Santa Ysabel/Kanaka Flats

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

These secluded fire road trails provide great views, tough climbs, and fast descents. The ride is on all fire road, which is minimally graded, natural surface, no gravel, but also no technical challenges. The descents can be very fast due to the width of the “trail”. Stay on the fire road and do not go on cow paths or past any Preserve "Closed" signs.

Use a bell and watch speed on descents. Be alert for horses, hikers, dogs, and lots of cows.

The ride starts with a very hearty climb. It levels out briefly where you take the fork on the right past a bird sign. There's another climb to a picnic area, where you take another right which leads to a quick descent. This is followed by a more rigorous climb which levels out at a picnic table beneath some solitary oaks on top of the hill. There is a great view here, so this would make a good turnaround for a shorter ride.

The trail then drops in to Kanaka Flats area. A right at the next junction will lead you to the Kanaka Loop Trail. Kanaka rejoins Coast to Crest Trail Connector where you go right again to descend to cross Santa Ysabel creek; this is the best part of the ride through oaks along creek.

After two creek crossings (the first has a bridge), you'll reach the upper parking area. Enjoy a few mild climbs and very fast downhills to return to the Hwy 78 parking area. If you take all rights on the way back, you'll follow the figure-8 route depicted. Again, watch your speed and yield to other users, especially horses. Rated intermediate due to climbing.