Estrella: Pirate Trails

The Pirate Trails near the Estrella Mountains are tucked in the SW corner of the Valley. I only get over there a couple times a year and this was one of those times. I met Jenn C. there to give her a quick introduction to the goods.

Spring was still hanging in the air, but the heat is coming.

The Crow's Nest on Up There, a wonderfully crafted hand-built trail.

Lots of steady climbing to get here, a few good rock challenges too.

We wound around the backside of the mountain to a newer trail, Round Up. It's a really nice meandering downhill.

We had dropped in near the far saddle.

After a quick detour to top off water, we jumped back in the trails and made the Surf's Up climb.

Looking over Estrella Mountain Ranch from Surf's Up.

On our way out we paid our respects to Pirate Dan.

This route was purely intermediate XC type of riding. There are some jump lines out here too, and a rowdy downhill trail, Blackjack, for those wanting an adrenaline rush. Either way, lots of fun miles and the system is sandwiched between Estrella Mountain Park and F.I.N.S. Tack on as many miles as your legs and lungs can handle.

Route: