Reviewed by: Jay Dubb , from Costa Mesa

Summary:
This is for the riders that want a longer day on the bike. The climb up the fire road is pleasant. The Buckhorn trail is really cool with creek crossings & grassy meadows. The climb back up the Camusa connector(middle camusa?) is not a bad climb back to the Fire road. Retrace your route, however continue past buckhorn trail, up to happy hollow and enjoy the fun downhill.
As for climbing the trail,...this trail can be busy on the weekends. It makes good sense to avoid going up the trail when there are lot's of trail users coming down. I do however believe that this is one of the best single tracks to climb if you are into steep loose (perhaps a bit of walking) and challenging climbs. Let's all hope that you are riding down the trail in such a manner that if you encounter another rider coming up (or hikers, horses, wash-outs, fallen logs, etc) you can react properly & safely!!!

Recommended Route:
Up the fire road, down buckhorn trail, up the connector, up to the top of the peak & down the santa cruz back to upper oso.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
O.K., let me let loose just a bit on some of the posts below (can't help but stir up the waters a bit!)

Reviewed by: Damon Mann , from Mission Viejo, CA USA

Summary:
From a 210 lb clysdales view: The climb is long and fairly steep at 10 miles approx 2-1/2-3hrs w/ good terrain. Enjoy it if the weather is cool. The 6 mile single track is outstanding!!! has a little bit of everyting rocky areas, carving turns, loose shale, hardpan you name it. If you ever get a chance to ride here definetly do it. A similar ride, but not as epic are blue jay at Ortega Highway. I would recommend this ride for at least an intermediate or above rider. Some tips I would like to suggest:
Pay attention,the trail is narrow
Be curtious of hikers on the decent
ride within your abilities
if you go off the edge good luck getting back

Recommended Route:
Lower Oso to Upper Oso Trail

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Not in the area, but I would recommend in the Orange County Area: Blue Jay, Old Camp, & Silverado Canyon

Reviewed by: Slide , from Marina,CA

Summary:
I would not call the climb gruelling after the first 2 miles, just long. Watch out for motorcycles and ATV's on the way up, and hikers on the way down. The part of this trail that should be the most fun (the tight singletrack along the creek) isn't because you need to keep a constant lookout for people on foot. 3 stars, mainly because of the moto traffic.

Recommended Route:
As listed, but the turnoff from Hwy 154 is after the pass (once you're going downhill, look for the Paradise Road turnoff on the right).

Reviewed by: Hardtail , from Goleta,CA

Summary:
Make sure you go left after the steep downhill after cresting little pine, if you go right your going to be looking for you car for quite awhile!!

Recommended Route:
Take the fireroad up and the singletrack down. The Climb isn't that bad on the fireroad but no fun on the singletrack. Watch out for the shale(sp?) washes on the singletrack back down, they over run the trail frequently and make it sketchy in some areas.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Big pine, 5 hours round trip. Little Pine takes me 2, that gives you perspective. Junical-Old Man Mountain-Pendola Ranger Station back to carvia camino Cielo