It’s not the longest route you can do on Catalina Island, but it’s up there. So you may be thinking why start at the airport? Well, because taking the shuttle up to that point saves A LOT of climbing and puts this ride in range of the Strong Intermediate that wants to try something more difficult than ever before,
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If you don’t have all day to ride the Palm Canyon EPIC and are looking for something a little easier than the Art Smith Trail, then this figure eight loop may be just what you need. Intermediate level riders should be able to finish this ride in about four hours.
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The Chantry Flats / Mt. Zion / Gabrielino trail loop is not for people who are afraid of heights nor those who don’t enjoy hiking. Continue reading
This ride requires a drop off near the Angelus Christian Camp deep within the Angelus National Forest. It is a 26 mile all-day adventure with about 3,300′ of varied terrain including single tracks, fire roads and some pavement sections. It is truly an EPIC ride by any standards,
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The Chiquito Trail may seem like a short route down from Blue Jay campground, but don’t let the mileage fool you. And don’t think that just because this a shuttle ride that it’s going to be an easy downhill ride. It’s not! This trail has some of the most Advanced technical features of the entire area.
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This route combines the upper section of the San Juan trail with the Viejo Tie and Chiquito trails. Although only 14 miles, it will feel like double that. This route for Advanced and Expert riders only. Count on 3-4+ hours of riding on 100% single track trails with plenty of rocks and some cliff exposure.
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The best possible variation of both Noble Canyon and Laguna Meadows, this ride begins with a drop off at the Red-Tailed Roost Visitor Center. From there a mostly single track route drops into the Laguna Meadows where you can either just go straight across the meadows to begin the rest of the ride or do some loops around the lakes on somewhat flat terrain.
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If you like climbing up steep fire roads and descending on sweet technical single tracks, this is the loop for you. XEN MTB loves this ride! You pay for the fun first with a 2,500′ climb up a fire road. From there nearly all of the rest of the way down is single track.
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XEN MTB provides guided mountain biking tours all around the Mount Wilson area. There are many mountain bike rides to enjoy in the Mt Wilson area. Some, like the Mount Lowe Loop can be climbed as up and backs and some can be done as loops.
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If you’re going all the way to Pine Valley, California you may as well get the most you can out of one day of riding. And that’s why XEN MTB suggests starting Noble Canyon with a gentle ride through the Laguna Meadows. You’ll dodge cow pies on the trail and absorb the beautiful high country views and air.
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If you prefer to earn your downhills, this loop is the way to go for Noble Canyon. It starts with a somewhat steep paved road for five miles with 1,665′ of climbing, followed by five miles of pure bliss down the best parts of Noble Canyon single tracks.
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Another variation of the Palm Canyon EPIC ride, this option starts off with a more aggressive single track. On this map, you also see the bailout option down Dunn Road.
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This is a variation of the traditional Palm Canyon EPIC route. It starts as a less technical option at the beginning than the Pine View Drive option. If you’re out of water when you reach the top of the sand wash at around mile 18,
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Another variation of the Palm Canyon EPIC ride, this option is even harder, covering more miles of single track trails. But along with it, you’ll also pay for the extra fun with some big climbs on the way down the Art Smith Trail.
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If you only have time for one EPIC ride in Southern California, and the weather is cool, then the Palm Canyon EPIC is the only thing you need to ride. It requires a shuttle to the top which we usually coordinate ourselves.
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A different way to experience Palm Canyon, this ride ends with a single track similar to the Palm Canyon EPIC route but it easier overall.
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A very strenuous and steep climb combined with technical sections and steep cliff edges makes this a rewarding, but very dangerous half-day loop recommended only for those in excellent shape and without a fear of heights. Continue reading
The Trabuco trail is a narrow, steep and rocky climb with cliff edges in some parts that is challenging even to the most fit riders.
There’s an optional hike-a-bike short cut (West Horsethief) but XEN MTB recommends doing the whole route. Once at the Main Divide,
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XEN MTB provides guided mountain biking tours on the “dark side” trails of Mount Wilson. This ride requires a shuttle service to drop us off near the top of Mt Wilson at Eaton Saddle. It begins with a great single track followed by a gentle fire road climb and then an hour long roller coaster of a single track ride down to the Chantry area.
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