Lake Morena & Corral Canyon
The Lake Morena and Corral Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, part of the Cleveland National Forest, is located about 45 minutes east of San Diego. It offers some nice scenic views of the San Diego backcountry as well as a great workout. It is also the site of the annual Sagebrush Safari downhill and cross-country races.
Most trails and routes in this area are intermediate with some technical merits and some significant elevation gain. Gunslinger Trail, Wrangler Trail & the Kernan Cycle Trail are highlights not to be missed.
Look and listen for motorcycles, and ATVs on these trails, particularly on the weekends.
Directions: From San Diego head east on the I-8 towards El Centro. Exit on the "Buckman Springs" off-ramp. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Go through one stop sign. Turn Left on Buckman Springs road. Travel about four miles and you will see a small USFS ranger station (Cottonwood). Turn right on the first road past the station (Corral Canyon/Lake Morena). You will see a sign for Lake Morena. Travel on the dirt road for about three miles until you see the bottom of Kernan Cycle Trail. You can park in the dirt along the left side of the road or travel to top of the hill to “4 corners” and start your ride from there. Some people shuttle up the road to 4 corners for laps on the Kernan Cycle Trail.
TRAIL TIPS
- Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
- E-Bikes Allowed: YES
- Suggested Route: 2020 Sagebrush Safari Short Course - 20.2 miles, 2454 feet of elevation gain
- Land Status: Federally Managed
- Land Manager: US Forest Service Cleveland National Forest
- Corral Canyon OHV Area Webpage
- Trail News Podcast - Sagebrush Safari with Victor Sheldon
