Santiago to Old Camp
Getting There:
Exit Interstate 5 at El Toro and head east into the hills for about 7.6 miles. When you get to Cook's Corner turn left on Santiago Canyon Road and right on Modjeska Grade Road. Park near the Santiago Truck Trail, trail-head but be careful of no parking signs.
The Ride:
Climb Santiago Truck Trail moderately for about 6.5 miles. At this point you will see a trail off to the right which heads into the Joplin Boys Camp (Prison). Keep climbing Santiago which now becomes Joplin Trail. Another mile up you reach a fork in the road. Turn left and head down into what's called Old Camp. This is supposedly an old Indian camp. This is where you turn around to enjoy your well earned trip back.
On the way back down be careful not to go left into the Joplin Boys Camp. For added adventure you can go down the Luge as described below and take Santiago Canyon Road back to your car.
Santiago/Luge
Getting There:
Exit Interstate 5 at El Toro and head east into the hills for about 7.6 miles. When you come to Cook's corner park to the far right of the restaraunt so as not to disturb the patrons.
The Ride:
Ride your bike up Santiago Canyon Road and turn right on Modjeska Grade Road. Climb this steep strip of road for about 1/3 mile until you get to the Santiago Truck Trail trail head on the right side. You have just made the steepest climb of the ride. Santiago Truck Trail climbs moderately for about 3 miles until you descend a short, rocky, technical section. About 1/4 mile after this descent, you will see a trail vearing off to the right. This is the Luge. Head down this very narrow technical single track until you hit a fork at the bottom. By this time your lower arms will be screaming for aid. Turn right and ride through some mellow climbs for about 1/3 a mile. At the private looking road go left. You will come to a gate within 100 feet. This is Live Oak Canyon Road. Turn right and head downhill until you get to your car at Cook's Corner. This ride will take from less than 1 hour to over 2 hours.