2.4 hr
Overview
Begin the flat, easy Lake View trail by going west. Just over a half-mile later, the doubletrack changes into a wide fire road. Look for a singletrack on the left called Cactus Point Trail. This weaves through sage brush and thick patches of cactus to the lakeside, then slowly doubles back to Lake View, climbing slightly along the way.<br><br>Turn left on Lake View. The wide road descends steeply, then ascends a leg-burning slope affectionately called "Thrash Mountain" (beginners WILL have to walk this). At the top, go left. The trail reverts back to a doubletrack, descending a slightly technical section down the side of the dam. At the base of the dam, the trail becomes a wide, dirt road and soon ends at Peters Canyon Trail, another wide, dirt road.<br><br>Turn right on Peters Canyon Trail and you'll see a trail branch to the left, Big Red (officially, it's the start of Ridge View Trail), that climbs up a MONSTER, reddish colored hill. For this ride, don't climb it. Stay straight and a short distance later, turn left on a doubletrack (Gnatcatcher - easy connector). Despite a 60-foot climb, this is the easy way up to Ridge View Trail.<br><br>Stay right on Ridge View and follow the wide, ridge-top, dirt road up and down (mostly down), for about a mile, taking in views of the area. Along the way, there is a short connector on the right next to a bench called Scout Trail. This takes you down to Peters Canyon Trail in case you want to explore, or cut the ride short. Also, there are a lot of hikers on this stretch, please be respectful.<br><br>After that mile, the trail narrows to a singletrack near a rest spot with a bench. This is Eucalyptus Trail. There are a few sections similar in difficulty to the drop next to the dam, and is a great place to practice mountain bike techniques if you're a beginner. If you have experience... BOMB IT! It'll be the only place you can.<br><br>At the bottom, turn right and proceed through the gate and up Peters Canyon Trail. Again, this is a super easy, wide, dirt road that climbs on
Trail Stats
9.0 km
114 m
179 m
100 m
—
Photos
Cacti south of lake on Lakeview Loop trail.
Cacti south of lake on Lakeview Loop trail.
Top of post dam climb on Lakeview Loop Trail, looking southeast.
Top of post dam climb on Lakeview Loop Trail, looking southeast.
The beginning of the trail down to the back of the dam on the Lakeview Trail.
The beginning of the trail down to the back of the dam on the Lakeview Trail.
Emerging from Scout trail, a short, fun connector between the main trails.
Emerging from Scout trail, a short, fun connector between the main trails.
Looking up at "Big Red" from the comfort of a bench, beneath a tree... the best way to enjoy "Big Red".
Looking up at "Big Red" from the comfort of a bench, beneath a tree... the best way to enjoy "Big Red".
To keep your spirits high, try not to look at "Thrash Mountain" in the distance, a short but steep rutted hill on the way to the dam.
To keep your spirits high, try not to look at "Thrash Mountain" in the distance, a short but steep rutted hill on the way to the dam.
Looking up at the stand of eucalyptus that this trail is named for.
Looking up at the stand of eucalyptus that this trail is named for.
Sunset over the reservoir.
Sunset over the reservoir.
Screen grab off the GoPro. Wish I had this info going down - it would have been a lot more fun as the trail down is not technical!
Screen grab off the GoPro. Wish I had this info going down - it would have been a lot more fun as the trail down is not technical!
View from south ridge lake loop.
View from south ridge lake loop.
After getting to the top of "thrash mountain" a photo looking down doesn't even begin to show how steep it really is!
After getting to the top of "thrash mountain" a photo looking down doesn't even begin to show how steep it really is!