Always on the lookout for excuses to get my daughters on the trail, finding skill appropriate rides that offer thrill, excitement, and some challenge, isn’t easy. Too easy, they get bored. Too hard, they lose confidence. So, I’ve gone out of my way over the last few months to find the mountain biking trails I believe offer the best family experience.
First up in the Family Friendly Ride Series, the Oak Grove and Visitor Center Loop combo in Mission Trails Regional Park.
The best place to begin is in the parking lot adjacent to Mission Gorge Rd., where Jackson Dr. dead ends. The lot is often full of activity in the late afternoon and on weekends, so take caution with the family during set-up.
Parents, Set the Tone
Start by taking the Visitor Center Loop toward the visitor center. Your crew will be met with an immediate ∼1/8 mi climb that’s bumpy, loose, and technical. Expect spin-outs, momentum stop from incorrect gear selection, and people traffic to disrupt the flow early on. The tone for the remainder of the ride will be set depending on how parents handle this initial go. Presenting the trail as an ugly monster that wants to eat riders, seems to work. So does making it a fun, personal competition to see how far it can be ridden before falling off. Also, neither have worked. So, good luck parents.
The Middle Bits
A fun descent to the Visitor Center side of the park removes any previous frustration. After crossing the paved Father Junipero Serra Trail, the Oak Grove Loop begins for a 1.5 mi section filled with small climbs, smooth descents, and a bumpy section that will make everyone giggle. A creek crossing and historical Kumeyaay Hut exhibit are welcome trailside attractions that help break up the ride. Take caution here! Poison oak along the creek bed shoots out itchy lasers and zaps the unsuspecting.
Once back to the Father Junipero Serra Trail, cross it and connect to the Visitor Center Loop continuing counter-clockwise. The small entrance to the trail is a hike-a-bike section with a couple of huge bollards blocking access. Bikes will need to be lifted through or over them. For reassurance, the trail is legal and bikes are allowed onto it. The bollards exist to prevent unauthorized horse/vehicle/motor power trail users.
In my opinion, this is the best part of the ride. Long flowing descents induce many “woo-hoo’s” and “yee-haw’s”. Perhaps a glance or two from annoyed hikers. So, there’s that. Be considerate and engaging, and all should be fine. This section has some loose areas and speed can pick-up quickly. Be careful.
A massive, sprawling. climbable oak tree is an excellent play stop and a nice way to break up the ride before the final climb. The kids will like it too. . .
The Climb Out
It’s hard. It just is. For adults. For kids. For dogs. For everyone. Turning the ∼1/4 mi go back to the parking lot into a fun competition seems to make the affair more exciting and thrilling. The offer of post-ride donuts for those who can clean it is excellent parenting to mitigate sour attitudes. Also, no-one is getting donuts. Kidding. It’s absolutely climbable, but it won’t be without a solid effort. It may take another couple of trips to get it done and it likely will.
Closing Thoughts
Putting these two loops together is a fun, exciting, and engaging way to get the family on the trail together. With the right blend of skill level accessibility that includes a lot of thrill and some challenge, I expect this ride to become a regular family rhythm.
Enjoy!