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Inspiration Point Mountain Bike Ride

Type

 

Fire-road

Miles

 

13.8

Elevation Gain

 

2570’

Starting/Max Elevation

 

1800’ / 4524’

Starting Coordinates

 

34 12.976’ N, 118 08.788’ W

This ride starts at Millard Campground in Altadena and climbs a steep 3 miles on pavement (mostly closed to cars) before connecting with a well maintained fire road that was once a railway (hence the moderate grade). This fire-road can be used to ascend Mount Wilson, but for this ride we turn off to Inspiration Point. Much of the fire road is shaded, making for a pleasant summer ride and a chilly one in winter months.

Getting there

Take the 210 freeway to Lake Avenue in Pasadena and go North on Lake to the end. Follow the road as it takes a sharp left and becomes Loma Alta. Continue West on Loma Alta 1.1 miles to the junction with Chaney Trail (marked by an overhead flashing amber light). Head North on Chaney Trail for 1.1 miles to the saddle with a gate to the right. There is a small amount of parking available here, but it fills quickly at weekends. I recommend going left at the saddle to the campground parking 0.6 miles downhill. Google directions to Chaney Trail - Note, this is as close to the start of the ride as Google could give directions for. Follow the above description to get to the start.

 

The Ride

Granite gateAscend the road you took into the Millard campground parking, back to the saddle (Sunset Ridge) at 0.6 miles. Continue ahead to the right of the locked gate onto the paved fire-road.

As you climb this road you will be presented with frequent views of the LA basin, including downtown, the rose bowl, surrounding mountains, and possibly the ocean. At 2.7 miles you may see trails to the right on the facing mountain side, and possibly the ruins they lead to at Echo Mountain (White City).

At 2.88 miles Sunset Ridge trail joins on the left. This single track is very popular with downhill riders, so you may want to use it on the return, but note it can be badly rutted and is a bit technical in places. A less technical single track trail to Echo Mountain takes off to the right at 2.93 miles. While not covered in this trace, it is a pleasant diversion that will take you to the ruins.

View into San Gabriel valleyCape of Good Hope is reached at 2.96 miles and ~3480 feet, after which the paved road turns to dirt. The start of the Dawn Mine trail can be found at 3.23 on the left, adjacent to a small shelter. Note, the Dawn Mine trail is interesting to hike but was washed out in a few places last time I visited it, so not a path I would attempt to ride.

Depending on the state of the road you may have noticed evidence of railway sleepers below the dirt, since this was once a railway bed. At 4.61 miles you will come across the only remaining overhead powerline support for the railway - at a point known as Granite Gate.

5.58 miles brings you to the site of Ye Alpine Tavern. I recommend dismounting and venturing left into Mount Lowe campground to peruse the various signs and artefacts describing the history of this location.

Shelter at Inspiration PointBear right at 5.76 miles to take the fire-road to Inspiration Point (not either of the single tracks that also leave this junction). You will see Mount Wilson with all of the communications equipment on the left, and at 6.0 miles/4500’ reach the shelter and signs announcing Inspiration Point. Here you will find more signs describing the history of the location, and sighting tubes pointing out a number of features that are invariably hidden by haze. If you have the energy for a little more riding continue on the fire-road, past Castle Canyon trail on the right, for another 0.9 miles, where the road ends but there are more great views (and usually no one else as this section sees no maintenance and very little use).

Return the way you came, although at 10.93 miles you may elect to take the single track if your skills are up to something a bit technical. There is also an easier single track down to Millard Campground on the right at 13.1 miles, just before the gate. This trail is also a little technical in places, but does not have dangerous exposed sections

Sign at Mount Lowe campground

Ride log

Last Ridden

Condition

Pedal Time

Elapsed Time

Mar 23rd, 08

Good - fire road was recently repaired after winter damage, so while loose in places was generally in good condition with no rutting.

1 hour, 46 mins

2 hours, 30 mins

June 23rd, 07

Excellent

 

 

Links

[Directions to Chaney Trail]

[Map in pdf (482 KB)]

[GPS Trace (waypoint every quarter mile)]

[GPS Trace (all waypoints)]

[GPS Trace (minimum waypoints)]

[Topo file (.tpo)]

[Photo Album]

 

Inspiration-Point-Map

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/topo

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Site Last Modified: Tuesday, March 10, 2009