Moving to OC and would like to know where to live to be close to the best trails. I'm used to having 5 trails within 15-30 min of work (all legal at night) and riding every day - but MTBR posts indicate night riding is sketchy in OC? Anyway, I'll be working in Irvine. I've ridden Aliso and El Morro, so I was thinking close to those areas would be good. Am I on track - or should I be looking elsewhere? Thanks.
If you can, Irvine/Lake Forest/Mission Viejo will give you all you need. You'll be within 15 - 25 minutes of Whiting Ranch, Top o the World, Laguna Canyon, Tustin ?name?, luge, Old camp, and close enuf to San Juan & SART to make you happier than you were in Tejas.
County and city parks are closed in all of CA at night (as far as I know). The national forest trails (er, those that aren't closed from the wild fires in October) are open all night, though.
Check out geoladders.com for a list of routes. I believe the majority of STR is either south or north Orange County.
ditto. Although, I think these areas to live in are a little sterile for my tastes. Great trails however. San Jaun is pretty nice and good history there. I live in Orange and would love to stay here. Tustin is great too and a little closer to nice trails. Look at google maps. Anywhere there is a large green area is a good sign.
It all depends on how much money you are willing/able to spend on rent/mortgage. As a rule, the closer you get to the beach, the more expensive, and south county will be more expensive than north in most cases. There is legal night riding in the Santa Anas, and as you know, extensive trails in the San Joaquins (AW, El Moro, LCWP).
Thanks! Thanks for the welcome and the advice. We're driving out today (stop in Tucson to ride Fantasy Island) and will probably hit the trails by Monday. Happy Holidays to All -Gringo
