The Ride
 Take 2N79 to the West of the parking area and go around the locked gate. The fire road climb is quite steep but the road is generally well maintained in this section.
A water tower is passed on the right at t 0.64 miles, and immediately after at 0.65 miles is a gate and the road taken to pass around Hoyt Mountain. While this was once a fire road, it doesn’t show. The gradient is not excessive but the many rocks and occasionally loose surface make the path narrow and quite a challenging climb. Fortunately it is generally not exposed so dabbing with either feet is safe (provided you stay unclipped!).
At 2.5 miles you are descending through a pleasant wooded area. However, be on the lookout for poison oak and low branches. A stream is crossed at 3.31 miles, although it was dry at the time of this trace there is a plank to ride across when water is flowing.
 At 3.51 miles you can either go right onto the paved road for a quick exit to the Forest Highway, or extend the ride a couple of miles by going left. Assuming you opt for the slightly longer route, drop down the pleasant paved road and pass through Crystal Creek School, picking up a fire road on the other side beyond the play area on the left. Climb this dirt road, crossing another at 4.55 miles, and at 4.72 miles turn right onto Angeles Forest Highway.
From here there is a steady climb to the Switzer visitor center and the junction with the Angeles Crest at 6.36 miles, where a right turn and swift downhill brings us back to the parking area at 9.54 miles.
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