Best So.Cal Canyon Rides

The Inland Empire. Sure it's no big city, a night life is practically non-existent, and residents need to commute a good deal either to work or any interesting attraction. Some people may find that living out here is quite unfortunate... but not if you are a motorcycle enthusiast! In fact, you could not find a better spot to reside and be centrally located to some of the dirt and street bike riding hotspots. In addition, being away from the big cities allows riders to avoid being caught in infamous traffic jams and really open up throttle. If you are an avid street biker, does Asuza-GMR ring a bell? This favored canyon is one with endless twists and turns that stretches from the Angeles National Forest to the San Bernardino National Forest. The most common ways of entering this adrenaline-pumping canyon ride is from Asuza/Glendora, taking Asuza Road off the 210 freeway and on to the 39; or the flipside is entering from Upland on Mountain Avenue off the 210 freeway on to Mt. Baldy Road. This canyon offers several round, smooth loops, most-favored by knee-draggers in their full leathers, endless switchbacks for riders who enjoy sharpening their quick weight-shifting abilities, few hairpin turns for those who enjoy the dangerous, tight turns, and of course, the scenic views enjoyed by all. The ride time for an average rider should take about two and a half hours from one end of the canyon to the other.

Asuza-GMR is also OHV-friendly for trail and dirt bike riders. The park offers 150 acres of various terrain ranging from rocks, sand, dirt, water crossing, and trails for beginners to experts. Being OHV friendly, the park is also a host to many four-wheel vehicles, so take caution when putting around. This canyon is a popular favorite due to it's easy access and minimal automobile traffic. Riders will no doubt find themselves returning to this gem of a canyon over and again - especially if you live in the Inland Empire!

One of my favorite, longer canyons! Palomar Canyon is located in northern San Diego County, touching Temecula. The most frequented entrances are off the 15 freeway to the 76 east. There are two popular roads to choose from.  The S6 consists of seven miles of tight corners and possible heavier traffic from visitors to the Palomar Observatory. The S7 is an enjoyable eleven mile ride that is easier to cruise through.

Riders have various exits: Nate Harris Grade into Pauma Valley, the 79 highway, E grade out towards Lake Henshaw, the S Grade out to Pala Road, past the 70 to Borrego Springs, Black Canyon Rd. or Sutherland Rd. onto Julian Rd. Depending on how long of a ride you want to take, you can simply ride without any plan or map and eventually find your way out of one of these exits. You are bound to end up in an interesting place!

Temperature differences may be obviously warmer as you head farther north east.

Occassionally, there are motorcycle accidents here just as any other place. On one ride, I witnessed three bikes down in a row within a couple miles of each other. These bikers typically ate it on a downward turn. Though the turns were not tight, we assumed the riders underestimated their speed, braking, or ability or that gravel and debris pulled them under.

For a bite to eat in the canyon, Mother's Kitchen is in between the S7 and S6 hwy. Otherwise, there are places in each exit. If you're lucky enough to exit to Julian, the Julian Apple Pie is a must!!

Now, Harbison Canyon itself is not a motorcycle rider's dream, but all the roads it leads to is!  Exiting off the 8 east, Harbison Canyon itself is a small ride going through some residential areas.  But even views here are spectacular.  Now, where you go from here is up to you!  

Taking Harbison South with lead you to Sloan Canyon Road where you will see views of farmland  and find yourself in the Cleveland National Forest with views of the Loveland Reservoir.  If you continue to Japatul Road, it will guide you south but then shoot you north where you can hop back onto the 8.  This road is easy and smooth, so don't expect crazy twists and turns here.  It's more of a meditative ride!  If that won't do it for you, find Carveacre road to get your blood going.  There are more tight spots here and this road will lead to a long canyon ride as it splits into two equally long roads.  No matter which road you take, you will essentially pop out onto the 8 hwy or somewhere else within the Cleveland National Forest.  

This area is very serene with little traffic.  Views are amazing at sunset!