Barona MX (Barona Oaks)

Barona MX, also known as Barona Oaks, is one of Southern California's most storied motocross parks, running for more than 40 years next to the Barona Reservation in the hills of San Diego County. The nickname on the gate is Home of Champions, and the family-focused operation lives up to it with three groomed tracks, a trail network, and one of the most organized practice programs in the region.

The main track is fast and flowing, with big forgiving jumps, double sections, step-ups, and wide corners that leave multiple passing lines. The AM and vet track, completely rebuilt in partnership with Shreddy Life, gives amateurs and veterans a tamer layout, and a full-time protected pee-wee track keeps young riders clear of big bikes. About 5 miles of off-road trails twist through the surrounding landscape for a change of pace.

Respect the dirt: beneath the beautiful prep, the soil carries hard silica and loose, pebbly surface rock that can ride deceptively slippery, and the roost is heavy enough that a chest protector and wrap-around handguards are strongly recommended.

Practice runs Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2pm, with gates opening ahead of the session and closing 30 minutes after it ends. Thursday is main and kid tracks only, the vet track stays closed. Weekends open all three, and Sunday from 12 to 2pm the vet track goes to Surrons and e-bikes exclusively. Riding is $40 a rider on any track, spectators are $10, and kids 12 and under spectate free along with one parent per mini rider. Practice tickets can be booked online ahead of time to hold a spot. Through the hottest stretch of summer Barona has been starting weekends early, so check their schedule before you load up.

Overnight camping is permitted with shaded spots and a small seasonal stream, under a strict 10pm quiet time. Concessions and clean restrooms are on site, full riding gear is required, and pit vehicles are held to 5 mph.

For San Diego, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, and Ramona riders, Barona is the east county home track, about 40 minutes from downtown San Diego up Wildcat Canyon Road.

(619) 888-4037. Book practice at barona-mx.com.