Mangas CDT Access

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This is the northernmost access point for this section of the CDT. It is the lowest elevation access to the CDT around so if everything else is snowed in, you can probably still ride here. That may be the only good reason to start your ride here, just so you know.

This is also how the trailbuilder got in to build the CDT, but it is almost unused at this point so expect difficult route finding. The planned access point at the highway fell through, so the trail dead ends out in the hills and was never finished.

Doubletrack starts at a public land access gate at the end of Descanso Lane. Park inside the gate or at Hwy 180 and ride in. Follow a fence line about a quarter of a mile until you turn right at an intersection and head up a canyon. Follow this old jeep road until you reach a windmill with a corral.

Go through the corral and head "downstream" following a faint doubletrack for a few hundred yards until you intersect the CDT where it comes in on your left. Turn left and take the CDT singletrack as it it climbs the sidehill. Turn around whenever you feel like it, or when you get to Mexico.

You'll likely miss the intersection with the CDT so keep an eye on your GPS. Do not continue on the CDT "downstream" in the sandy wash, it will only bring confusion and sadness.