An hour's drive from San Diego proper, this solitude-inducing day trip provides more than a killer leg workout, it is also hailed as one of the premier riding destinations in the country, making it a popular destination for mountain bikers everywhere.
Noble Canyon stands as one for the more ambitious rider or hiker, with nearly 10-miles (one way) of ledge hugging switchbacks, steep slopes, and jagged rocks, finishing the ride can occasionally require some walking. Noble Canyon intersects the Big Laguna, Sunset and Pacific Crest Trails extending to the El Prado Campground, Laguna, and Burnt Rancheria Campgrounds (depending on your starting and ending location) for the outdoor and overnight enthusiast.
With its intense incline, steep slopes, and heavy rock coverage, the trail can be very technical and challenging, reserved for the more advanced or adventurous rider. The elevation can change from 3700 to 5500 and certain sections, like the one known as "Stairway to Hell," require good speed and weight distribution, making the battle between skill and fitness an interconnecting element imperative to the trek forward. While Noble Canyon demands much from the recreational user, intermediate riders need not be scared off. Though certain sections require some finesse, those who don't frown on a little walking and are up to the challenge should be able to complete it.
Completing the entire loop from Big Laguna to Noble Canyon and back spans approximately 30 miles.
