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:
- Where does your group usually enter the trail (oso?)
- 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:
- Trail entrance:
- 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:
- 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.
- The Fire Station entrance is less challenging and also provides the quick isolation unique to this area.
- Interesting features/destinations:
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
