MOUNTAIN BIKING: Las Virgines Canyon Lollipop

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Description

In late 2003, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy completed the long-<br />
awaited purchase of the 2,983-acre Ahmanson Ranch, a stunningly <br />
beautiful property in the Simi Hills in Ventura County nestled at the western <br />
edge of the San Fernando Valley. The new parkland is contiguous with and <br />
accessed from the existing 2,650-acre Upper Las Virgenes Open Space <br />
Park.<br />
<br />
The huge parkland is part of a critical ecological linkage and wildlife corridor <br />
between the Santa Monica Mountains and the ranges to the north. Rolling <br />
hills studded with valley oaks, sycamore-lined canyon bottoms, miles of <br />
potential trails, and vistas of unspoiled California landscapes are now part <br />
of a parkland legacy. <br />
<br />
This 12.7-mile lollipop is just one of several possible mountain biking routes <br />
possible through this huge parkland area. The Victory Trailhead is only one <br />
of several access points into this preserve.<br />
<br />
The Ride: From the Victory TH parking, follow East Las Virgines Canyon Trail <br />
to the Las Virgines Canyon drainage.<br />
<br />
Turn right up the Virgines Canyon Trail and take the first connector trail to <br />
the left that climbs up to the ridge.<br />
<br />
At the top of the ridge, turn right onto Cheeseboro Ridge Trail. Be sure to <br />
take time to look behind you at the long views.<br />
<br />
Continue up Cheeseboro Ridge Trail until it crosses Sheep Corral Trail in the <br />
bottom of a cross valley. Turn right onto Sheep Corral Trail and enjoy the <br />
long descent you have earned. <br />
<br />
Sheep Corral Trail will seamlessly merge onto the Upper Las Virgines <br />
Canyon Road.<br />
<br />
Take the trail to the left after Upper Las Virgines Canyon Road turns into a <br />
double-track. This will bring you up and over another small ridge and will <br />
lead you back to East Las Virgines Canyon Trail.<br />
<br />
Turn left at the "tee" junction and return to the TH parking area.<br />

Directions

The Victory Trailhead accessing the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space <br /><br />Preserve is at the western terminus of Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills, <br /><br />California.