Lower Purgatory Trailhead – Prospect Park loop from Palazzo

Mountain biking trails

Lower Purgatory Trailhead – Prospect Park loop from Palazzo

Moderate

4.6

(9461)

11,778

riders

Lower Purgatory Trailhead – Prospect Park loop from Palazzo

02:16

31.8km

240m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.22 km

Lower Purgatory Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

This trailhead has great access to Purgatory Creek and views of Five Mile Dam. Some of trails are packed singletrack and some have room for multiple people to walk side by side. You have access to a variety of trails with both nontechnical terrain and rock gardens.

Tip by

2.69 km

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Highlight • Trail

Purgatory Creek Natural Area is filled with 9 miles of trails winding through meadows, juniper groves, canyon bluffs, and oak trees. The trails are generally flat with a few gentle rolls.

Tip by

3.17 km

Five Mile Dam

Highlight • Monument

From here you get a good view of the back side of the dam as you skirt around its base on packed singletrack. From the top of the dam you get great sweeping views out across Purgatory Creek Natural Area.

Tip by

5.05 km

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Highlight • Forest

Purgatory Creek has many miles of trails, most of which are shaded. You can venture along the top of the dam for views of the area, cool off by the creek, and explore the network of forests and fields easily accessible from San Marcos. You get a mix of well packed and rocky trails.

Tip by

9.66 km

Prospect Park

Highlight • Trail

You can explore a handful of different short, easy trails through Prospect Park with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The trees open up at the center of the park and the trail takes you to a seating area with a grand compass inlaid into the ground. There are cacti abound.

Tip by

17.7 km

Schulle Canyon Natural Area

Nature Reserve

20.0 km

Spring Lake Natural Area

Highlight • Forest

Spring Lake Natural Area, or Spring Lake Preserve has a variety of well maintained singletrack and doubletrack trails for you to explore. Most of trails are at least partially shaded. The northern part of the trail system is closed March through May to protect endangered birds.

Tip by

22.7 km