So Cal Overnight suggestions?

[robotfury]

Looking for some weekend bikepacking trips to cut my teeth on and just wonder if there are any particularly choice routes in Southern California??? I spend most of my time in the Santa Monica Mountains near LA, but I am looking for something a little more extensive.

Thanks,

M

[bjorn240]

I'd look north toward the Los Padres National Forest:
1) Sisar Canyon to Nordhoff Ridge to Rose Valley Lake to 6N31 to 33 (basically a loop North of Ojai) would be an easy first time trip.
2) A bit bigger would be Murrietta Juncal Road up to 6N03 to 5N15/Camuesa and around the Matilja Wilderness.  Could go all the way up to Ventucopa and Pine Mountain Club that way!

A map of the Los Padres forest is all you need.  You will need to figure out how/where to get water.

This is a decent page that covers the southern parts of option (2):  http://www.marcuse.org/harold/pages/077LosPadresMountainBiking.htm

[bjorn240]

Here's a map/route of a 4-5 day trip, using both above routes. 
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/821697

[bjorn240]

By the way, Quatal Canyon between Pine Mountain Club and Ventucopa is pretty awesome too.  I miss SoCal sometimes.

[robotfury]

Thanks for the info. Love the RWGPS.  I just returned to SoCal after living 3 years in Vancouver. There is a lot here to dislike, but I will say that being able to ride year round with very very little rain and never having to wear winter gear is fantastic. 

[trebor]

Looking for some weekend bikepacking trips to cut my teeth on and just wonder if there are any particularly choice routes in Southern California? I spend most of my time in the Santa Monica Mountains near LA, but I am looking for something a little more extensive.

Thanks,

M

M
I just moved here recently and am putting together info (along with others) for routes. There is plenty to be had, but I don't have a gpx to share this second. Always looking for other folks to ride with though. If interested shoot me a PM. Also, check out Topanga Creek bikes down in Topanga Canyon. They specialize in "adventure" bikes and touring - they are really a great shop for our crowd.

rob

[mattyp]

@bjorn240:  thanks for the beta on those loops.  i went up there last summer and had had some gated roads earlier in my trip in the angles national forest that did not end very well, so i was reticent to go into matilija canyon road.  what is the water availability through there?  thanks.