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A challenging, mostly fireroad run with some fun singletrack on the way back to the parking lot.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.6

KM

94%

Runnable

1,827' 557 m

High

960' 292 m

Low

1,199' 365 m

Up

1,199' 365 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Cheeseboro Canyon is popular with runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. While there are many trail options in the area, this is a perfect nine mile loop.

Need to Know

In a rainy season, there may be creek crossings. This is not a good trail to run immediately after a rain as the mud really sticks to your shoes. There are restrooms at the start. Parking is free. The main parking lot is open from 8:00 am to sunset. You may still visit if the gate is closed (parking is available in front of the gate).

Runner Notes

The singletrack is technical with rocks and trees and some short, steep descents.

Description

The trail starts on the fireroad and is a gradual climb for the first mile. You'll take a left on the Cheeseboro Ridge Trail, and this is where the climbing begins. It continues to climb for the next three miles with a couple recovery downhills.

Once you get to top, you'll want to stop and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and communities. You'll continue with a downhill, another quick climb and downhill again until you get to the Sheep Corral Trail where you turn left toward Shepherd's Flat then left again on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail.

This is where the fun begins! It is almost downhill back to the parking lot and the next few miles are singletrack! There are a couple of creek crossings but most of the year they are dry. You'll end the singletrack at Sulphur Springs (this one could have water) and sometimes you'll get a strong whiff of sulphur. The trail then continues on the fireroad and still descending back to the parking lot.

Flora & Fauna

Oak trees and sedimentary rock areas provide excellent nesting sites for owls, hawks, and other raptors. Keep an eye out for deer, bobcats, coyotes, and rabbits. Many of the native plants, poorly adapted to heavy grazing, were replaced with European annuals such as wild oats, mustard, and thistles.

History & Background

For over 150 years, ranchers made these canyons their home. The gently rounded hills and canyons of Cheeseboro and Palo Comado are older than the steeper, more recently formed Santa Monica Mountains.

Contacts

Shared By:

Janna Williams

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 10 votes

#3078

Overall
  4.1 from 10 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
70%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#425

in California

#3,078

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,601 Since Feb 15, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sulphur springs.
Feb 15, 2016 near Oak Park, CA
Top of the first climb - overlooks into the canyon and the surrounding communities of Bell Canyon and Hidden Valley.
Feb 15, 2016 near Oak Park, CA
Cheeseboro Canyon is full of old beautiful oak trees.
Feb 15, 2016 near Agoura, CA
Beautiful wildflower!
Apr 2, 2018 near Oak Park, CA
Singletrack on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail.
Feb 15, 2016 near Oak Park, CA

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