Mariposa (Middle to Prefumo Cyn)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This section of Mariposa is far trickier than the Madonna trailhead end. From the end of the paved road, the trail climbs through several moderately technical rocky ramps, and is steep at times. At the top Morro View junction, the trail descends a bit more slowly than it climbed and rolls along to a distinct right turn at the end of the main ridge. At this point Mariposa drops down to Prefumo Canyon Road, first via more rocky and loose ramps and then wider dirt surfaces.

Mariposa is a great place to grow your technical confidence, as riding in either direction allows sampling both ascending and descending rocky sections. For more of the same type of technical sections, head uphill on Morro View.

The views from Mariposa are moderately good, but even better ones can be found by taking the Durata Vista spur trail.