Arguably the most difficult single track in the Santa Ana Mountains. The original poster seems to have this trail confused with something else (?) - the trail map on this site marks the trailhead for Harding Truck Trail at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Joplin was never a fire road. It is a harum scarum one-way downhill from the saddle between Santiago and Modjeska Peaks to the top of Santiago Truck Trail at Old Camp. Thin, steep single track with sections of loose rocks, tight switch-backs, some interesting drops, and roots and water - even in the summer. Not for the faint of heart. Just getting to the trailhead will require 3500-4000 feet of climbing (depending on your access route) - and from the bottom of the trail you will have an additional fast descent via Cadillac, Lower Joplin, or The Luge. Trailhead is at 4800 feet. Bring your pads.
I don't know any human who would consider Joplin a "beginner" trail as rated. Its one of the few trails in SoCal that seems longer than it actually is. This is a solid black diamond trail with one section that is 30' and near vertical the whole way with a boulder and quick turn at the bottom. Its a great ride that will challenge any rider.
Arguably the most difficult single track in the Santa Ana Mountains. The original poster seems to have this trail confused with something else (?) - the trail map on this site marks the trailhead for Harding Truck Trail at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Joplin was never a fire road. It is a harum scarum one-way downhill from the saddle between Santiago and Modjeska Peaks to the top of Santiago Truck Trail at Old Camp. Thin, steep single track with sections of loose rocks, tight switch-backs, some interesting drops, and roots and water - even in the summer. Not for the faint of heart. Just getting to the trailhead will require 3500-4000 feet of climbing (depending on your access route) - and from the bottom of the trail you will have an additional fast descent via Cadillac, Lower Joplin, or The Luge. Trailhead is at 4800 feet. Bring your pads.
| ThankI don't know any human who would consider Joplin a "beginner" trail as rated. Its one of the few trails in SoCal that seems longer than it actually is. This is a solid black diamond trail with one section that is 30' and near vertical the whole way with a boulder and quick turn at the bottom. Its a great ride that will challenge any rider.
| ThankAn old fire road that's turned to singletrack overtime, this trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
| Thank