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Trailhead Directions:

210 Freeway exit Altadena Drive. Heading towards the mountains turn right on Crescent Drive and another right on Pinecrest Dr. The trailhead is marked by a paved road and a gate.

Special Restrictions:

Please observe the enforced posted parking regulations. As a courtesy to my neighbors, please refrain from playing your car stereo loudly, throwing trash out on the street and undressing!  Skyline Park on Mt.Wilson is open Weekends Only from 10A.M. to 4P.M. Mt.Wilson Fireroad gates closes 8:30 p.m. during daylight savings time and at 6:30p.m. during the rest of the year. 15MPH SPEEDLIMIT on your descent.

Mileage:

Henniger Flats Campground                    2.70 Miles / 1,400 ' gain
Idlehour Trail                                            4.00 Miles
Winter Creek Trail                                     7.60 Miles
Skyline Park / Observatory                       9.25 Miles / 4,400 ' gain
 

Trail Description:

The 2.7 mile climb to Henniger Flats campground can be hot in the summer time. The entire front range was a victim of a careless campfire gone out of control  which fueled the firestorms of 1993. This is the same road built fby hand in the late 1800's to gain access to Mount Wilson Observatory.
Later widened by hand by Japanese workers to accomodate the 100 inch telescope to be trucked / muled to the top. (The Angeles Crest highway was built in the 1930's) You'll quickly gain elevation and have views of Pasadena and Los Angeles below.  Once you reach the wooded Henniger Flats campground, flush toilets, picnic tables, stoves and free camping is available.  All you need to do is check in with the ranger. Don't forget to walk in the museum & sign in.  They have historic items on display.  The firelookout tower dated in the late 1930's originated from the Santa Monica Mountains. Oh and by the way, don't forget to say hello to the docent.  If you have time, talk to them. You'll be amazed at how much passion they have for the outdoors and it's history.

Climbing out of Henniger Flats, follow the road to your right. (left will dead end at the Heliport)  The road soon switchbacks to your left and soon Henniger Flats is below you.  The climbing gets easier at mile 3.5 where you'll need to follow the road to your right. The fireroad turns shaded almost instantly.  At mile 4.0 you reach the trail head to the Idlehour trail.  This trail is best ridden from Inspiration Point.  Lookaround you, if you're lucky you'll see deers observing you as you climb!  Around mile 4.7 you'll have views of the Santa Anita Racetrack below.  Mile 5.0 brings you a mini summit offering views of Los Angeles below.  Soon enough Mt.Wilson will be visible but will quickly disappear.  Mile 6 gives you views of Arcadia and beyond. The climbing gets a bit rocky at this point. Just find your line, and you'll be okay.  Mile 7.6 is a well signed junction for Wintercreek trail to Chantry Flats. It also provides access to the Mt.Wilson Trail to Sierra Madre. This is my favorite spot to munch on cookies and change to dry clothes.  The boulders on the side make great benches =).  Mount Wilson is only 1.75 miles away.  The road turns extra scenic at this point and not to mention rocky =)  Mile 8.25 should clear you away from the rocky stuff and will bring you to your last leg.  Enjoy the great views below and beyond.  The radio towers are visible at this time and if you're lucky you'll see hang-gliders taking off from skyline park. 9.25 brings you to the pavement at Mt. Wilson Skyline Park and Observatory.  Enjoy your stay and don't be a bonehead when you descend down the fireroad. 15mph speed limit and lower when you encounter other trail users!

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Trailhead Directions:

Follow the ride directions to Mount Wilson Observatory.  Enter the park and turn left on the first road. Water is available on the island to your right once you turn left. Restrooms are available near the kiosk.  You'll pass by ruins from the Mt.Wilson Hotel Era and you might want to stop at the small museum. Continue on following the road as it turn left towards the 100 inch telescope.  To your left is the 100 inch Telescope dome and directly infront of you is a structure built by the the Georgia State University in the summer of 1998. Turn right and follow the dirt road to your left. Note the peach house to your left once the road turns to dirt.  Welcome to the Rim Trail.

Mileage:

Mt.Wilson Observatory to Newcombs Pass       3.5 miles
Newcombs Pass to Sturtevant Camp                 2.0 miles
Sturtevant Camp to Chantry Flats                       4.0 miles
Mount Wilson / Rim Trail loop                      30.50 miles / 5,400' est elevation gain

Caution!

