Upper Santa Ysabel Trail

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4.3/5 (27 reviews)
Ramona, California (San Diego County)
Last Updated: 07/24/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Upper Santa Ysabel Trail is located in northern San Diego county. The trail runs along Black Mountain which provides great views of the canyons below. This short trail is not just scrub brush and boulders. As you go down into one of the multiple canyons, you will find lots of oak trees and seasonal streams.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (27)
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/28/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

BLACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL: Completed in a 2wd stock suspension toyota tacoma w 265s all terrains. No major change since last review — only notable difference is the top 2-ish miles become rocky with larger boulders in parts of the road. Definitely doable as long as you’re smart about your line. I aired down to approx 20-psi and had no real traction issues. I did this while it was drizzling which was super fun, highly recommend 😂
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

myself (2017 2wd tacoma, 32s, 22psi) and a buddy of mine (2023 bronco, 35s, on 29psi) did the connecting **black mountain trail** that connects to this one the other day and found that it is currently has more smaller rocks and rutted. nothing super crazy but would recommend ~20psi. there are some sharp rocks sections near the top + ride quality. don’t let that be a deterrent, this was a very fun trail and both of us did this no problem.
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
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117100
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Visited: 07/24/2023

The trail is currently open.
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

not bad at all, i technically did the trail that goes all the way to the top of the mountain (black mountain trail). it was rocky and rutted but nothing a 2wd high clearance truck can’t do. I aired down to approx ~26 psi and had little issue. driving a stock (suspension) 2wd tacoma
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
Trail Review: Upper Santa Ysabel Trail - Tommy/Eric
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This trail is a bit washed out and rocky at points. I tow and overland trailer behind a lightly modified Ford ranger and had no problems.

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