8.7 hr
Overview
The BLT to Noble Canyon ride starts from Red Tail Roost (Laguna Mountain Volunteer Center). From here, ride Red Tail Roost to the left when you exit the parking area. Pedal up an easy climb before a big downhill stretch. The initial part of the descent is open with big swooping turns before dropping into the pines. If you like technical challenges there are a few sections of log features to test your skills.<br><br>The Red Tail Roost section dumps out onto a dirt road. Turn left here and bear left again going up Agua Dulce Creek. The road will climb gradually and eventually funnel into a singletrack. Keep climbing a bit more before a short descent to cross Agua Dulce Creek before pedaling uphill to an intersection.<br><br>Continue on the singletrack ahead to access the Gatos section of the BLT, a trail that's been rerouted and improved. It's a fun section that climbs and contours through the pines. Stay right at one intersection along the way.<br><br>Gatos spills out onto the edge of Big Laguna Meadow. From here, stay left and skirt the outer edge to the west. Stay right at the next intersection to continue through the meadow.<br><br>At the following intersection, go left through the gate. This is the Water of the Woods section and a little extra credit singletrack as you work your way around to Big Laguna Lake. There's a short climb followed by a quick descent before circumnavigating a small lake. From here, the trail continues through an open area with a few clusters of big boulders strewn throughout. The trail then bends around to the left towards the south end of the Big Laguna Lake.<br><br>Crossing the dam of the lake is a bit lumpy and bumpy but provides a great view of this beautiful alpine setting. Keep your eyes to the right side of the lake and the lower hillside on the north side of the valley ahead - that's where you are going.<br><br>Turn left to access the singletrack that skirts the meadow and pines along the east side of Big Laguna Lake. You'll be pedaling uphill to the north towards
Trail Stats
32.5 km
330 m
1846 m
1139 m
—
Photos
Heading out along the Kemp Spur.
Heading out along the Kemp Spur.
One of many creek crossings under the trees on the Noble Canyon trail. Refreshing!
One of many creek crossings under the trees on the Noble Canyon trail. Refreshing!
Real food for a really big ride at Noble Canyon
Real food for a really big ride at Noble Canyon
Looking north towards the Big Laguna Meadow.
Looking north towards the Big Laguna Meadow.
The intersection of Noble Canyon trail and Indian Creek trail
The intersection of Noble Canyon trail and Indian Creek trail
A rare "smooth" section between technical goodness on Noble Canyon!
A rare "smooth" section between technical goodness on Noble Canyon!
Looking northwest towards Mt. Cuyamaca.
Looking northwest towards Mt. Cuyamaca.
Water of the Woods
Water of the Woods
Smooooth little log drop kinda jumpish!
Smooooth little log drop kinda jumpish!
One of a plethora of fun log and rock rollers (or kickers!)
One of a plethora of fun log and rock rollers (or kickers!)
Another smooth drop....very roll able.
Another smooth drop....very roll able.
The Widow Maker
The Widow Maker
Crossing the dam on the south side of Big Laguna Lake
Crossing the dam on the south side of Big Laguna Lake
Ninja crew showing us how its done.
Ninja crew showing us how its done.
Have fun on all the optional features along Gatos!
Have fun on all the optional features along Gatos!
Working down Widowmaker!
Working down Widowmaker!
Laguna Medow.
Laguna Medow.
Sundown in the Laguna Mountains.
Sundown in the Laguna Mountains.
God's Country!
God's Country!
Chunkey Monkey...Stairway to Hell.
Chunkey Monkey...Stairway to Hell.
STH
STH
The upper part of Red Tail Roost on BLT to Noble Canyon is open and flowing
The upper part of Red Tail Roost on BLT to Noble Canyon is open and flowing
Upper reaches of the Noble Canyon trail.
Upper reaches of the Noble Canyon trail.
Flowers and a covering of fog during a spring ride on the Gatos Spur.
Flowers and a covering of fog during a spring ride on the Gatos Spur.
The San Diego Mountain Bike Association crew on the Water of the Woods section of the Big Laguna trails.
The San Diego Mountain Bike Association crew on the Water of the Woods section of the Big Laguna trails.
Alpine meadow in the Cleveland National Forest.
Alpine meadow in the Cleveland National Forest.
The lower reaches of the Noble Canyon trail travel through the desert.
The lower reaches of the Noble Canyon trail travel through the desert.
Ninja shred!
Ninja shred!
Red Tail Roost features a number of different natural wooden features to test your mettle.
Red Tail Roost features a number of different natural wooden features to test your mettle.
Randy cleaning STH!
Randy cleaning STH!
The Roman Road on lower Noble Canyon
The Roman Road on lower Noble Canyon