This trail is not for your beginner cyclist.  Narrow & exposed in it's entirety to Chantry Flats. Narrow trail & exposed.   Please be courteous  to other trail users by controlling your speed and not scaring the crap out of 'em!
 

Special Restrictions:

Access to this trail is available only Weekends from 10A.M. to 4P.M.
 

Trail Description:

This is my favorite trail in the San Gabriel Mountains.  Originating at 5,720 feet this narrow trail is very scenic and technically rewarding for your demanding cyclist.  Great views of the back country.  Redbox / shortcut fireroads below and the Chilao and Charlton flats back country across.

Following the instructions above, you'll need to go in between two newly built stuctures in 1999. A mini telescope dome and whatever that is to the right :)~  The trail starts vagely after that marked w/ a small marker.  Follow the trail but heed to the caution warning installed by the forest service. It's a steep drop if you don't. After encountering your second switchback I would suggest you walk this section until the trail widens a bit for safety reasons.  As you're riding cliff side and smiling like hell enjoy the views around you.  Granite rocks, large pine trees, fern plants and  patches of snow in the winter and an endless drop below =).  One mile or so after you started, this trail widens abit and you can really start enjoying this trail.  There is one section you need to hike a bike for about 5 feet due to a rockslide initiated by El~nino in 1998.  Oh and avoid brakesliding by using only your front brakes doof's!  After numerous challenging switchbacks and endless smooth trails, the Rim Trail ends 3.5 miles later at Newcombs Pass.  This well signed 4 way junction has a parkbench & picnic tables and a memorial plaque dedicated to a forest service volunteer in 1985 who perished during a windstorm while running this trail.  Both the trail and fire road  to your left will take you to the Redbox fire road and take you as far as the cities of Monrovia and Asuza. Going west will take you to Red Box. With connections to the Rattlesnake trail.

Turn right and follow the Gabrielino Trail to Chantry Flats.  The trail tunes a different flavor. From the smooth hardpack dirt, it changes to loose rocks! aCK!  Don't worry, it turns back to hardpack conditions in a shortwhile.  After leaving Newcombs pass by the way, in half a mile or so you'll quickly notice an increase in  temperature within 10-15 degrees compared to Mt.Wilson.  Two miles from Newcombs pass marked by a 4 way intersection and a man made dam / water falls turn left and follow the 4 mile fun trail to Chantry Flats!

But if you're feeling well turn right and up on a .20 mile side trip to Sturtevant Camp Resort operated by the Methodist camp. Amazing site.  The main pavillion and many cabins surrounds the resort area.  This camp and most of it's original structures orignates in the late 1800's to be exact around 1897. Established by William Sturtevant now operated by the Methodist Church 626-568-7333. Grab a brochure if you are interested in booking a group outing in the future.  Features running water and electricity.  Located 4 miles from Chantry Flats, a mule team is available to haul in your gear if you wish. Contact the Chantry flats store for a mule train.

Once you depart Sturtevant Camp, you'll need to negotiate small crystal clear water crossings.  The trails turns abit technical requiring that you negotiate embedded boulders and rocks on the trails. No sweat~ Please be extra careful, because you are very near Chantry Flats expect numerous other trail users.  Soon enough, you'll reach the canyon bottom marked by cabins and a river.  Beautiful sight. Climb out of the canyon and you'll reach Chantry Flats.

There is a small store at the far end of the parking lot. By the way, don't feed the dog. Also, as you enter the store the bench to your left is where the beige doggy sleeps!  The old lady is a grouch ;)  Forest Service personel are available at the office if you need them.

Descend down Santa Anita Ave and turn right on Sierra  Madre Blvd.  The city of Sierra Madre has many restaurants and coffee shops if you're hungry. Starbucks and the only place in town are good places to eat. You'll find me in the ice cream shop =)~ Turn Right on New York Drive marked by a golf course.  Turn right on Alatadena Ave and right on Crescent. And a final right on Pinecrest to your car.

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Trailhead Directions:

210 Freeway exit Lake Ave and head towards the mountains.  Continue on to where it dead ends at the corner of Loma Alta & Lake Ave.  Enter the gates on the NE corner and Welcome to Cobbs Estates.

