Review Date
August 7, 2010 Overall Rating
 3 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5
Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5
Ridden Trail:
Once a year
Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
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Reviewed by: pliebenberg
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Cross Country Rider Summary:
Like the original post accurately reports, the section of Barlow Road nearest its connection with Woods "Trail" is fairly steep---a good workout if that's what you're into. I prefer riding it the other way, doing my climb on the more gradual paved Mt.Umunhum Rd. Doing this increases the distance (and altitude climbed) of the popular route up Woods to Mt.El Sombroso and beyond.
Of note, Barlow Rd. has been the launching point of hikers wishing to illicitly make the summit of Mt. Umunhum. Also, this area was a hot bed of marijuana farming operations in the past, if one looks carefully irrigation pipes can still be seen in places. Recommended Route:
Get the MROSD "Sierra Azul" Open Space Preserve map, it's usually available at the parking area just west of the intersection of Mt. Umunhum Rd. and Hicks Rd. If that lot is full, more parking is available just across Hicks in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Parking is free at both locations. Other recommended trails in the same area:
The rest of the trails in Sierra Azul OSP
The trails in Almaden Quicksilver County Park that permit bikes
ditto Santa Teresa County Park
Rancho Canada de Oro OSP
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(3 of 5)
