FAQ's - Mount Laguna Trail Fest


Here some  FAQ's for the Mount Laguna Trail Fest.  If you have other questions please email trailfest@sdmba.com

REGISTRATION:
Q. When will registration open for the October 13-15, 2023 event? 
A.  Current SDMBA members will be able to take advantage of priority, discounted registration from July 17-23. Email notifications will go to current members on July 17. Festival Passes for current members are $175.   Registration will open to the public on July 24 with  Festival Passes at $200.  

Q.  How much is registration? 
A.   Current SDMBA members will be able to take advantage of priority, discounted registration from July 17-23. Full Festival Passes for current members are $175.  
Registration will open to the public on July 24 with Full Festival Passes at $200. 
Kids under 17 are Free. 
Kids under 17 who will be joining us for provided meals on Friday dinner, Saturday dinner and Sunday light brunch are $50. 

Q. What does a Festival Pass include?
A. Festival Pass includes:
  • Camping at El Prado Group Area or Horse Heaven Camping 

  • Bike Demos

  • Entry to Vendor Village

  • catered meals by Julian Beer Co. (Friday dinner) and The Outpost by Valley Farm (Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch)

  • 3 beer tickets for 21+

  • Guided rides and other activities

  • 1 opportunity drawing ticket

  • Time in the mountains for shenanigans with friends  

ADD-ONS:

  • $50 Parking Pass(required for each vehicle parking in El Prado or Horse Heaven)

  • $20 Shuttles with Trek for pick up at the lower Noble Canyon Trail Head 

  • $20 Ninja MTB Preformance Clinics for $20 each ($250 value)

$30 Long sleeved 2023 Mount Laguna Trail Fest Tshirts (We recommend pre-ordering by 9/11 as there will only be very limited shirts for sale at the event)


Q.  Why do I have to pay for a parking pass? 
A.   Parking is our biggest constraint at this event.  In an effort to go green and ensure we maximize the very limited parking available, each vehicle parking in El Prado or Horse Heaven will be required to purchase a $50 parking pass during registration. No cars can enter El Prado Campground or Horse Heaven Campground without a parking pass. 

Example: A family of four all arriving in the same car, would buy two adult Festival Passes to camp in El Prado or Horse Heaven, choose an option for a Kid's Pass (potentially free under 17) and one parking pass for one vehicle: $200 + $200 + $50 = $450

Example:  Three friends all arriving in the same car each buy a $200 Festival Pass to camp in El Prado or Horse Heaven, and one $50 parking pass. #winning

Example: Two friends reserved a numbered campsite at the Mount Laguna Campground or Burnt Rancheria.  They each buy a Festival Pass for $200 and they don't have to buy a parking pass.  

Q.  Are there passes available for a single day? 
A.  No.  We encourage people to arrange to come for the entire weekend to take full advantage of all the activities!  

Q. Is there a discount for non-riding attendees?  
A. No

Q.  Can I register at the event as a walk up?  
A.  No

Q.  Can I get a refund after I sign up?
A. No. We can facilitate direct transfer of registration as long as the individual parties take care of the money.  Contact executivedirector@sdmba.com before October 1 to arrange transfers. Full refund policy is included in event description.

Q. What if the event gets cancelled for any reason? (ex.  Fire, etc.) 
A.  Your registration will be rolled over to Oct. 2024 event.  No refunds will be issued.  
CAMPING:
Q.  Can I camp in my RV or Trailer? 
A.  There will NOT be  RV's or trailers allowed in El Prado Campground. A limited number of RV's and trailers under 24 feet can be accommodated at Horse Heaven with event registration and parking pass.  Also larger RV's and trailers can be accommodated with reservations/extra fees on the public sites of the Mount Laguna Campground or at Burnt Rancheria Campground while spaces are available.  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1062

Q.  Will I get to park my vehicle right next to my tent?
A.  If you are camping at El Prado or Horse Heaven, most likely the answer is no.   Plan on transporting your camping equipment from your car to tent spot. Wagons come in very handy.  El Prado and Horse Heaven are group camping areas.  There are no numbered spots in El Prado or Horse Heaven. If you will be camping with us in El Prado, picture more of a music festival vibe closer to the action camping with old and new friends!  

