The Big Laguna Trail’s fast singletrack starts on the Noble Canyon Trail, but quickly turns south to wind through high-country meadows and forests. Rocks dot the trail here and there, but picking a line through is no problem. Turn-offs along the way make it easy to lengthen or shorten your ride. Want a technical challenge? Turn west on Noble Canyon Trail when you loop back north from Big Laguna. This mapped route only ventures onto the first few miles of this moderately technical, rocky trail. Continuing beyond this mapped track, the trail gets increasingly difficult with bigger rock drop-offs, strenuous climbs, and plenty of exposure. These trails are well-signed and easy to navigate. For information on other trail options in this area, check out the Cleveland National Forest’s site. Parking is available at the Penny Pines parking area (13.5 miles north of I-8 on the Sunrise Highway, just past the second cattle guard), and requires a Cleveland National Forest Adventure Pass ($5 a day, available at the General Store/Mt. Laguna post office).
-Mapped by Angela Wimberly
TO TRAILHEAD: I-8 to exit 45; L on Pine Valley Rd., and L on Old Hwy. 80. In 1.2 miles, go R on Pine Creek Rd.. Go 2.7 miles and turn R on Deer Park Rd. In 2.3 miles turn R to take Laguna Meadow Rd. 2.9 miles and turn L on Filaree Flat Rd. In .9 mile, turn R on Sunrise Hwy. and go .7 mile to trailhead on L.
Penny Pines Parking Lot
Location: 32.905736°, -116.457460°
Getting ready to ride at the Penny Pines parking lot.<p>After crossing to the west side of Sunrise Highway, ride west for approximately .1 mile and then turn south to head towards Big Laguna. © Angela Wimberly
First Junction
Location: 32.905479°, -116.459295°
Head south here to ride Big Laguna clockwise.
Noble Canyon Option
Location: 32.901245°, -116.466386°
Heading out continue south at this junction to ride the Big Laguna loop.<p>On the return trip north from the Big Laguna, you'll have an option to turn west here to try out the more challenging Noble Canyon Trail, or head east back to the trailhead.
Big Laguna Trail
Location: 32.898164°, -116.465249°
A crisp, sunny day at Big Laguna © Angela Wimberly
Into the Meadow
Location: 32.890975°, -116.462460°
© Angela Wimberly
Cruising Big Laguna
Location: 32.884993°, -116.461516°
Look closely for the Big Laguna Lake in the background. © Angela Wimberly
Don't Hit the Branch
Location: 32.878939°, -116.452804°
© Angela Wimberly
Meadows Trailhead Junction
Location: 32.866071°, -116.463189°
Turn left here to ride to the Meadows trailhead, or turn right to continue the loop up towards Noble Canyon or back to Penny Pines.
Meadows Trailhead
Location: 32.861232°, -116.462116°
This trailhead is at the far south end of Big Laguna Trail. © Angela Wimberly
Laguna Meadow View
Location: 32.871045°, -116.466193°
© Angela Wimberly
Climbing Noble Canyon
Location: 32.903515°, -116.477351°
It's not hard to see why downhillers do this as a shuttle ride on 50-pound rigs. © Angela Wimberly
Scoping out the Pacific Crest Trail
Location: 32.903515°, -116.483188°
© Angela Wimberly
Noble Canyon Trail
Location: 32.900227°, -116.485140°
© Angela Wimberly
Laguna Meadow Road Turn-around
Location: 32.896669°, -116.480827°
This track u-turns at a junction with Laguna Meadow Road (a shuttle option). © Angela Wimberly
