Santa Ysabel Open Space Perserve.

[MTBBill]

NappyT - This is as close as I get to doing requests

The 5,312 acre Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, located in the extremely scenic mountains between Santa Yasbel and Julian about 40 miles northeast of San Diego, is one of the prettiest preserves in the county I have seen to date. While fire roads exclusively make up the designated trail system here, you will most likely not mind at all as the beauty of the place makes up for the lack of singletrack options. The rolling open grasslands and oak groves remind me a great deal of Northern California. You can get in just under 20 miles of riding if you do all of the loops and out and back sections. But you will have to do it on either a Saturday or a Sunday from 8AM to Sunset as the perserve is only open on those days.

Here are a few pics:








Here is the rest of the review maps and pictures.

-Bill

[nappyt]

Your the best man! Thanks. Another excellent RR on your site.

I need to check this place out in the New Year...

[el_d00der1n0]

Would this be a good family ride?

So much wildlife!

Wild turkey! I'll be sure to bring some coke with me...

[bajamtnbkr]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

Would this be a good family ride?

So much wildlife!

Wild turkey! I'll be sure to bring some coke with me...

I had done that ride once, is one of Julian Active rides, lots of short up and downs that it can be kind of hard for a complete newbe because the amount of short but steep climbing, a beautiful are to ride and enjoy.

[MTBBill]

Originally Posted by bajamtnbkr

I had done that ride once, is one of Julian Active rides, lots of short up and downs that it can be kind of hard for a complete newbe because the amount of short but steep climbing, a beautiful are to ride and enjoy.

I think this could be a good ride for a newbe from a technical standpoint. On the cardio side it could be a bit of a beater for a newbe particuarlly if you head out to the western vista loop. If you bring out a beginner and they have an expectation of pushing up some of the hills, they will still have a good time. (Good Discussion...Gonna add this to the review)

-Bill

[bajamtnbkr]

Originally Posted by MTBBill

I think this could be a good ride for a newbe from a technical standpoint. On the cardio side it could be a bit of a beater for a newbe particuarlly if you head out to the western vista loop. If you bring out a beginner and they have an expectation of pushing up some of the hills, they will still have a good time. (Good Discussion...Gonna add this to the review)

-Bill

You are right Bill, I remember doing a couple of hike a bike sections and then seen a guy SSing the same little hill, so for us cardio-challenged people we'll get our moneys worth.
I found some pictures of that ride I did here:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...tour+de+julian

[MTBBill]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

So much wildlife!

The wildlife was really awesome.

Before winter is over, I going to spend some time out at nearby Lake Henshaw and try to get some pictures of the Bald Eagles that are roosting over the winter there.

[Red Ryder]

Thanks MTBBill. My wife and I are always looking for new places to ride. We almost rode there but ended up at Big Laguna. I wondered what Santa Ysabel Open Space Preseve was like, and after seeing your photos, we will give try.

[sdfisher]

MTBBill: Thanks for the continued inspiration to get out and explore. I have been eyeing this place for a few months but now I am itching to go.

[allison]

Originally Posted by MTBBill

The wildlife was really awesome.

Before winter is over, I going to spend some time out at nearby Lake Henshaw and try to get some pictures of the Bald Eagles that are roosting over the winter there.

We just saw one last weekend that was hanging out on Indian Truck Trail!