I am returning to Pasadena for a few days and am looking for current trail info. I used to ride all over the san gabriels in late 80's with Robert Immler's book and my rigid Fat Chance. Back then we mostly stuck to fire roads, but I do remember a crazy day descending from Red Box to JPL via the gabriellino trail.
Today, if I am descending the old Mt Lowe rail line can I also ride what looks like singletrack on Mt. Lowe east, Upper Sam Merrill trail, and Sunset ridge? And secondly, if those three trails are open to bikes, how ridable are they today given current fire, rain or other factors?
Descending Gab from Red Box to JPL is not a good option currently.
The Mt. Lowe route is all open and rideable. Most folks start the descent from Eaton Saddle, through the tunnel, down the fireroad and Upper Sam Merrill, Middle Sam Merril. Echo Mountain Connector, Sunset Ridge (all sections down to Millard Campground), then a short climb up the fireroad out of Millard and down El Prieto. You can climb up via Chaney Trail and Mt. Lowe Fireroad, or there is a shuttle service available that picks customers up at the parking area by JPL.
Thanks, I assumed Gab was not worth riding at present.
Let me ask a further question on the upper section of Mt Lowe - b/c I am not clear on the trail names. Is upper Merrill the section between the old hotel site and inspiration point. Or is that middle Merrill?
Of course, the name is not really important - the point of my question is whether the singletrack above inspiration point (ie, b/w inspiration pint and the tunnel) is rideable. On one geoladders map I saw that trail labeled as Mt Lowe East and Mt. Lowe West, but maybe it is also referred to as upper Merrill. If so, then you have already indicated that it is good to ride - but if not could you comment on that section, and in either case clarify the names?
You're welcome. The singletrack above Inspiration Point is commonly referred to as Upper Sam Merrill and the section between Inspiration Point and Echo Mountain is referred to as Middle Sam Merrill. There is also a section that drops from Echo Mountain down to Pasadena (Lake Ave. & Altadena Drive) known as Lower Sam Merrill. However, finishing the descent via Echo Mountain Connector/Sunset Ridge/El Prieto is a better route. Too much hiker traffic on Lower Sam Merrill - it's better suited as an optional way to climb up to Echo Mountain rather than grinding up the paved portion of Chaney Trail/Mt. Lowe Fireroad.
It's the best run I've done so far in the area.
We just missed the single track at the beginning (12W14 & 12W14B) as we went down the fireroad from the saddle.
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