The birthplace of IMBA and some of the most intense riding in the United States
Home to over 25 million people (two-thirds of the state's population), Southern California is known for its ecological diversity; popular beaches; perfect weather; and dramatic desert open-spaces. SoCal has a rich history of partnerships that have grown out of sometimes deep opposition into flourishing collaborations; and pirate builds on unsanctioned trails to some of the most impressive, maintained trails in the country.
Innovating for Access + Conservation
Stewarded by six IMBA Local Member Organizations and the California Mountain Bike Coalition (representing over 250k riders across the state), SoCal riders have worked with IMBA for 30+ years to navigate the balancing act of protecting access for mountain bikers while ensuring conservation of natural resources. The result: an ongoing commitment to innovation, partnerships, and advocacy.
Combining Education Initiatives
IMBA has taught Trail Management Schools and Trail Care Schools in California for decades. With partners like Shimano, supporting stacked learning opportunities for land managers and volunteer stewards alike, Southern California’s skilled trail steward workforce continues to grow. “By learning how to be good stewards of this area in our own backyard, we’re building a culture of giving back and leaving the trails better than we found them.” Steve Blick, Shimano
Sustainable Trails As Tools for Conservation
Hear from the Laguna Canyon Foundation, OC Parks land managers and local mountain bikers on their thoughts of these two programs through IMBA Trail Labs. Learn more about IMBA's educational offerings:Trail Labs - Programs and Workshops
Meet the Trail Stewards
Hear from the trail stewards from the MWBA & LoweLifes Respectable Citizens' Club. They're two groups with different missions working symbiotically to care for the legacy trails that traverse the forest.
Inclusive Trail Stewardship in the Angeles National Forest
In 2018, the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association and the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association organized a trail summit. The 4-day summit focused on leveling-up stewards for advocacy, policy, and the administration. In February 2023, IMBA was welcomed back and this time, trail users came together for a two-day training to learn the skills necessary to maintain the trails.
How a Trail Care School Unfolds
IMBA Trail Care Schools, Trail Management Schools, and Trail Accelerator Workshops are the tools communities ask for to improve their existing systems, manage steward relationships, and get community buy-in for new trails. With IMBA Trail Care Schools, not one is the same. In fact, each one is tailored to the needs of the community that has requested it.
Shared Learning for Impactful Stewardship
Needed escape from densely populated metropolitan areas like San Diego brings hundreds of thousands of people every year into the Cleveland National Forest. These ecosystems experience major impacts from the increased usage and the shifting climate.
Creating Common Ground
“Tribalism in recreation is real and can veil the commonalities that would otherwise allow us to transcend our differences,” said Anzalone. “When we take the opportunity to focus on a shared higher purpose, i.e. taking care of the places we love and the trails that take us there, the potential for progress reignites.”
