Help..Santiago Oaks..Riding with Boss

Hey guys,

I'm riding w/ a boss from the law firm. We're gonna ride Santiago Oaks, but I don't want to take him on anything too difficult.

Can anyone recommend a good fireroad -- mostly beginner route?

Here's a map w/ the names of the trails. Thanks!

http://www.cox.com/oc/cci/events/trails/santiago-weir-map1.asp

 

If he's just starting out, I wouldn't take him to the Oaks - Much of the Oaks is pretty rough for a newbie.
I would go for Aliso and take him up Wood Canyon, or try Peters.


Based on your map, the trails around the parking area at Irvine park are pretty OK for a beginner. Horseshoe and Roadrunner.
The 'blair witch' area of the creek bottom can be fun, but I haven't been there since the rains. Its probably pretty trashed.

 

Yeah just avoid Chutes and Waterfall (not shown)......even better just go right down the street to Peters Canyon.

 

Yeah . . . oaks is pretty tough for a new guy. Especially if you said he's a bit older.

 

Take him to Fullerton Alan.

 

How do I get to Peters? I'll be coming from Jamboree and Main.

 

Take Jamboree all the way to Canyon View Ave., turn left, and the lot is about 1/4 mi. up on your left. If you're on Jamboree and get to Santiago Cyn./ Chapman, you've gone about 2/3 mi. too far.

This will get you to the main parking lot., and there is a fee. If you don't want to pay there is another entrance back to the SW. Slightly tougher to get to, but free. Will detail it if you want.

More info. at the Peters Canyon website.

 

Thanks. Yea could you detail the free parking please?

 

So, which do you think is closer, Peters Canyon or Aliso?

 

You'll still be taking Jamboree north, but not as far. About 3/4 mi. past Tustin Ranch Rd. look for Patriot Way on the left. Turn left on Patriot and take it to Pioneer Rd. Left on Pioneer, and take it 1/2 mi. south to Peters Cyn. Rd. Turn right on Peters Cyn. and follow 'til it ends at the gated community. The park will be on your right, along w/ a trailhead. Park along the road and ride in from there.

Here's a link. Scroll down to the trails map. You'll be coming in from the bottom of the map, on that spur below the "Eucalyptus Groves." A counter-clockwise loop from there should work well for a newer rider.