Mileage:

Echo Mountain                                                                2.6 miles / 1,400' elevation gain
Inspiration Point                                                              6.5 miles
Mt.Wilson Skyline Park/Observatory                               11.5miles
Inspiration Point loop                                                     12.0miles

Special Restrictions:

Multi-use trail. Please use caution while descending the middle Sam Merril and Lower Sam Merril trail to Altadena due to heavy hiker traffic and very narrow trail. This trail is for advanced riders only, comfortable with narrow cliff side riding.

Trail Description:

The narrow trail to Echo mountain is 2.6 miles long w/ an elevation gain of 1400 feet. It's one of
the best trails in the San Gabriel front country.  At the Echo Moutain junction turn left and follow
the trail to the Mount Lowe Fire road. You have just by passed 1,600 feet of boring paved fire road climbing atthis point if you had elected to start your climb at Chaney Trail! Follow the dirt fire road to Inspiration point turning right. It's okay to read the self guided tour provided by the USFS and volunteers. Notice the recently rebuilt shelters. It comes in handy if you're tired. The Mount Lowe Hotel ruins are located .25 miles before reaching Upper Sam Merril Trail, Inspiration Point Trail, Idlehour trail. Built in the early 1900's this hotel site was a favorite destination by Southern Californians during the hotels existence. One of the famous guest of the hotel was Henry Ford and family.  Self guided tour markers will direct you to it. The signed Sam Merril Trail head is located less than .25 miles away from Inpiration point and Mount Lowe Hotel grounds. This is the trail you will take back to Lake Ave!  It's one of the many options from a 5 way intersection. P.S. Pass by Inspiration Point before descending the Sam Merril Trail heading towards Echo Mountain. The Upper Sam Merril Trail has a different flavor as the lower Merril. Its as exposed as the other lower trail, but this one is a bit more technical and rockier. But the views and granite formations are awesome. It's an exciting trail. It's 2.5 miles to Echo mountain and another 2.5 miles to Cobb Estates where you are parked. Highly historic, Lots of single track to fulfill your doctors orders and it's fun. **** Please, observe the self imposed 6 mph max speed limit while descending the Lower trail to Cobb Estates. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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 Trail Head Directions:

               You will find the Chilao campgrounds located 28 miles from La Canada on Angeles Crest
                 Hwy. (2 miles past Charlton flats picnic area) Once you enter the campground, park to the left
                 of the first intersection & display your forest adventure pass! This is a very fun trail, about 6
                 miles of technical single track duplicating Colorado's scenery. The 4 miles of fire road offer
                 views of Strawberry Peak, Mount Wilson, Vetter Mountain ect. At 5500 feet, the air is clean and
                 not much chapparal but PINE and as big as a house boulders! Awesome views. ** DO NOT
                 RIDE THIS W/ OUT A HELMET! **

Mileage:
 

Chilao loop                                                            10 miles
Charlton Flats / Chilao loop                                    17miles / 1,100 elevation gain -estimate

Trail Description: Chilao 10 mile loop

                 Take the trail directly opposite the parking area climb & drop down to the lower campground
                 area. Notice how beautiful this trail is? It is a sign of more GREAT trails to come! Turn left on
                 the paved road and turn right at the Y, or the first paved road to your right. Follow the paved
                 road until it turns to dirt. Passing a school, forest service housing, telephones, crazy dogs and
                 huge killer pine cones which alway drop next to me. This fire road offers the best view of the
                 back country. Bring a camera. Approx 4 miles later you should hit the Santa Clara Divide
                 Paved road turn right. approx .25-.30 miles later follow the trail that leads to the right. After
                 climbing steeply for about a mile it will level off. This is where the fun begins! Within a mile of
                 turning right, you will be coming by huge boulders around you and the pine trees. You will
                 need to negotiate the technical singletrack trail and fly over obstacles. There is even a log jump
                 towards the end of the Mt. Hillyer portion =) You are surrounded by hundreds of boulders.
                 The scenery duplicates Colorado riding. After you have so much fun, you should cross a
                 stream and end up at a paved road at Horseless Flats campground. Turn right here and
                 follow the Silver Moccasin Trail as it takes off to your right about .10m away. You will reach a
                 junction shortly. Follow the trail to your RIGHT. Turning left & up will take you to a Christian
                 Camp.Turn right away from the Christian Camp. Follow the trail as you negotiate an awesome
                 trail filled w/ rock obstacles jumps and switch backs. Great stair steps galore and flying over
                 rocks. Enjoy this for a while as you drop down to the Chilao lower campground area marked
                 by a paved road you had taken earlier. Connect to the single track trail which is across from
                 this trail and this will take you back to your car!
 

