Mount Laguna Trail Fest is SDMBA's annual weekend of riding, camping, and community in the mountains of San Diego, and this year gravel gets a spot at the campfire. SDMBA invited Gravelstoke to lead 2 gravel rides during the 2026 edition, October 16-18 at El Prado Group Campground. Laguna is known for its signature singletrack, but the dirt roads and quiet pavement surrounding it hold plenty worth exploring. These rides are our way of showing another side of the mountain.

Mount Laguna Trail Fest sits at roughly 6,000 feet in the pines, about an hour east of downtown San Diego. The weekend brings 3 days of guided rides for a range of riders, skills clinics, bike demos, Noble Canyon shuttles, a Vendor Village, and live music Saturday night. Food trucks will be on site, or you can cook at camp, and families are welcome with kids' activities and the Ride Crew. To join our rides, you'll need to register for the full Trail Fest weekend. Schedule, camping details, and registration can be found on the registration page. Both rides leave from and finish at El Prado Group Campground.

Friday shakeout

Roll at 3:30PM | 15 miles | 1500 ft

Friday, October 16 opens with a 15 mile shakeout with 1,500 feet of climbing. We'll ride a clockwise loop tracing the boundaries of Mount Laguna, linking singletrack, pavement connectors, and the area's gravel roads. It's a chance to warm up to the elevation and get bikes dialed for a bigger day on Saturday.

Saturday Ride

Roll at 8:30AM | 45 miles | 5000 ft

Saturday, October 17 brings one of our favorite routes, with 45 miles and 5,000 feet on tap. We'll roll out through Laguna Meadow, Penny Pines, and Upper Noble before descending Pine Creek Rd into Pine Valley. From there we head to Kitchen Creek, the signature climb of the day, gaining nearly 3,000 feet over 12 miles through the Cleveland National Forest. The road is mostly unmaintained and gated, and the scenery shifts from desert to pine forest with big mountain views along the way. Resupply at the Pine Valley Store at mile 15 and the Laguna Mountain Store at mile 42, both marked on the RWGPS route.

Important Reminders

Bike Setup & Self-Sufficiency: With diverse road and dirt surfaces, the optimal setup is a gravel bike with tubeless tires at least 40mm wide. Come completely self-sufficient with hand pump, CO2 cartridges, extra tubes, multi-tool, chain links, and derailleur hanger. Carry ample food and water for 5+ hours of riding.

Route Responsibility & Safety: This is entirely self-supported with no SAG wagon, aid stations, or course marking. You're 100% responsible for navigation, mechanicals, nutrition, and emergency extraction. Download the route to your GPS device and carry a backup navigation method. Cell service is spotty and weather can change rapidly at elevation. Pack layers and check Mount Laguna conditions before departure.

Trail Etiquette: Help us preserve access by staying on designated trails and never riding dirt in wet or muddy conditions. When encountering hikers, equestrians, or other riders, slow down, communicate early, and pass safely with a friendly greeting. Respect private property and follow Leave No Trace principles throughout your adventure.

And Lastly: Gravelstoke assumes no responsibility for incidents, injuries, or mishaps; this is strictly a "ride at your own risk" event. We'll have multiple groups rolling at different paces, so find a group that matches your comfort level and fitness. The course remains open to traffic throughout. Obey all traffic laws and stay vigilant for vehicles, especially on the paved sections through Valley Center and descending South Grade. Never cross the center line, and stay as far right as possible at all times, particularly on paved climbs where visibility around blind corners may be limited.

MERCH