3.7 hr
Overview
From Cook's Corner, find a good gear and go right (northwest) up Santiago Canyon Rd. Pound out the 1.2 miles of mildly steep pavement and bear right onto Modjeska Grade Rd, a much steeper, paved, first gear grinder. About a 1/3rd of a mile of pain later turn right into a dirt staging area behind a rusted, iron trail gate. This is the start of Santiago Truck Trail (STT).<br><br>The single/doubletrack climbs mildly through rocky terrain for 2.5 miles. Be careful not to ride off the trail when distracted by awesome views, especially at sunset. Descend for about 3/4ths of a mile to a rounded hilltop with a flagpole on its crown. This is the official start of The Luge.<br><br>An insane rush, this skinny, carved half-pipe plunges steeply down the side of a cliff face, turning and dancing right on the edge. There are a number of 6"-12" drops along its length, sometimes within the turns, sometimes one on top of the other. The trail ends at Live Oak Canyon Rd where you turn right and enjoy the 35-40mph downhill rush back to your car.
Trail Stats
12.4 km
373 m
701 m
340 m
—
Photos
Out riding The Luge on a demo day!
Out riding The Luge on a demo day!
Climbing o'plenty!
Climbing o'plenty!
Cool overlook with a flag at roughly the halfway point.
Cool overlook with a flag at roughly the halfway point.
First time on the Luge was a great ride.
First time on the Luge was a great ride.
Classic Chaparral Singletrack.
Classic Chaparral Singletrack.
A short but welcome down after a lot of climbing
A short but welcome down after a lot of climbing
Entrance after a grueling uphill Modjeska Grade Rd.
Entrance after a grueling uphill Modjeska Grade Rd.
Like a sled course, The Luge snakes steeply down the cliff side.
Like a sled course, The Luge snakes steeply down the cliff side.
Top
Top
Santiago Truck Trail.
Santiago Truck Trail.
Santiago Truck Trail
Santiago Truck Trail
Starting up the dirt on the Luge
Starting up the dirt on the Luge
Looking down the beginning of the Luge climb
Looking down the beginning of the Luge climb
Santiago Truck Trail Entrance - start of the Luge loop
Santiago Truck Trail Entrance - start of the Luge loop
Always a good time on The Luge
Always a good time on The Luge
Dropping into 'The Luge'.
Dropping into 'The Luge'.
Election Day at the Flags!
Election Day at the Flags!
Top of the Luge taking a breather and getting the GoPro ready for the fun ride down
Top of the Luge taking a breather and getting the GoPro ready for the fun ride down
Looking southeast during the way up.
Looking southeast during the way up.
Amazing ride
Amazing ride
My first time riding ‘The Luge’ cautiously.
My first time riding ‘The Luge’ cautiously.
The scenery from The Luge Trail. Photo by DPCAero.com
The scenery from The Luge Trail. Photo by DPCAero.com
If you made it to the Flag pole - you made it half way! Now watch out for speed on the descent and some obstacles on the descent - be careful they come up fast! Better safe then sorry!
If you made it to the Flag pole - you made it half way! Now watch out for speed on the descent and some obstacles on the descent - be careful they come up fast! Better safe then sorry!
Flag pole on the top of the Luge. Photo by DPCAero.com
Flag pole on the top of the Luge. Photo by DPCAero.com
Down the Luge. Shot by DPCAero.com
Down the Luge. Shot by DPCAero.com