Big Laguna Trail
 Distance:
10 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 5,500 to 6,000 ft.
Location: San Diego County
Cleveland National Forest
Directions: Highway 8 to the Sunrise Hwy north to
mile marker 19. Park pass required.
Provided is an unofficial map that outlines my route
based on GPS coordinates. For a more accurate map
please visit the parks official website. The actual
map route information may have errors and is not
guaranteed.
The Big Laguna Trail is in the
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and is located in
the Descanso District of the Cleveland National
Forest 50 miles east of San Diego.
 This is one of my favorite trails in San Diego
county and it is about 70% single track. This trail
is suitable for all levels of riders. It is
approximately 10 miles and it meanders through pine
and oak forests. The elevation is between 5,400 feet
and 6,000 feet above see level. The elevation gain
is 600 feet with the biggest 600ft climb in the
beginning on an abandoned partially paved county
road. With that said the rest of the ride is fairly
level + or - 100ft and it is easy and pleasurable.
 
Almost any descent mountain
bike or cross country bike will work fine. Shocks
are not necessary. There is a downhill rocky section
immediately after the climb that can be a bit rough
on a full ridged bike but an intermediate rider will
have no problem navigating the rocks.
The trail system is poorly
marked so take a map! The western side of the trail
is well established and is unofficial, and is in
the process of becoming official. On the weekends
the trail is heavily traveled by bikers, hikers and
equestrians.
Summertime temperatures can
exceed 100 F so take plenty of water. I will consume
three to four 22oz water bottles on this ride. The
trail is fairly well shaded and there are plenty of
places to have lunch. |
