Saratoga
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Description: Sanborn is an excellent intermediate to advanced ride nearly completely in the shade of forest. The main trail in Sanborn is the John Nicholas trail that consists of 1.9 miles hard packed fire road and 2.8 miles relatively smooth and gentle narrow path flow trail. Once into the flow trail, it is a steady climb of 1000 feet averaging 7% grade, with a few short spots that are steeper. The trail is almost completely under tree cover, which makes this a great summertime ride. The 1000 footer ride ends at the single look out, which provides a nice view of the south bay from 2800 foot elevation. The 3 mile descent is an entertaining, twisty, undulating ride that will generate plenty of smiles. The longer Medium Ride extends beyond the lookout on the Skyline trail to the intersection of Indian Rock Trail on Skyline Blvd. just on the opposite side of the road from Castle Rock State Park. Skyline trail is higher technical difficulty than the John Nicholas Trail, driving the overall Medium Ride rating to very difficult. The Big Ride continues further on Skyline Trail to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve to create a 21 mile round trip very difficult ride with 3200 feet of climb that is predominantly single track. Restrooms at parking area on Black Mountain Rd.
In the Wet Season: Trails remain open
Directions: All our recommended rides begin on Black Mountain Rd, which is accessed from State Route 17. A link to the parking location in Google Maps is here. Roadside parking is usually available. An alternative is to access the park via the main entrance on Sanborn Rd, which is accessed from Big Basin Way out of Saratoga. Several entrances exist on SR35 Skyline Rd., some with parking lots, some not.