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Chilao Loop Mountain Bike Ride

Type

 

Fire road, paved road and single track

Miles

 

12.54

Elevation Gain

 

1438’ per GPS

Starting/Max Elevation

 

5291’ / 6181’ per GPS

Starting Coordinates

 

34 19.601’ N, 118 00.260’ W

The Chilao area of the San Gabriel mountains is far enough into the mountain range that it sees far less use than the front range. Since this ride starts at over 5000’ it is also a good choice for hotter days. The ride offers a broad mix of riding, and some of the single track is quite technical. However the path is not dangerously exposed and it’s easy to walk the short sections that are most difficult to ride.

Getting there

Take the Highway 2 North exit from the 210 Freeway and continue approximately 26 miles to the Chilao Visitor Centre on the left (if you pass Newcomb’s ranch you’ve gone too far). Park in the parking area to the right of the centre. Google directions to start

 

The Ride

Devils postpile like rock formationFrom the visitor centre parking ride West on the paved road, following signs to Chilao campground. At 0.98 miles go right at the junction onto 3N14, towards the ranger station. At 1.56 miles continue straight past the ranger station, staying on 3N14.

Rock formation near Mount HillyerAt 2.02 miles a Devils Postpile like rock formation can be seen on the right, and shortly after this at 2.08 miles the pavement ends and turns to dirt. An unmarked turnoff on the left at 2.32 miles leads to Loomis ranch.

The paved Santa Clara Divide road is reached at 4.36 miles, on to which you turn right. This road is open to vehicles and is narrow, so remain alert. At 4.67 miles there is a small parking area on the right, and the single track we take to go around Mount Hillyer. The single track starts out as being tame, but quickly becomes steep, and beyond my riding skills. However, it is a short walk through the toughest switchbacks before being able to remount and enjoy a very pleasant single track through the wooded area. The highest elevation of the ride is reached at around 5.55 miles, 55 minutes from the start.

Continuing on the trail, you start to pass through numerous rock formations. The single track is steep and again technical in a few places but never dangerously exposed. You are also more likely to see hikers as you approach the campground, so speed control is prudent. Mount Wilson may be seen in the distance at 6.23 miles. After a challenging descent a small (dry) stream crossing is made at 6.85 miles, followed at 6.91 miles by turning right onto the paved road. Turn right again at 7.75 miles where the campground access road meets with the Santa Clara Divide (the same road we diverted off to take the single track).

Continue on the Santa Clara Divide road past various church camps, until at 10.08 miles it meets with the Angeles Crest. Turn right here and enjoy an easy downhill spin back to the Chilao Visitor centre turnoff, reached at 12.31 miles.

Rock formation near Mount HillyerView coming down single trackRock formation near Mount Hillyer

Ride log

Last Ridden

Condition

Pedal Time

Elapsed Time

Aug 10th, 08

Excellent - single track is challenging, but trail condition is excellent

1 hour 39 minutes

2 hours 16 minutes

 

 

 

 

Links

[Directions to start]

[Map in pdf (707 KB)]

[GPS Trace (waypoint every quarter mile)]

[GPS Trace (all waypoints)]

[Topo file (.tpo)]

[Photo Album]

 

 

Chilao-Loop-Map

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/topo

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Site Last Modified: Tuesday, March 10, 2009