This route is composed of two of the best trails in South Orange County, the classic San Juan climb and the unforgiving Los Pinos descent. If you are one of those that has very good control over loose and steep terrain then Los Pinos is awaiting you, seems like that trail will take blood and skin out of all of those that attempt to ride it. This Route starts at the Bottom of San Juan and turns left at Cocktail rock for a fun fast way up to Blue Jay Campground, that's only the start, see directions for complete route. Warning - recommend 'expert only' riders.
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11/14/15 Just Greg and I this morning. Haven't been on Los Pinos trail in 2 years. HAB's didn't seem quite as bad as I remember but the downs were super chunky. I definitely prefer Bell Ridge, Yeager and Joplin to Pinos. There was a 100 mile trail run going on and we had the runners coming down San Juan as we climbed. Overall not too bad and after mile 4 no more issues. Some bugs after Cocktail Rock and some clueless shuttlers as well. Saw one other rider who passed us on the way to Los Pinos. Grub at Bad to the Bone after the ride hit the spot. Did see a car off the side of Ortega after the ride.
03/22/15 The san Juan climb up to blue jay was fun, epic classic, but we went and ruined a good ride by doing. Pinos, it's in a class by it self. I can't say any of us enjoyed it. It's rocky, step hike-a-bikes and some pretty nasty loose downhills. We didn't see another soul on this trail, and honestly it didn't look like it gets that much use. If you're thinking about doing this as a "fun" loop for San Juan, seriously think again, as the posting says, it's for EXPERTS... no joke. Happy trails.