the halfway point. Past the halfway point, there is a small campground (Sunset) near the intersection with two other OHV trails. After the campground, the trail will wind back and forth across Piru Creek more than a dozen times and cross multiple rock gardens and stretches of deep sand. At several places along the trail, the vegetation can become thick and tight to the trail. It eventually merges at the west end with Halfmoon Trail - FS 20W07, which continues west following Piru Creek to Halfmoon campground. Be prepared for lots of obstacles, to get a little wet, and to possibly deal with repairs and flats. Recommend riding with others and bringing plenty of drinking water and snacks. Limited or no cellular phone service in the trail area. The trail is closed annually from 11/2 to 4/30. A green/red sticker permit is required for OHV, as well as a day-use fee payable to the Los Padres National Forest. Tread Lightly and Pack It Out.
Difficulty
This trail presents a large array of riding challenges and should only be attempted by experienced trail riders. The east side has frequent whoops, a narrow, elevated shelf path over embedded and loose rocks, short rock gardens, 2-3 feet high boulder obstacles, and short steep climbs/descents. There are no bypasses once committed to the shelf trail, and few places to pull to the side to let other riders pass. The west side regularly crosses back and forth across Piru Creek, which will vary in difficulty seasonally depending on the level of water flowing in the creek bed (could be up to a couple of feet deep and 20+ feet wide). The banks of the creek bed are comprised of deep, loose sand with scattered large rocks. There are also several short climbs away from and descents into the creek bed area that have loose soil, ruts, and large rock obstacles. Both ends of the trail have sections where the vegetation closes in tight on the trail path. Come prepared with a trail repair kit (spare tire tube, tools, etc.).
