One of the few MTB trails in the IE with multiple sections of singletrack riding, Sycamore Canyon is tucked into a semi-urban setting in Riverside. There are several access points, the main parking lot on Central Avenue is at the bottom of some heart-pounding climbing right from the start. For the
hucker crowd, riding from one of the access points off Allesandro will keep you from having to turn the pedals too much. The terrain at Sycamore features steep climbs and descents over firm but sandy decomposed granite. Some rock outcroppings have been incorporated into short sections of slickrock that many will find challenging.
Pros: Singletrack riding, good variety for all skill levels. Terrain is rideable year-round in almost any conditions; it never seems to develop deep sand, only a few spots are muddy in the rain.
Cons: To make this one of the best riding parks in California, more trail work is needed with emphasis on tight, twisty, turny trail that puts some emphasis on cornering. But maybe that will happen, there seem to be groups in the are devoted to trail-building.
Bottom Line: 4 out 5 stars.
