This road ride goes from Highway 39 North of Azusa to East Fork station with a short detour down Shoemaker Canyon road. It is frequently ridden by locals as part of a 30+ mile loop that includes Glendora Mountain road and Highway 39. The section covered by these notes is of a rolling nature with no extreme gradients.
Getting there
From Highway 39 in Azusa continue North approximately 9.5 miles from the Sierra Madre Avenue junction (last set of lights) to the East Fork turn on the right, crossing the San Gabriel river. Parking can be found on the right immediately after crossing the bridge. Note an adventure pass is required for parking in this area. Google directions to start
The Ride
Join the road heading East. Early in the ride you will get views of Mount Baldy ahead. At 1.91 miles you will pass East Fork Fire Camp #19 and then Follows Camp at 2.56 miles. At 3.17 miles Shoemaker road branches on the left - a nice diversion but I typically do this on the return part of the ride.
Williams Camp is entered at 3.75 miles; a few residences and a modest cafe on the left (open weekends only). You will then pass Oaks picnic area at 4.65 miles. At 5.07 miles the road makes switchbacks to the right, but for this route continue straight over the wooden bridge ahead. The end of the road is reached at 5.94 miles. Here you will find a fire station, rest rooms, and the start of hikes along the river, including a path to the Bridge to Nowhere. You can also see Shoemaker road above.
Turn around and retrace the route back but at 8.67 miles make a sharp right onto Shoemaker Road. This turns into a (gated) fire road at 10.54 miles, perfect for mountain bikes but not suitable for road bike tires. The end of the paved road is our turnaround point, and highest elevation of the ride at 2294’ according to the GPS.
Backtrack to the parking area to complete the ride.
Join the road heading East. Early in the ride you will get views of Mount Baldy ahead. At 1.91 miles you will pass East Fork Fire Camp #19 and then Follows Camp at 2.56 miles. At 3.17 miles Shoemaker road branches on the left - a nice diversion but I typically do this on the return part of the ride.