There are 5 distinct camp areas within El Prado. Some are farther from the main venue area which is in the Buckwheat site. Manzanita and Big Sage are generally quieter as they are farther away from main activity area.  
Depending on the timing of your arrival you will have to unload stuff and move it to your camp area and then move car some ways away. Wagons are very useful! In previous years,  there was plenty of space for folks to set up their camp areas. For most their cars are not right next to them.  Your camping location depends on how early or late you arrive to the event. 

Q.  How can I get the best camp spot? 
A.  Arrive a bit before noon on Friday to be among the first to check in at El Prado Campground.  If you signed up for camping at Horse Heaven, please come to El Prado first to check in to get gate code and other details. *there is space to turn around small RV's and trailers upon check in at the front entrance to El Prado Campground. 
OTHER LODGING: 
Q.Where else can I stay? 
A. For camping, check reservations at Mount Laguna Campground and Burnt Rancheria Campground. Mount Laguna Campground is just adjacent to the venue area at El Prado Group Campground.  Burnt Rancheria Campground is 4-5 miles riding from venue area.  These campgrounds are extra fee paid upon reservation. These sites fill up quickly when reservations open 6 months ahead of desired date.  The can be cancellations if you want to check back often. 

Mount Laguna Lodge offers a few lodging choices as does the Outpost.   It is about a 3-4 mile ride on the dirt to El Prado Campground to venue area.  

Check Air BnB as there may be a few cabin offerings in Mount Laguna. 
PARKING: 
Q.  Why do I need to purchase a $50 parking pass? 
A. In an effort to go green and ensure we maximize the very limited parking available, each vehicle parking in El Prado or Horse Heaven will be required to purchase a $50 parking pass during registration. No cars can enter El Prado Campground or Horse Heaven Campground without a parking pass.


Q.  Where can I park if I am not parking at El Prado Camp or Horse Heaven Camp with a parking pass?
A.  Mile Marker 19/Sunset Trail Head, Aqua Dulce/Wooded Hill (need Adventure Pass); Red Tailed Roost, Penny Pines; Day Use area of Mount Laguna Campground (Day fee applies)  See Map of suggested alternate parking HERE.   Adventure Pass Information HERE. 

BATHROOMS, ETC.
Q. What bathroom and shower facilities are available at the event? 
A. There are vault toilets and portapotties available at El Prado Campground, the main venue for the event.  There are vault toilets and one portapotty for the event at Horse Heaven Campground.  There are vault toilets in the public side of the Mount Laguna Campground.  In addition, there are two improved restroom/shower houses in the Mount Laguna Campground. Showers require quarters!   Bring change! 

FOOD and BEVERAGES:
Q.  What food is provided and what do I need to bring?
A.  Participants are responsible to bring the majority of their own food and beverages for the weekend to provide for their individual needs.  We can not provide for everyone's dietary needs and preferences so please bring what you need for a fun and safe weekend.
Propane or other gas stoves are ok but charcoal grills or cooking on open campfire are not permitted. 

The meals provided to paid participants will include:

Friday dinner - BBQ Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Rolls (limited supply of veggie/GF pizza available) and more from Julian Beer Company
Saturday dinner - Taco Dinner catered by the Outpost by Valley Farms
Sunday light brunch - Julian Pie Co. Pie, breakfast frittata from the Outpost, fruit and juice. 

SDMBA will also have limited FREE trail snacks from GU Energy. 

Q. Will there be Coffee?
A.  Coffee Cycle will have coffee for purchase on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 7-9 am.  If coffee is a priority for you, please bring your own set up as well.  Bring your own cup - Save a tree!

