Whiting Ranch

Getting There:

Exit Interstate 5 at Lake Forest Drive and head east for 4-5 miles until you get to Portola Ave. Go left on Portola, past Bake Ave. and turn into the Ralph's parking lot on the right hand side. Towards the far left end of the parking lot you will see the entrance to the park and designated parking. Make sure you put money in the box or it can cost you a big fat ticket.

The Ride:

This is an extremely fun and diverse trail but park rangers are quick to close it due to rains. As you ride through the bottom section you will cross many streams all depending on the time of year. When you cross through the gate at the end of the one-way section, head right up "Emphasyma hill." At the four-corners, take the middle road down. After about a 3/4 mile you will see Serrano Trail on the right. Turn right into this "Land of the Ewoks", a stretch of single track which travels between trees and crosses streams. When you get to the fire road turn left until you get to Portola. Turn right and ride down the street until you get back to your car. This ride will take 35 minutes to over an hour depending on your ability. It is a great ride for beginners, yet still offers plenty of challenge for experienced riders. Check the Map for a better description.

For added adventure. At the four corners go left and ride 1/4 mile until you go through a gate onto Santiago Canyon Road. Turn right and ride down the street and pass through the equestrian center about 1/2 mile down. On the right side you will see a rode which takes you back into the hills. After the first U turn stay left at all intersections. You will pass down into Cactus Canyon through steep singletrack until you merge with the previously mentioned trail. This will add 10-20 minutes to the previous ride.

For even more added adventure. After exiting onto Santiago Canyon Road, just before the equestrian center turn left 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. 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 at the bottom 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 past El Toro Road and right on Santiago Canyon Road. Just before passing Modjeska Grade Road again you will see the equestrian center on the left. This longer ride should take less than 2 hours for seasoned riders and over 3 hours for rookies.