San Juan Lollipop

Overview

Take Hwy 74 east towards Lake Elsinore to the Hot Spring Canyon Rd., and make a left towards Lazy W Ranch (you'll see a fire station). Take this back approximately two miles until you reach a large parking lot under tree cover. This is the start or end of the trail. <br><br>The trail starts out with pretty heavy climbing through 180\u00b0 switchbacks that are fairly technical. Keep an eye on the ruts, especially after a heavy rain, because they will catch even the biggest 29er out there. This climb does not let up for a good two miles. The ride levels out for a bit after this as you ride around some smaller peaks before another ascent to what locals call Cocktail Rock. <br><br>This is where Old San Juan Trail and New San Juan Trail split, and a turn around point for a lot of the riders.<br><br>If you plan to ascend Old San Juan Trail, you'll find yourself in some pretty enduro heaven just before a final ascent to the trailhead outside of Blue Jay Campground. This is where the shuttles drop off. If you wanted to continue north, you could connect with main divide road and hit some of the longer truck trails down or the super overgrown Los Pinos Trail. You can even get to the Santiago Peak pretty easily, which has some pretty decent panoramic views and the occasional snow fall. <br><br>Now you are ready to descend. Head down the trail through some pretty sharp rock descents and quick climbs. There will be a few off-shoots to your right, keep left on these as they just drop into the Blue Jay Campground. Beware of a high left turn option as it ends in a HUGE root booby trap and you'll end up pin-balling down the embankment. Pass the quick descent to your left and keep to the trail markers, once you get to a second split you'll stay straight as right is Old San Juan Trail. <br><br>Take this for approximately one mile until you reach another split where you can break left and add some extra miles to your trip, with some really fun singletrack and dirt bumpers, or stay straight and keep on track to meet up with Cocktail

Trail Stats

Photos

A view from the San Juan Trail

A view from the San Juan Trail

Looking down at the switchbacks from about 3 miles up.

Looking down at the switchbacks from about 3 miles up.

A view from the San Juan Trail

A view from the San Juan Trail

Cocktail rock

Cocktail rock

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