                [ Charlton Flats / Chilao 17m loop START HERE ]

                Charlton Flats day use picnic area is located 2 miles before reaching Chilao campgrounds.  This is
                 where Vetter Mountain look out tower is located and where you may also pick up the Silver Moccasin
                 trail to Angeles crest highway where it connects to Shortcut canyon trail.
                To die hards, you can park in Charlton flats  and climb to Vetter mountain look out tower. The look out
                tower  is an absolute must visit because of the great  views of Mt.Wilson, Strawberry Peak, Tujunga canyon
                and beyond. Take the trail that starts just below the look out tower which will take you and dead end at
                the lower Charlton flats campground. Turn left and descend the fire road which will turn  into great
                single track  end up at Chilao upper campground where the Mount Hillyer ride begins! Approx  mileage
                w/  this option is 17+miles
 

  A restaurant is located within a mile past Charlton Flats bounderies.

Trailhead Directions:

Follow the directions to the Mount Wilson Fire Road to Henniger Flats Campground and Skyline Park/ Observatory.  However, you'll need to located the Wintercreek trail junction at mile 7.60 along the Mount Wilson Fire road.  Take the wintercreek trail and make sure you follow the forest service signs for the next .50 miles to the beginning of the Mount Wilson trail to Sierra Madre. Welcome to Don Benitos Trail!

Mileage:

Henniger Flats                                                                           2.7 miles / 1,400' gain
Idlehour trail                                                                                 4.0 miles /
Mt. Fugi                                                                                       5.0 miles
Wintercreek Trail junction                                                              7.6 miles
Mount Wilson Observatory and Skyline Park                                  9.3 miles / 4,400' gain
Mt.Wilson / Mt.Wilson Trail loop                                                   24.0 miles / 4,900' gain est

Warning!

! Multi-Use Trail. The 5.5 mile Mt.Wilson Trail to Sierra Madre is recommended for advanced trail users only. The trail is very narrow and is "cliff side" riding.  One careless mistake will no doubt result in very serious injuries or death. Please do not go faster than 8 mph on this trail due to the trails popularity with hikers.
 

Trail Description:

To start our 6 mile trail only trip to the city of Sierra Madre, Descend the Wintercreek trail, and ensure that you follow the forest service markers installed as your guide. The trail switch backs steeply to manzanita ridge. You'll quickly notice how beautiful this ride will be. Once you locate the signed Mt. Wilson trail to Sierra Madre within .50 miles on Manzanita ridge (Notice it will appear as a blank trail sign, visible only to uphill climbers)  turn  right and down! The flavor of this trail is evident now. Very technical, rocky and  exposed, steep highly historic and  fun.

*** Please observe a lower than 10 mph speed limit on your descent, due to this trail being a multi-use trail and being very popular with local hikers and members of the Sierra Club. . Kindly dismount to pass hikers especially the elderly. ****

If you look down, you should figure out by now, if you make a careless mistake it will be a long fall to the bottom of the canyon. Notice the green forest as you ride under the canopy of huge pine trees. It's a great woodsy feeling. There are two tricky  boulder sections you need to negotiate while trying not to slide down the canyon . It's a work of beauty aint it. Half way down this steep mountain trail you'll pass by the ruins of Orchard Camp. In the late 1870's this was a popular resort which featured meals and orchestra  dancing. It served as a very well used rest spot / social gathering area during the great hiking era.  Within half a mile of leaving orchard camp, the trail switches back steeply  to the canyon.  Be careful, I saw a helmetless rider freefall down to the canyon because he lost his balance!  As you work your way to Firstwater junction, the trail gets a bit steeper and more technical. No sweat you just need to fly over rocks. You do have full suspension do you??? As the ride ends w/ a great picture of Santa Anita Race track below you'll find yourself on the Mt.Wilson Park. Turn right to Baldwin Ave. Turn left on Baldwin which will take you to the heart of Sierra Madre.  Starbucks is available! Turn on  Sierra Madre Blvd and right to New York Drive. Right on New York Drive and right on Crescent and Pinecrest to where your car is. It's an awesome ride. You just have to be careful.
 

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