Reviewed by: daniel funk

Summary:
the ride is beautiful. after the heinous climb up to the top of the tunnel, you're left wondering what's to come. the next couple of miles, all the way to latigo cyn rd., however, is a beautiful single track with doable ups and downs. if it's a hot day, however, keep hydrated and if you're not in the best of shape, that last little climb before latigo cyn rd will wear you out. from there the terrain makes you think you've got another big climb ahead, instead the trail quickly goes downhill through another nice singletrack w/some challenging switchbacks. the toughest part of the ride is the climb up to the dirt road, which i've never been able to do. from the dirt road you go down into another valley, navigate several times across a stream until a short climb finds you in the corral canyon parking lot. the trail through the valley is scenic. go to fast and you'll miss the views.

Recommended Route:
i've ridden this 3-4 times. each time i take the trail to the corral cyn parking lot. then turn left and take the castro motorway almost all the way until it dumps out into latigo. problem (i found out my last time out) is the last part of the fire road is private, and the owner is very serious about the "no trespassing" sign. in any case, a bit before the sign there is a turnoff to the right. this takes you down to mulholland, where turning left takes you to kanan and from there to the starting point. a great ride.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
the bulldog.

Reviewed by: Bryan Slosson , from Agoura, CA USA

Summary:
This trail Rocks. The best single track in the Area.

Recommended Route:
At the dirt road (the Saddle)make a right not a left.The single track starts about fifty feet from trail exit onto the saddle. The single track down is a blast compaired to the climb up. Plus the climb up the fire road is pleasant to Castrol Peak. Also, The trail is Part of the Backbone Trail or better known as Third Tunnel. Where Newton Trail Came from I do not know.

Reviewed by: Chris , from Albany, NY (Upstate)

Summary:
Really nice climb, right out of the parking lot!!! the first part of the trail has alot of hikers and walkers on it until you get up to the second parking lot area, so be careful of your speed, also, it is VERY muddy in the shady areas, so try to keep the slop from sticking to your tires, it makes the bike about 10 lbs heavier if you don't, and the climb to the 2nd parking lot really sucks the energy out of you!!! Once you get past that Lot, alot of nice up and down ST and Canyons riding/switchbacks on narrow trails. the fire road climb from the "T" at corral canyon trail to the radio towers is a real bitch, but the ride down (past Bulldog MTRWY) is a must do. Plus, if you wuss out and go down the Corral Cyn trail, you just have to turn around and do it backwards to complete the loop back to Kanaan Dume, so don't spoil it for yourself. I wouldn't call this one Advanced, folks, as far as technical skills go, endurance-wise, well maybe. but if I can do this trail by myself, after a layover from biking since November last year, I'd call it Intermediate. Just my opinion though.

Recommended Route:
Same as described by "the Hedgehog", directions were EXTREMELY accurate!!! Thanks for the tips on this trail, I rode it by myself last week (out here on vacation to ride), and didn't miss a single turn. A truly great ride in the Santa Monica mtns. The stream crossings on the lower part of the loop really rock!!! (Trail from Corral Canyon parking area back up to the fire road). had just enough water to make it back to Kanaan Dume trailhead. For a nice treat, head down the next section of backbone trail (another 1/2 mile DH) to the Newton Cyn Waterfall and dunk your head. You deserve a reward like this!!!!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Cheseboro Cyn, Topanga Cyn.

Reviewed by: Daniel , from Temple City

Summary:
This trail was my first, so it was good to start for me to get into the sport. After riding other trails closer to home I found that this trail wasn't as competitive as the others when it comes danger and speed. Also it gets a little annoying have to stop for horse riders for the first half of the ride. Oh, also don't go riding with a fashion queen that needs to make comments at every one passing on the trail.

Recommended Route:
If you like a variety of trail obstacles stick to the left side going towards the springs or creak. I also recommend that you ride the single trails as much as possible. Be careful the rangers are strict at times with the speed freaks like myself, but if you stick to the single trails you won't come across the rangers to often.

Reviewed by: A , from SoCal

Summary:
tried to ride today and the trail is way mudded-up.sticky clay,had to turn around after one mile,tires froze-up.it looks like its gonna be awhile.