San Juan Trail to Blue Jay Camp

Getting There:

In southern Orange County, exit Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway (74). Head east about 12.5 miles. Just before the Ranger station, turn left down a dirt road. Head through the canyon about one mile and park when you get to the grove of trees. You will see the trailhead to the right.

The Ride:

This trail is all singletrack and in my opinion the most fun, most technical ride in Orange County. The trail is 11 miles each way of slow technical riding, allow yourself plenty of time. The trail begins with a series of about 10 very technical switchbacks straight up the hill. As you begin to ride east, you will come to a series of wash-outs in the trail across the ridge overlooking Highway 74 and will need to carry your bike over most. You then approach another short series of technical rutted out switch backs. After approximately 4.5 miles and over 1 hour of relentless climbing you reach a big rock formation. This is an excellent place to take a rest and/or turn around if you are short on time. From here on the ride eases up and starts to roller coaster through rocky formations. At about 5.5 miles you will reach a fork in the trail. Although both trails will get you to the same place, I recommend the trail to the right. At this point the trail becomes rockier and ruttier with trees and poison oak growing onto the trail. After about 9 miles you will pass the Chiquito trail on the right and then come to another road crossing the trail. Go straight past this road. You will travel through a wooded area up to Blue Jay Camp. You will return the same way. The trip downhill is a blast as you fly over rocks and past swittchbacks all while looking 50 feet down a cliff. Be careful though! Many people are injured on this trail each year and due to the remoteness of the trail you would need to be air-lifted out which can be quite time consuming and costly. This trail is recomended for experienced riders only and will take well over 3 hours.