Classic E-Ticket Route

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Features -none-

The E-Ticket singletrack is the most popular MTB trail in Mission Trails Regional Park. This route bypasses that first section but adds the classic "Horse Trail" section ~0.25mi. The remaining 1 mi of the E-Ticket singletrack is rideable by almost all skill levels by moderating speed. This route also uses classic fireroads and viewpoints that will help orient new riders to the area so they can explore as around the Mission Trails.

E-Ticket proper is mostly downhill, one way only, and ~1.3 miles. For new riders the first 0.3 miles can be intimidating with very steep sections, mini drops, and hairpin switchbacks. Experienced riders will complete E-Ticket in under 7 minutes. Listen for fast riders appearing behind you. Move over when safe for them to pass.

Officially E-Ticket it is two way trail. So you'll not see signage telling you which way to go. However the standard of practice is one way. With the speed and terrain of this trail it is not safe, comfortable, or enjoyable to travel the "wrong way".


If you are new to Mission Trails I recommend pausing at the 5 way fireroad intersection mentioned. There is a great view of the valley and Fortuna Mt range to orient yourself. Beginning riders should also pause for a self check. From here you'll be descending into the valley and it will take lots of energy to climb back out. This is the fine point to turn around or chose an alternate loop back depending on remaining water, fitness, or heat warnings.

Starts in the parking lot. Ride the streets to the Calle de Vida trail gate. From here you climb up a small hill at a gentle grade for Mission Trails. Looking left from the top you can see the Clairemont Mesa Bridge and the trailhead you parked at.

Fireroad continues with a slight decline to a fork in the road. Go left. The fireroad goes up another hill, steeper and longer than the last one. Note all of the fireroads are wide with more than enough room to walk your bike and have others pass both ways. At the top of this hill the fire road levels off to a saddle. The saddle has a 5 way fireroad intersection. From the direction you approached from, you'll take the center road downhill. There are only two downhill options at this 5 way intersection. Of the two downhill options you want the left one.

If you're good to go, here comes a fun section. Although this is a fireroad, this is a fast steep ride with mini jumps and frequently washed out sections. At speed this is a very fun bomb down. It is reminiscent of early 90s downhill courses. There are speed bumps to guide rainwater off the fireroad. Be prepared, at speed this can buck inexperienced riders. Take them slow, pump them, or jump, chose your own adventure. Watch your balance and tire grip.

First this fire road is a steep straight section, a blind right turn, then a slight left down a short steep section and then it levels out for a good bit. If you carry your speed you shouldn't need to pedal at all. After the level section there will be an intersection. You'll go right. It takes you through a dry stream crossing. Then the fireroad will go steeply up and to the left. Notice the singletrack trail sign on your right, later you'll be heading back down that.

You are now on the Fortuna Saddle Trail / fireroad. You'll see power lines along this access road/fireroad as you ascend to the Fortuna Saddle Spur. Right when the fireroad gets unresonably steep, and makes a hard right turn you'll see a trail sign to the left of the turn. This is the start of your intro to E-Ticket. Take the singletrack trail.

This section of trail used to be called horse trail, or horse thieve trail, among others. It follows a rolling trail slightly downhill on average. It will lead to a three way intersection. You'll take the left. To the right will be a wooden bridge that is the starter kit for E-Ticket. Do not go that way as you'll be going the wrong way.

Once you go left at that intersection you'll be on E-Ticket! This is a flowy meandering section of trail that is great for all skill levels. Gentle continuing down slope until a big bermed left turn followed by some jukes to cross a dry stream bed and then a quick climb out. You'll emerge back onto the Fortuna Saddle Trail / fireroad. Go right. It will go downhill to the singletrack trail I told you to look for earlier.

The entrance to the singletrack from the fireroad has a nice little jump. It has a rounded mound of a lip. This means it's not a kicker and won't buck you up. Instead you'll need speed and a little pop of your own to get air. Otherwise it will just float you.