Q.  What about drinking water? 
A.   There is potable water at the campground.  Event organizers will not be providing bottled water.  Please bring adequate supplies if you require bottled water. 


WEATHER AND FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Q.  What will the weather be like? 
A.  The average temperatures at this time of year run from the high 60’s to the 40’s at night.  It could be warmer or colder. So keep a weather eye and bring good sleeping bags, layers and outerwear as appropriate for camping with no campfires or heaters in case of fire restrictions. 

Q.  Will campfires be allowed? 
A.  This event takes place in the high fire season so restrictions may be in place.  This also means that any local or regional fire incidents can impact the event. If any such event should occur before or during, we will monitor closely USFS advisories closely and keep everyone informed. 

Small portable stoves or propane fire rings with shut-off valves are also allowed. We ask that you remain vigilant as critical fire-weather conditions persist and are predicted to continue throughout the season. More info...


ACTIVITIES
Q. How do I sign up for group rides and other activities? 
A. We will have sign up sheets at the information booth on Friday afternoon at 12 p.m.  All group rides will leave from the information booth area. 
SPONSORS and VENDORS:
Q.  How can I find out about being a sponsor or vendor at this event?
A.   Email your inquiry to trailfest@sdmba.com

ODDS AND ENDS: 

Q. What bike companies are bringing demo bikes for 2022?
A. At this time, we have Ibis Bicycles, Trek, Specialized, Turner, Salsa, Rocky Mountain, and Intense. 

Q.  How long can I check out a demo bike? 
A.  Generally the companies that bring demo bikes will ask that you keep them only for about an hour so that more people can get a chance to ride them.  Please adhere to their guidelines and get your demo bikes back in a timely manner.  

Q.  What do I need to check out a demo bike? 
A.  You will need a credit card or driver's license and may be asked to sign a waiver from the demo company

Q.  Can I bring my dog?
A.  Yes, but well behaved dogs only and need to be on leash in campground areas. 

Q.  Can kids under 18 be registered without a parent/guardian? 
A. No.

Q.  Will there be shuttles for Noble Canyon? 
A. Yes. Shuttles will be provided by Trek Bicycles. This is a 10 mile rugged ride best for solid intermediate or advanced riders with appropriate bike and equipment. Signups must be done in advance during registration process.  $20 per per person per shuttle pick up at Lower Noble Canyon trail head in Pine Valley with delivery of rider and bike back to El Prado Campground.  Additional waivers from Trek may be required.  Shuttle fee is non-refundable but transferrable on site. 

Q. Are there showers available?
A.  There are no showers at El Prado Group Camp or Horse Heaven Group Camp but there are pay showers at the adjacent public Mount Laguna Campground within biking distance.  Bring quarters.

Q. Can I bring my ebike?
A.  Ebikes are currently NOT permitted on Cleveland National Forest non-motorized trails.  All of the trails in the Mount Laguna Recreation Area are non-motorized.  It is ok to ride ebikes in the campground or on any forest road where vehicles can travel such as Los Huecos Road, Thing Valley or Kitchen Creek for example.  Participants can consult with a ranger if an ebike is required as an accommodation for health reasons.  Here is an example of a route from El Prado Campground where ebikes are permitted. 

Q.  Will my credit card work if I want to buy something cool from a vendor or get some opportunity drawing tickets?
A.  Maybe but bring cash just in case because coverage is spotty at best. 

Q.  Will there be lights to borrow for the night ride.
A.  No, you will need to bring your own.  

Q. Where do proceeds go from this event?
A.  A portion of proceeds from this event go to proposed trail improvements and new trails that SDMBA is working on partnership with the Cleveland National Forest in the Mount Laguna Recreation Area as part of the Mount Laguna Trails Restoration Project.

Q.  What were past Trail Fests like?
A.  Check out this recap of the 2018 event.