Save Las Flores Ridge/Ladera Ridge

Hey there, I'm new to this site. The Las Flores Ridge has been my main trail since I moved to Ladera 3 years ago. I used to go up Fireman's Pole until the sign went up, now usually use Oso entrance. Besides the large fence with the "No trespassing signs" (on both sides?!) at the top of Fireman's Pole, there is also a newer fence at the top of Backdraft and Inferno entrance. They have also removed one of the bridges at the top 1/3 of Backdraft. I'm not sure if someone commented on this yet? Now I guess the only way to ride these is trails is to ride up Backdraft from Deerpath which definitely kills my typical loops.

I share your guys frustration with these somewhat arbitrary closures, I just read through the whole thread and appreciate the work you guys have gone to address it.

I noticed this morning there is a flyer at Starbucks regarding the trail closures. Looks like someone from Rock and Road (maybe one of you guys?) is having a meeting at the Selma's Patio on May 4th at 7pm (correct me if I got the days wrong).

I'd really like to go but I work that night. I wanted pass on the info though in case you guys hadn't already heard about it.

-Eric
 
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Here there I'm new to this site. The Las Flores Ridge has been my main trail since I moved to Ladera 3 years ago. I used to go up Fireman's Pole until the sign went up, now usually use Oso entrance. Besides the large fence with the "No trespassing signs" (on both sides?!) at the top of Fireman's Pole, there is also a newer fence at the top of Backdraft and Inferno entrance. They have also removed one of the bridges at the top 1/3 of Backdraft. I'm not sure if someone commented on this yet? Now I guess the only way to ride these is trails is to ride up Backdraft from Deerpath which definitely kills my typical loops.

I share your guys frustration with these somewhat arbitrary closures, I just read through the whole thread and appreciate the work you guys have gone to address it.

I noticed this morning there is a flyer at Starbucks regarding the trail closures. Looks like someone from Rock and Road (maybe one of you guys?) is having a meeting at the Selma's Patio on May 4th at 7pm (correct me if I got the days wrong).

I'd really like to go but I work that night. I wanted pass on the info though in case you guys hadn't already heard about it.

-Eric
Selma's Patio? Not sure I am familiar with this place. Are you referring to Selma's Chicago Pizzeria in Ladera? I would like to attend this event.
 
Selma's Patio? Not sure I am familiar with this place. Are you referring to Selma's Chicago Pizzeria in Ladera? I would like to attend this event.
Yes it's a Selma Pizzeria in Ladera, on the patio. The flyer is at the Starbucks a few doors down on the bulletin board.
 
Yes it's a Selma Pizzeria in Ladera, on the patio. The flyer is at the Starbucks a few doors down on the bulletin board.
Thank you. I will be there.

Here is the flyer posted at Starbucks. Spread the word! IMG_0704.jpg
 
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I'll be there tomorrow night.

If anyone does speak to anyone from RMV and they mention critical habitat, feel free to remind them that RMV built a road through that habitat (what eventually became the trail) to begin with.
 
I'll be there tomorrow night.

If anyone does speak to anyone from RMV and they mention critical habitat, feel free to remind them that RMV built a road through that habitat (what eventually became the trail) to begin with.


EXACTLY!!! Just go to www.historicaerials.com and you can see how far back in time that trail goes.
 
The meeting went well with a big turnout - the patio was packed. There is a dialogue ongoing with the Reserve at RMV. The hope that is if the illegal trails on Reserve land (M80 etc.) are repaired, Ladera Ridge will once again be open to us. There is a trail day currently scheduled for June 11 to do just that.

HOWEVER... Nothing we do will matter if people keep cutting the fences, damaging/stealing the cameras and otherwise vandalizing the signs and trails. If you're on here and really care about those trails, please stop riding them. There's no hope for any change if people can't stop being jerks.
 
Yeah sounds good. Let's stay off the ridge. I think I'll be around that weekend to help out. Is this the main message board for this or is there another one?

Also...

What do you guys think about riding up backdraft from waterworks via undertaker then back down? Also can go down inferno from there. Technically not going on the ridge in that case and there are no gates or signs posted. Is this RMV property? I don't think it is...
 
Not sure anyone is still watching this thread, but to answer my own question; No you can no longer ride up Backdraft (aka Updraft). There is a very brand new fence at the base just after Undertaker with the same Area Closed sign as the rest of the fences.

Can't help but notice the remarkable coincidence that a gate popped up right after posting on the board about it. Makes you wonder who else is listening?

If there's an ocparks or RMV representative reading this, feel free to join the conversation. It's pretty apparent that we want to work with you guys to try and reopen some of these trails, we could be very helpful allies. It seems a terrible shame to just shut the whole thing down, Backdraft is a pretty good trail.

Didn't Telonix, Lizard and mentally sensitive (to name a few) used to be illegal but are now sanctioned trails? There's got to be a way to make this work without encroaching on the RMV preserve.

Anyways that's my two cents.
 
I first posted about this trail and its impeding closure with this post: http://www.socaltrailriders.org/ind...ower-chiquita-ridge.63961/page-6#post-1002183

I've had an ongoing dialog with the Ranger responsible for this area and a couple of people at OC Parks who ultimately own the decision on what to do with these trails. I've heard the input from the previous thread and I'd like this thread to change the conversation to a positive tone with the goal of doing what we can to keep this area open for the long term.

The tone of the conversation with the county is positive and if I had to summarize I'd say they are looking for ways to help us not only keep this trail open but also make it officially approved for public use. The ridge trail crossing onto Rancho Mission Viejo's property multiple times complicates things and they (the County) want to work on the community's behalf with RMV to keep the current routing. I'd say this is a unique opportunity for us as a group to keep this trail system open for the long term.

They've asked me a couple of questions and I'd like to gather input from this group. The questions are:
  1. Where does your group usually enter the trail (oso?)
  2. Any interesting features or destinations that this trail is used to access?

My answers to these questions are as follows. If you agree just reply with a +1 or add your input. I'll consolidate all input and send it along:
  1. Trail entrance:
    1. Most users enter the trail system at the Oso trailhead. Other users enter next to the fire station and climb to the ridge trail. There are several unique features and destinations when entering from either location:
      1. The Oso entrance has a short, steep demanding section at the start that local riders/runners look forward to conquering. You quickly feel isolated from the community when it turns into single track and you stop hearing cars or seeing houses.
      2. The Fire Station entrance is less challenging and also provides the quick isolation unique to this area.
  2. Interesting features/destinations:
    1. Continuing south on the ridge fire road past the Fire Station provides expansive views of both the canyon to the East/South and the coastal views depending on the visibility at the time. The trail is wide enough for bi-directional traffic of both bikers and hikers/walkers. The rolling hills can be used by even novice bikers/hikers. Every time you reach a new peak you get a unique view of your community and perhaps Catalina on a clear day.
    2. For hikers/bikers looking for more of a challenge there are multiple single track trails descending down towards Antonio parkway (these are North of the Fire Station trail)
    3. Once heading down that West side of the ridge you can proceed under Antonio Pkwy to connect with the trail below the RSM Water District and connect with the Trabuco Creek Road trail that runs under Oso Pkwy.
Thanks in advance for you input.
 
Is the rehab project to remove the trails on RMV wilderness side of the ridge (as a good faith gesture) still happening?

I heard it was June 11th but haven't seen anything about it?
 

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