San Gabriel Mountains
Stretching high above the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, the San Gabriel Mountains separate the LA Basin from the Mohave desert to the north. This rugged mountain range runs about 70 miles east to west and about 25 miles in width. The approximate borders are Hwy 5 to the west, Hwy 15 to the east, 210 Fwy to the south and the high desert to the north. The highest peak is over 10000 feet.
The terrain varies from chapparelland oak trees in the lower elevations to magnificant pine and douglas fir forests in the higher altitudes. The forested areas begin between 4000-5000 feet. on an elevation contour map one notices mnt ridge,canyon,mnt ridge,canyon etc in a basically east to west direction. The San Gabriels geologically are a relatively new range and over time are increasing in height. The San Andreas fault creates the northern boundary of the San Gabriels with the high desert. some of the northern rides are within a mile of the fault.
I will divide the San Gabriel rides into three areas. The first area of riding is in the front range. This area encompasses the ridge of mountains clearly seen framing the northern border of the San Fernando valley running east of the 118 and 405 Freeway junction up to the Mt. Wilson area. The elevation of the rides ranges from 2400 to 5500 feet. Bear Divide toward Wilson Canyon Saddle, Magic Mountain, Mendenhall ridgeand Mt. Lukens fall into this area. Theses rides are on good wide fireroads offering great views of the San Fernando Valley, LA basin,and the Santa Monica Mnt range.
The intermediate range is the area between the front range and the last ridge of mnts. before the high desert. The elevation of the rides here start from 1200 feet peak out at 7100 feet. On these rides views of Lake Castaic, Pyramid Lake, the bad lands around Acton and the deep canyons of the San Gabriels await you. Some the rides are pretty streneous with total elevation gains over 3000 feet. The rides in this area include Pacifico, Mt. Gleason and Acton area(one of my favorite areas),Warm Springs Mnt. and the Old Ridge Route. These rides are on generally good hard pack fireroads with a little single track thrown in to spice it up.
Finally there is the back range which in my opinion has the best views. Here views of the vast high desert, Frazer and Alamo Mnts show off the beauty of this region. The elevation of the rides start from 2400 feet and some will reach over 7000 feet. Pinyan Ridge, Liebre Mnt and Sawmill Mnt Truck Trail are the rides into this area. The view from Burnt peak at 5700 feet, if one has the energy to reach on the Sawmill Mnt ride, is well worth it. A commanding 360' view awaits your aching quads of the beauty of the San Gabriel Mnts.
One must be in good physical condition to complete some of these rides and you will have to carry all the water you will need. I highly recommend the 90 oz cammel-back where you can also bring a whole bunch of high energy foods, a spare tube, some duct tape and whatever other goodies needed if your bike fails. You can always hitch a ride out if you are lucky. Its important to take short breaks between 5-10 minutes per hour of riding. This will rest the quads. Always be cognizant of the weather conditions in the mountains. It can be quite different than in the LA basin. Its a good idea to get on the trail no latter than 8:00 for the real long rides to give yourself plenty of time if something goes wrong.In the months form mid June -September thunder storms can occur usually after 2:00. You don't want to be stuck on a high open ridge in this situation. Windy conditions can also be prevalent so its a good idea to wear sunglasses with rims on the side to protect your eyeballs. In the summer months the humidity is very low so drink a lot of water on these rides and don't get dehydrated.
Between the 4000-5500 foot elevation gnats can be a real problem. These little buggers are prominent in the transitional areas between chaparrel and oak and pine trees. You will find them in windless conditions when you first start climbing in to forested areas. They will swarm into your eyes, mouth,and nose making things very unconfortable for you especilly after you have swallowed a few. The only protection is to put a bandana over your nose and mouth or get some kind of lite weight ski mask with slits for your eyes. The gnats are genally encountered on rides in the Mnt. Gleason area, Mendenhall ridge and Warm Springs Mnt.
Well thats about it. Have fun riding.
Info on San Gabriel Mountains
Parking fees
John Muir's reflections on the San Gabriels
Wild Southern California
Current weather in the San Gabriels
Mountain Bike Rides in LA
Email: nlt@webtv.net
