The Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) is a volunteer trail-patrol program in partnership with the National Park Service, California State Parks, and the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority. We assist visitors, encourage safe and responsible trail use, and help protect natural and cultural resources - while patrolling 500+ miles of public trails across the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
If you love riding and giving back, come join us.
The MBU’s primary purpose is to enhance visitors’ outdoor experience across more than 150,000 acres of public parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains.
We assist visitors with information, maps/directions, and basic first aid; promote responsible trail use and etiquette; protect park resources by monitoring conditions and reporting hazards and other concerns; and foster a welcoming park community by answering questions, sharing local knowledge, and encouraging stewardship.
Our next training cycle will begin in February 2026 and will include topics like visitor contact skills, park radio use, park rules and regulations, and first aid & CPR. Training concludes with a day of field training exercises in late spring. Dedicated mountain bikers age 18+ of all skill levels are welcome.
Our member website makes it easy to schedule biking and hiking patrols with fellow MBU volunteers that reside in the many communities in and around the Santa Monica Mountains. MBU candidates are expected to be able to meet the park agency's participation requirements by patrolling regularly throughout the year. Patrol areas include National Park Service locations (Cheeseboro/Palo Comado, Zuma/Trancas Canyons, Rancho Sierra Vista, Circle X Ranch), California State Parks locations (Malibu Creek, Will Rogers, Point Mugu, Topanga), and MRCA locations including Upper Las Virgenes Open Space and other sites near metropolitan Los Angeles.
The MBU also participates in the Youth Adventures Program, which offers disadvantaged youth the opportunity to enjoy mountain-biking experiences in the parks. We assist in special events such as Wheel to the Sea and the Los Angeles Marathon, and we help build and maintain park trails under the supervision of agency trail leads. Volunteers also have opportunities to join annual appreciation campouts and luncheons.
Click below to sign up for notifications about upcoming training events:
Orientation Event:
Before our training cycle begins each year, we welcome you to join us at our orientation event. This is an indoor rain or shine gathering to learn more about patrolling with the MBU prior to committing to joining us for official training. We highly recommend you attend if you are unsure of expectations and the level of commitment required, or are just curious and want to meet us! Breakfast snacks and coffee provided. We also host a fun optional ride in the park afterward - bring your bike and helmet, and if the weather is good, we'll go on a casual short ride after the presentation wraps up.
The next Orientation will be at 8:30am on Saturday, January 24 2026, at King Gillette Ranch.
Address and google maps link to King Gillette Ranch:
26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
The Mountain Bike Unit is excited to launch our Ride-Along Program - a chance for members of the public to join us on select volunteer patrols throughout 2025! These rides are designed to be a fun, low-pressure way to connect with our group and get a first-hand look at what it’s like to be an MBU member. No need to sign up - just show up for one of the rides below. We hope you enjoy the experience and consider joining us for official training next year!
This page will be updated monthly - check back soon for the next ride-along!
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday November 8th at 9:00AM |
Malibu Creek State Park (click here for google maps link) "Main Parking Lot" by the restroom with vending machines | Casual ride through the campground and out to the MASH bridge. Return, stopping at Century Lake for a break. All fire roads. Approx 6mi 400' climbing. |
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday November 8th at 9:00AM
|
Malibu Creek State Park (click here for google maps link) "Main Parking Lot" by the restroom with vending machines | Steady ride to the Tapia singletrack saddle, the Grassland singletrack and continue out to the MASH site for a break before returning to the parking lot. Approx 9mi 700' climbing. |
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Saturday November 8th at 9:00AM
|
Malibu Creek State Park (click here for google maps link) "Main Parking Lot" by the restroom with vending machines | Challenging ride to the MASH site and up Bulldog Lateral to connect with Bulldog and make a loop back around to Crags. Stop at the MASH site for a break on the return. Approx 10mi 1100' climbing. |
Things to know before joining us on a ride-along:
