Name: Manzanita Trail
Rating: 3.7

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The main gate on the Entry Road (Roxy Ann Road) is typically open 8am to 8pm in the spring and summer and closes at 5pm in fall and winter. If this gate is closed, you may continue into the park without a vehicle. You may park along the Entry Road or at the electric substation as long as there is accessibility for maintenance vehicles and you are not blocking gates. Please be aware that quarry trucks use this road system.

Need to Know

Gate hours may vary depending on weather and maintenance needs. Many trails here become very muddy when wet and are closed at those (few) times. There is no potable water in the park, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.

The park is open all year but can be hot in the summer months—plan your run then for early morning or evening. There is also a LOT of poison oak (and some ticks) here and staying on the trails is the best way to avoid or minimize contact with these. If you let your dog off-leash, be prepared for a wash and tick check after your run.

Runner Notes

This is a good, but somewhat rocky, trail for running, but not when it's wet.

Description

The Manzanita Trail starts on the Loop Road about 600 feet northwest of the Greenhorn Trail. It makes a gradual ascent to Roxy Ann's southwest ridge. On the ridge, an alternative piece of the trail descends to the Loop Road.

Once on the ridge, the trail climbs along an ascending traverse and three switchbacks. This trail is somewhat rocky and can be wet and muddy in the spring or after a rain. It's also exposed to the sun and can be quite hot in the summer (Tower Road and the Ponderosa Trail are shadier alternatives in the hot months).

The Manzanita ends at Tower Road near junctions with the Ponderosa Trail and the Rock & Roll Trail. From here, follow Tower Road up to the summit viewpoint or down to the Loop Road.