Peters Canyon

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

An easy 5+ mile loop around Peters Canyon Reservoir, and through the canyon. There are a few steep slopes to climb, and a few slightly technical sections, but otherwise, a very easy mountain bike ride.

Enjoy views of a man-made lake, and ridge-top views of the surrounding area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 only slightly at first, gradually getting steeper until you reach the cross-roads near the dam again. Stay right, and climb the east shoulder of the dam. After the dam, stay left and the trail narrows to a wide doubletrack, descending slightly into the reeds and vegetation surrounding the reservoir.

Soon you'll reach the street corner of Jamboree and Canyon View Ave. Turn left and head back to the parking lot.

Have fun!