There's a reason so many damn people live in Southern California, as it offers one of the most inviting climates and diverse terrain-- from the mountains to the beaches. One group undoubtedly reaping the benefits of the ever-changing terrain is the community of mountain bikers who call SoCal their home.

Bike magazine editor, Squirrel, reflected on what makes the SoCal mountain biking scene special: "Mountain biking in Southern California is a pretty unique experience. It's amazing just how "out there" you can feel while still being merely minutes away from an eight-lane freeway bumper-to-bumper with traffic."

Here's a list compiled along with Bike magazine of the top trails to ride in Southern California:

San Juan trail- Located east of San Juan Capistrano this is one of the most technical rides in Orange County with several switchbacks to navigate.
Highlight- After the difficult climb to the very top, the 11-mile downhill section to the bottom will make the hard work worth it.
Trail Type: Single track
Distance: 22 miles out and back, plus loop
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,690 feet
Climbing: Intense
Skill Level: Advanced
User Density: Crowded

Chiquito trail- Rocky and challenging, the Chiquito trail is generally done as a shuttle starting up at Blue Jay Campground. There's forest singletrack and difficult rock rollers that intersect with San Juan trail.
Highlight- The terrain goes from fun and flowy to technical and rocky surroundings in a hurry.
Trail Type: Singletrack, rocky
Distance: 9 miles
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Climbing: moderate
Skill Level: Advanced
User Density: Moderate

Noble Canyon trail- Located in southeast San Diego, this trail is sure to test your riding ability on a variety of terrain such as technical singletrack, tight switchbacks, burms, dirt, rock and sand. Remember that a national forest adventure pass is required to ride this trail.
Highlight- The vast array of scenery. You begin your ride through alpine meadows and oak trees that transition into typical Southern California chaparral and finally into arid desert climate.
Trail Type: Singletrack
Distance: 22 miles out and back
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Climbing: Rolling terrain
Skill Level: Advanced
User Density: Not too bad during the week, but on weekends you'll be competing with horses and hikers.

Del Cerro Trail, Palos Verdes- Beautiful views from everywhere on the trail of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction along with the smooth and fast technical single track. Popular among hikers on a sunny weekend, so avoid the crowds by going first thing in the morning.
Highlight- The ocean front location is a major distraction from the fact that you're actually having to work climbing the various hills.
Trail Type: Single track, gravel road
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 750 feet
Climbing: Rolling terrain
Skill Level: Something for everyone
User Density: Weekend crowds

Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains- This well known LA trail has it all from fire road climbing to rocky technical sections, and lush scenery.
Highlight- This area has a rich history of providing backdrops to Hollywood movies as part of the trail travels through areas where they filmed the movie and TV series M*A*S*H in the 1970's.
Trail Type: Single track
Distance: 13 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,454 feet
Climbing: Strenuous
Skill Level: Intermediate
User Density: Crowded

Aliso Canyon and Wood Canyon Park Trail- Located within the Orange County park system, this trail is home to several rare and endangered plants and animals that make this park a designated wildlife sanctuary.
Highlight- Bobcats, snakes, and hawks are just a few of the many critters you'll be sharing the trails with.
Trail Type: Single track and fire road
Distance: 10.2 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Climbing: Rolling terrain
Skill Level: Intermediate
User Density: One of the most popular trails in Orange County-- crowded.

Gabrielino Trail Mountain Bike Trail- Located near Los Angeles, this technical single track provides lots of challenges and obstacles. A $10 shuttle ride eliminates the tough uphill mountain biking.
Highlight- The stream crossings towards the bottom of the hill leave you with 2 options: either dismount your bike and walk over, or the preferred way of closing your eyes and charging hard.
Trail Type: Single track, minimal fire roads, and stream crossings
Distance: 15 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
Climbing: Steep
Skill Level: Advanced
User Density: Moderate