Name: Ponderosa Trail
Rating: 4.2

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Off-leash

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The main gate on the Entry Road (Roxy Ann Road) is typically open 8am to 8pm in the spring and summer and closes at 5pm in fall and winter. If this gate is closed, you may continue into the park without a vehicle. You may park along the Entry Road or at the electric substation as long as there is accessibility for maintenance vehicles and you are not blocking gates. Please be aware that quarry trucks use this road system.

Need to Know

Gate hours may vary depending on weather and maintenance needs. Many trails here become very muddy when wet and are closed at those (few) times. There is no potable water in the park, so be sure to bring plenty of your own.

The park is open all year but can be hot in the summer months - plan your trips then for early morning or evening. There is also a LOT of poison oak (and some ticks) here and staying on the trails is the best way to avoid or minimize contact with these. If you let your dog off-leash, be prepared for a wash and tick check after your visit.

Runner Notes

This is a very good trail for running, even when it's wet.

Description

The Ponderosa Trail starts directly across from the picnic area on the Loop Road and climbs - through one long and one short switchback - to its end at Tower Road just below the summit of Roxy Ann Peak. It starts on the drier west side of the peak, then swings around its wetter east side into a forest of tall Ponderosa pines.

When you reach Tower Road, turn right (west) to reach the excellent viewpoint of Roxy Ann's west side or turn left (east) to descend Tower Road to the Loop Road. The Rock & Roll Trail starts almost directly across Tower Road from the end of the Ponderosa Trail.