El Salto

Brief Description

This 11.9-kilometer (7.4-mile) ride traverses a section of the Sierra Cacachilas and connects two of our ranches, Chivato and Canoas. It follows the old road that was used by the Orynski family in the 1800s during the development and operation of the San Rafael mine. As with most of our trails, this pathway has no shortage of history and beautiful views of the bay and mountains.

Detailed Description

This is a fun connection ride that takes us from Chivato, leads us to the Santa Rosa Trail, and ends at Canoas. The trail starts at the backside of Rancho Chivato and follows the old road towards the 1800s San Rafael mine. After 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) the trail heads north up into the mountains, following an undulating path.   

The next 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) gradually climb with a few fun twists and turns that warm up our skills and offer views of mountains and sea. At the top of this section, beside a set of boulders, is a good place to catch your breath before riding downhill into the arroyo.

A lively, quick descent brings us down into a picturesque canyon at about halfway. Adorned with dramatic boulders and majestic palm trees, this remote spot transports you to another world.

The next steep incline requires that we haul our bikes about 500 meters (547 yards) out of the canyon. Once out, we continue our ride along 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of undulating and ascending terrain. If we are lucky, especially in winter, we will be accompanied by refreshing, cool, northern winds known locally as Coyas.

At the top of this climb, we prepare to descend the final stretch, where we join up with the last section of the Santa Rosa trail with fun steps and narrow sections. We reach the finish as we arrive at the palm-lined canyon of Rancho Las Canoas.