This Verdugo Mountains ride starts from a quiet residential area in Montrose and uses a well maintained fire road to reach the same summit as the Brand Park Loop. The return can use an unusually steep fire road with great views into the San Fernando valley. Given the low elevation and moderate climb with little shade this ride is best done on cooler days.
Type: Fire Road
Miles: 10.65
Elev Gain: 2323’ per GPS
Starting Elevation: 1135’
Max Elevation: 3120’
Start: 34 11.605’ N 118 14.469’ W
Getting there
From the 210 freeway in Montrose exit on to La Crescenta Ave and head South. After the road turns left take Oakmont View Dr (on the right) to Country Club Drive. Turn right on to Beaudry Blvd. The entrance can be found close to 1300 Beaudry Blvd, where the road becomes Beaudry Terrace. Google directions to start
The Ride
The 0 mile marker was taken at the start of the paved road branching off from Beaudry Blvd. Ride up this paved road, past a drainage basin on the left and around the gate, where the pavement ends. At 0.42 miles bear right at the junction; the road joining on the left will be used on the return. From here the climb is fairly constant, to 2.55 miles stay right, and again bear right at 3.14 on Verdugo Motorway.
Whiting Woods is passed on the right at 4.47 miles, just before reaching the towers. By going left at 4.95 miles on to a recently repaved road you can climb to the radio tower enclosure and loop around it via the narrow path, leaving at 5.1 miles via a short single track reconnecting with the fire road.
Descend to 7.42 miles and bear right on to Beaudry North. After a short steep climb along side another radio facility on the paved road, you will begin a fast descent before reconnecting with the original path at 9.62 miles. Bear right to return to the start.