Oceanside to Palm Springs

[Bluhdow 18]

In a few weeks I'll be riding from Oceanside to Palm Springs for an overnight. Anyone know of any dirt to hit along the way and/or connect the two as much as possible?

KTM 890 ADV R. Comfortable with technical terrain. 

Thanks!

[BigJon01 41]

From Warner Springs you can take Lost Valley out through Anza. Very fun trail. I rode this over the weekend, it was dry and rougher than normal but still one of my favorites. 

[Bluhdow 18]

Excellent. No gates to be concerned about there? 

Thanks!

[Bluhdow 18]

Does anything connect the top of Nate Harrison Grade to the 79?

[BigJon01 41]

I found one gate over the weekend on a side trail but it was private and held closed with a bungee. 

 

Haven't ridden Nate Harrison Grade in a while but yes you can use that to get closer to the Warner Springs side of Lost Valley. Last I heard the Palomar observatory gate is closed to the dirt side of the mountain. You may have to pound a little pavement from there. 

[Bluhdow 18]

Thank you!

 

[tubebender 64]

Sorry, you cannot get from Palomar Observatory to the 79. There is a road, but used only by Forest Service and Fire. If you are caught on the other side of the gate it's a federal ticket.

Maximum dirt would be Black Canyon out of Ramona to Mesa Grande, then the 79 to Warner Springs and take the before mentioned Lost Valley / Cooper Cieniga trail to Anza.

If you want to ride to Palm Springs from the Banning side, you could take the Thomas Mountain / Rouse Ridge road to the 74, then Bee Canyon and some other forest service roads to somewhere above Idylwild. You need to check forest service web page to see if they are open.

Another option could be Bautista Rd to 6S16 (or 18) to 6S13 and cross Thomas Mtn to the 74 near Lake Hemet.

If you are heading down the 74 to Palm Desert, the up and back Santa Rosa Truck trial is a nice ride.

Have fun!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/cleveland/conditions

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/conditions/roads

 

[Bluhdow 18]

Awesome, thank you!

 

[Beta450 1]

All gates are open around Thomas Mountain and the roads are in good shape / Bautista Rd. was recently graded.  Last week I did the Orange County Dualies pre-ride for their annual charity ride next week. Everyone come out and ride and support a great cause.