CHSP East - Mountain Bike Trail

CHSP East is an intermediate singletrack that perfectly balances intense climbs and easily flowing sections. It offers enough challenges for advanced riders and intermediate riders who want to upskill.

The CHSP East is a family-friendly trail with various amenities, including campgrounds, an amphitheater, a ranger station, and historical buildings. The singletrack is fun to ride, with several climbs to build stamina and fast-flowing sections. It also offers great views of the Southern California geology and a chance to see different wild animals. The trail runs through an area that was originally occupied by Gabrielino Indians, who hunted game and gathered walnuts, seeds, and fruits for food. To date, the CHSP East is still a premier natural open space with over 60 miles of trails and fire roads.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The CHSP East has various entry points. We realized the most popular starting point is the Lower Aliso Canyon trailhead that intersects with Bane Canyon Rd. Get on Bane Canyon Rd and head north. Turn on the first left, then ride, then ascend the double track to the top. Brace yourself for two exhilarating descents. After the second descent, a short climb will lead you to a crossing under power lines. When you cross, you will get to the easiest and most flowy section of the Bane Ridge trail.

Ride the entire bane ridge trail onto Bane Ridge Rd. Take a right turn onto a descent towards Rolling M Ranch. Turn left and start the climb on South Ridge past the gate. The climb is about 1.25 miles and leads to the tallest part of the trail, San Juan Hill.

The descent down San Juan Hill is the most fun bit of the trail. The drop is fast and furious and leads to the Bovinian Delight trail. Turn right onto the Bovinian Delight trail and ride it all the way to the bottom at four corners. Keep right and begin to climb the Raptor Ridge, which is the only singletrack at four corners.

The most technical bit of the trail is a short distance from four corners. It runs through an outcropping of jagged rock. Ride up to the power tower, then do a short drop onto Falutline trail, which parallels a famous Yorba Linda fault line section. We noticed that the section is fast and off-camber, but you can’t go at top speed because the trail turns left quickly to drop you on the Aliso Canyon trail. Ride the Aliso Canyon trail to the Rolling M ranch for a bathroom break and water.

From the ranch, turn left past the amphitheater and buildings. Stay on the dirt road and turn left to cross a bridge. Ride on to Young Magicness and keep going until you end up at the equestrian staging area. Keep left so you can get on Bane Ridge trail. Just when you begin climbing, turn right at the fork onto the spur connector, which will throw you back onto Bane Canyon Rd. Take a right on the paved road and finish your ride at Lower Aliso trailhead.

Additional Trail Features

• The Rolling M Ranch which has great shade, picnic tables, and bathrooms.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The CHSP East offers endless epic views. The first spectacular view is on the tallest part of the trail, San Juan Hills, which comes after a crazy climb. You can stop to catch a breath and take in the beauty.

Recommendations/precautions

• Be mindful of other trail users, especially at the Bovinian Delight trail, where hikers, equestrians, and bikers are likely to ascend over descending.
• Bring plenty of drinking water, especially on hot days.
• You can also begin the ride from the Gas Company Road on the park’s southwest corner and end it at the Lower Aliso trail.
• The park closes 48 hours after it rains or during high winds. Check its Facebook page for closure updates before planning a ride.