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A sunny, exposed, and rocky fire road.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.1

KM

93%

Runnable

1,119' 341 m

High

477' 145 m

Low

25' 8 m

Up

659' 201 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

The preserve is open year round from dawn until half an hour after sunset. While other trails are open to mountain bikers, this trail is not.

Runner Notes

The trail is popular with trail runners. It is wide and relatively free of rocks and roots.

Description

The Chamise Trail is probably the warmest and driest trail in Rancho. The lower sections of the trail are also very rocky and steep in sections. The upper section takes you through hushed grassy meadows and forested areas.

Starting from the end of the Ravensbury Trail where it meets up with Ravensbury Ave, the Chamise Trail begins to climb up a dirt trail along an exposed ridge. There isn't a great deal of tree cover along the trail, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen if running in the heat of the day.

The trail parallels the Rogue Valley Trail as it climbs above the valley while views of the hills in the preserve can be seen off the left side of the trail. At roughly .6 miles, a trail splits off to the left that descends to the Rogue Valley Trail. The trail continues to gently ascend the hill, with wildflowers growing on either side of the trail. At .8 miles, a trail breaks off to the right that dead ends with private property, so don't waste your time running down it unless you know the landowners and want to pay them a visit.

The trail begins to ascend more steeply now as it climbs uphill. At 1.6 miles, another trail breaks off to the right that leads to private property while the Chamise Trail climbs more steeply to the left. At 1.8 miles, the trail enters the woods for the first time, where trees provide shade and relief from the sun.

The trail begins to level out and obscured views of the bay area come into view off to the right. Now, the trail starts to roll up and down the hills as it makes it way deeper into Rancho San Antonio Preserve. At 2.3 miles, the trail splits and narrows. To the left, the trail descends around the hill before climbing back to the intersection of the the Black Mountain Trail, the Rhus Ridge Trail, and the other route. If you follow the trail straight ahead, it narrows to a singletrack and rolls until a small side trail to the right climbs up a hill to the Mary Davey Memorial. The Chamise Trail continues straight ahead until it meets up with the other trail, Black Mountain Trail, and Rhus Ridge Trail.

From here, you can make a loop out of the Black Mountain Trail, Quarry Trail, and various other trails, or you can return via the Chamise Trail to your car. If you parked at one of the parking lots, consider taking the connector to the Rogue Valley Trail as an alternate route, especially if you want to minimize the amount of downhill running you want to do.

Flora & Fauna

Deer and wild turkeys.

Contacts

Shared By:

philip watkins

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#26890

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#2,808

in California

#26,890

Overall
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2,329 Since Feb 22, 2016
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Photos

The Rogue Valley Trail parallels the Chamise Trail as both trails make their way deeper into the preserve.
Jan 27, 2017 near Loyola, CA
The Mary Davey Memorial is a good place to sit and enjoy the surrounding area.
Jan 27, 2017 near Los Alt…, CA
Once at the top, you've got a choice in direction to make.
Nov 2, 2020 near Los Alt…, CA
At this point, a small side trail leads up to the Mary Davey Memorial.
Jan 27, 2017 near Los Alt…, CA
The trail departs the Ravensbury Trail, crosses the creek bed, and begins climbing uphill.
Jan 20, 2017 near Loyola, CA
Even on cloudy days, you can see views of the Bay Area from the upper stretches of the trail.
Jan 27, 2017 near Loyola, CA

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Feb 18, 2017
Mark Reid
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