|
|
|
|
|
||
El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Mountain Bike Trail
Woodside, California
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
9 trail reviews |
| Status: |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 20 miles | Global Rank: #445 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 131 | Wishlist: 41 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.56 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 40min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +4,077/-3,822 ft (based on partial GPS data) |
Directions:
To view directions to El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space mountain bike trail, please login. If
you don't have an account, sign up now: it's free, only takes a minute, and gives you access to tons of other rad features.
Description: There are maps at the trailhead and there are several trails you can combine to make short or long loops. You start at about 2000 ft and drop into the forest on singletrack/doubletrack trails. The downhill can be long and fun, but remember you have to climb up eventually so save some energy. You may encounter a few rocky technical sections on the descent. There is a lot of tight, fast singletrack that curves in and out of the humongous redwoods. Some of the best singletrack I have ever ridden. The first time I went we took the Timberview Trail to the Virginia Mill Trail. Had to dismount and cross a creek at the Virgina Mill Trail because some trees were knocked down covering the trail. We climbed up on the South/North Leaf trails and finally took the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail back to Skeggs point. The trails are all well marked, I'll definitely be back to ride some of the other trails in the network. If you are looking for awesome downhill, sweet singletrack, or a test of your climbing abilities, this place has it all. A great place to get lost in the redwoods.
Description: There are maps at the trailhead and there are several trails you can combine to make short or long loops. You start at about 2000 ft and drop into the forest on singletrack/doubletrack trails. The downhill can be long and fun, but remember you have to climb up eventually so save some energy. You may encounter a few rocky technical sections on the descent. There is a lot of tight, fast singletrack that curves in and out of the humongous redwoods. Some of the best singletrack I have ever ridden. The first time I went we took the Timberview Trail to the Virginia Mill Trail. Had to dismount and cross a creek at the Virgina Mill Trail because some trees were knocked down covering the trail. We climbed up on the South/North Leaf trails and finally took the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail back to Skeggs point. The trails are all well marked, I'll definitely be back to ride some of the other trails in the network. If you are looking for awesome downhill, sweet singletrack, or a test of your climbing abilities, this place has it all. A great place to get lost in the redwoods.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Forest Of Nisene Marks & Soquel Demonstration Forest in Santa Cruz
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by tastychicken007 on October 8, 2009
very fun trail, lots of great single track and a beautiful setting too. this is by far my favorite local trail to ride.
reviewed by CF3 on April 2, 2009
Really fun network of trails. Lots of options as far as loops go. Gets pretty busy on the weekends. I just moved from New England and this is one of my first rides in California, I heard that this place was "technical" before i went. I have to say it is not very technical at all compared to anything on the eastcoast, and that's a good thing. No need for a full suspension here. this place is very well maintained. can't wait to go back!
Similar Trail: tamarancho
reviewed by tumbleweed14 on July 12, 2007
This review is of the Fir -> Resolution -> El Corte Madera Crk -> N. Leaf -> Methusela -> Sierra Morena loop. Wow, was that fun! Fir is an easy fire road and you dump almost immediately down some sweet singletrack on Resolution. Very fast, very fun. Lots of trees and rocks to dodge. N. leaf is on an often off-camber hill which demands some elegance with your bike handling. Methusela is a sweet bomb of a bit over half a mile. Quite a bit wider than previous trails and there are several jumps to get airborne. Watch for corners. Then up up up about over 3.5 miles mostly in the shade. connect with morena and you're done. Fantastic shorter ride, but the constant elevation change zapped me. there are lots of other trails to extend the ride but haven't been on them yet. Overall, very good with a fantastic fun factor if you like jedi singletrack. Only gripe is the end game climb cuz I would rather do the work at the beginning. Also to note was that I saw several hikers, and this was on a Thursday late morning, afternoon.
Similar Trail: Soquel Demonstration Forest.
reviewed by gshoops on September 12, 2006
Very good location. A bit challenging to drive up for you car but worth it. Multiple loops and options, many trails to choose from to make a short ride or a long ride. a must do is head up to the vista point, great view over the clouds. great rock gardens for some technical riding and sweet singletrack. awsome creek crossing personally my favorite place to ride.
reviewed by paulsbridges on July 7, 2006
Awesome trails cross and follow the steep conours of this open space preserve. Every combination, from smooth, sweeping, fast and wide trails to arduous single track with roots, rocks and lots and lots of hairpins. One of my favorites is Resolution trail, probably the the best single track I've riden. It is so good that last time I visited I went down one way, turned around and went right back up. On a hard-tail some of these trails are tougher but then I enjoy a challenge. Other recommendations are Methusala, a long and varied ride, and Fir, for it's fast, steep descents. If you park at Skeggs Point, the only minor gripe I can think of is that you start at the top, descend and then have to cycle back up - personally I prefer to 'earn' the downhill. I guess if you park at Star Hill Road then you can climb first but then I haven't tried it. All in all this is highly recommended.
reviewed by Ian on June 5, 2006
This trail can be anywhere from a half hour ride to a 3 to 5 hour ride depending on how much time you have. There are a few gnarly downhills with some technical rock gardens and a few fast, not technical downhills. Some very technical uphills as well. I reccomend the Tafoni Trail, Resolution Trail, El Corte Madera, and the Fir Trail
Similar Trail: nothing like it-but if you want something slightly easier, look to Waterdog Lake in Belmont.
reviewed by gab26 on April 2, 2006
Lots of options depending on time and effort you want to expend. Resolution to North Leaf then out Methusala is good add some South Leaf to Virgina Mill for something a little more tech.
Similar Trail: Demo forest
reviewed by McStrings on August 4, 2005
It would be a great after work ride except you have to drive up into the hills. It's a decent ride with a few serviceable loops. I don't know if the "Nosebleed Trail" is still open -- I call it "The Collarboner" -- but if it is you will learn the true valley of full suspension. And bactine.
reviewed by maleonardphi on July 22, 2005
I think this is the best place to ride in the SF bay area. It has so much variety. I can take my wife for a mild 3 mile ride, or hammer out a two hour session with my friends.
More 