Ride Open Spaces

Mountain Biking the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve

12.07.2017

This five-mile fat-tire cruise in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve is what mountain bikers call a middle-chainring ride—no extremes, nothing technical, but rather a gentle climb into the Simi Hills and a gentle descent on the return through an oak-studded landscape. More about nature than rad biking.

At the trailhead, a towering oak tree stands off to your left as you begin sailing through seas of sage and taking in 360-degree views of the astounding landscape that was once known as Ahmanson Ranch. Upon reaching a signed fork, you proceed left to continue along the trail.

The fire road morphs into a singletrack as you ride through more majestic oaks, then emerge into warm sunshine. In a sandy patch, your bike dances for a moment until you claim alpha and regain control. A lone palm tree appears inexplicably off to your left as you dip through dry streambeds. An exposed incline, 2.4 miles from the trailhead, looks a little intimidating, but you find your small chainring and talk yourself up the short hill. This is what you came for.

It’s turnaround time, but you have options on the way back. When you ride back down this rise, you can turn right and explore a half-mile of beautiful, shady singletrack before it gets too rocky to ride. About a mile later you can turn left at that signed fork and ride up a thigh-burning fire road that loops back to rejoin the main road, adding 1.7 miles to the total distance. Then it’s a gentle cruise until you see that giant oak. You can practically smell the coffee!

COFFEE & BREAKFAST: Whether you’re looking for a pre-ride caffeine fix or a post-ride breakfast or both, Cafe Olé and Santa Fe Café, which share space just a half-mile south of the trailhead, have you covered. Try a cold-brew latte and a chilaquiles breakfast burrito!

To reach the trailhead, exit US-101 at Las Virgenes Rd. and turn north. Continue until it ends at the trailhead after 1.5 miles. Street parking is available. The ride described here starts at P2 on this map and follows the 10 route up, with the option of adding the 3 and 1 routes on the way back. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View