RR: O'Neill - Eagle Trail (something different)

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I know alot of people ride O'Neill park in OC but how many of you know where Eagle Trail is? It's a little off the beaten track. I decided to start my ride with it today and share with some people where it is who might not know where it is.

Basically it's on the bluff/city side of O'Neill near Live Oak Canyon Road. Find you way to the picnic bench overlooking Trabuco Canyon Road...

ride_2.jpg

Turn around and head west about 100 yards. When the main trail turns left and uphill, hang a right. That's where Eagle starts. It is well signed.

ride_3.jpg

It used to be a hiking trail only because there were some steps near the top.

ride_6.jpg

I spoke to the range Ron Slimm some time back about re-routing the trail so bikes and equestrians could use it too. I wanted to help him do it, but he beat me too it!

At the top there is one techy section. I had to go back twice to get it. The first time down it I carried too much speed and had to abort to not run into a poison oak patch.

ride_5.jpg
This photo doesn't do justice.

ride_7.jpg

ride_8.jpg
Nice tree-covered singletrack.

ride_9.jpg
Careful there's lots of poison oak around lurking just off the trail.

ride_10.jpg
This section was fun to come down. Oh yeah you don't want to climb this trail.

ride_11.jpg
The trail doesn't last long at all before you come to a junction. The old trail which is basically a big rut goes left. The new trail goes right and will shortly have some sections you'll have to walk unless you're superhuman tech rider.

ride_12.jpg
ride_13.jpg
Walking sections.

ride_14.jpg
Before you know it you're ready to cross the wash.

ride_15.jpg
For more techy fun off the beaten track take the creek-side rim trail after crossing Trabuco Creek until it runs out at campsite #58.

ride_16.jpg
Watch out for that drop-off on the left!

ride_17.jpg
Creek rim trail ends at campsite #58

ride_18.jpg
Hoffman Homestead is still looking nice despite the hot weather. Watch out for some poison oak overhanging the trail near the monastery road.

ride_19.jpg
ride_20.jpg
Oh and also watch out for mountain lions. The last sighting was two days ago!

Here's my Geoladders route.

Here is a map of where Eagle Trail is:
eaglemap.jpg

Happy Trails

[richie_rich]

Thanks John...I hope you rewarded yourself with one of those fine Brews!

[foofighter]

it's RR like this John that makes me think if i should move the family from aliso to RSM LOL

[kevinator]

Thanks John. Cool section of trail and great photos.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by richie_rich

Thanks John...I hope you rewarded yourself with one of those fine Brews!

Not yet...but when 5:00 rolls around...

[TrojanInsomniac]

Awesome ride report and pics. Definitely a ride I'd like to do one of these days.

[Elisheva]

Appreciate the photos and new ideas, John.

Thanx.

[whitechocolate]

I think we did this once before, but thanks for the reminder I'll check it out next time I ride down there. It looks like a nice alternative to "twisty tire"/"treeface".

[mr.hobbs]

Too funny. I use to live in that condo complex in the middle of the picture and ride that trail all the time. Had idea it even had a name.



Happy Trails

__________________
KeepsWhatHappens

[billstoudt]

do you have a garmin crs file?

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by billstoudt

do you have a garmin crs file?

No but here's the Geoladders route info.

[Keith B]

Sarah and i rode the Eagle trail today. I was pretty disappointed with the trail to the right at the end. Its pretty unrideable - surely those Rangers can spend a bit of time with a shovel to make this a bit more bike/horse friendly?!
We're going to try riding the left hand rut next time on this :-)

On another note - how much fun is the Vista descent from the top of O'Neil?! Only thing that worries me is encountering a horse whilst riding this at full warp. Oh and watch out for ticks on that trail too - notorious for them. I found one of the suckers trying to nibble its way onto my leg. He died horribly for attempting to assault the body of British person.

[Chipster]

Hey John, Remember Steve's run-in with a tree on Eagle just before the stair steps... Fun trail, short but sweet!

Chipster

[genusmtbkr5]

John let me know when you do this ride again. I'd like to ride along.

[OMR]

Make that two of us....

[jcampbell]

Originally Posted by Keith B

for attempting to assault the body of British person.

You're British? Damn, I miss making fun of you and the chubacabra sighting.

Trail looks fun. I'll have to get out and ride that way more often.

[Keith B]

Originally Posted by jcampbell

You're British? Damn, I miss making fun of you and the chubacabra sighting.

Trail looks fun. I'll have to get out and ride that way more often.

Do not jest about the wildlife sightings in the area. There are beasts about.....although only I seem to be able to see them.
We'll have to hook up a ride soon man