43 min
Overview
El Prieto is a unique singletrack experience in Southern California. Extreme exposure, 180-degree switchbacks, stream crossings, and rock gardens all within an oak-lined canyon. This is classic mountain biking with a challenge for everyone.<br><br>Beginning riders may choose to walk some technical sections but the trail is rideable from beginning to end by experienced riders. Beware of poison oak along this trail as its present all year.<br><br>El Prieto is usually accessed by climbing up Brown Mountain to the first saddle and then descending the Fern Truck Trail to the upper El Prieto entrance. As you ascend Brown, you'll see the downhill exit of El Prieto at the log. Do be aware that plenty of hikers visit El Prieto and using a bell is highly advised, especially on weekends.
Trail Stats
2.8 km
4 m
609 m
399 m
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Photos
Watch your noggin, those bushes are dangerous!
Watch your noggin, those bushes are dangerous!
El Prieto trail. Beautiful area other than lots of poison oak!
El Prieto trail. Beautiful area other than lots of poison oak!
Signage at the saddle, the view before you keep heading up Brown to the very top and/or the start of Ken Burton.
Signage at the saddle, the view before you keep heading up Brown to the very top and/or the start of Ken Burton.
Mugwort is a natural antidote to Poison Oak exposure you can scrunch up some leaves and rub a poultice onto the affected skin. Just don’t uproot the plant.
Mugwort is a natural antidote to Poison Oak exposure you can scrunch up some leaves and rub a poultice onto the affected skin. Just don’t uproot the plant.
Prieto Canyon Trail stop for a flat tire.
Prieto Canyon Trail stop for a flat tire.
El Prieto alternates between tight switchbacks and long, flowy sections.
El Prieto alternates between tight switchbacks and long, flowy sections.
A bit of technical fun on the way down El Prieto.
A bit of technical fun on the way down El Prieto.
Jump finale at El Prieto
Jump finale at El Prieto
One of the flowy sections along the El Prieto Trail.
One of the flowy sections along the El Prieto Trail.
Patrick hits a switchback splashdown special near the top of El Prieto
Patrick hits a switchback splashdown special near the top of El Prieto
The crew drops in at the top of El Prieto.
The crew drops in at the top of El Prieto.
This trail is tirelessly maintained by volunteers like Erik, seen here riding past his sawyering handiwork.
This trail is tirelessly maintained by volunteers like Erik, seen here riding past his sawyering handiwork.
It's fun to jam down this trail, but you'll miss all the beauty of the canyon.
It's fun to jam down this trail, but you'll miss all the beauty of the canyon.
Jen keeping it rolling through dusty ruts. Great trail for the area!
Jen keeping it rolling through dusty ruts. Great trail for the area!