The Ride
From the dirt parking area ride a couple of hundred feet down Angeles Forest Highway to a gate on the right, just before the entrance on the left to the Clear Creek Fire Station. Pass to the right of the gate (always locked) and begin climbing the fire road.
Around 0.7 miles you will probably see the fire road cut into the mountain side as it climbs to a saddle. The summit is also visible at this point; look to the left for a peak with some small communications towers. Strawberry Peak comes into view ahead at 1.46 miles and again at 1.6.
At 2.52 miles and 4893’ the fire road meets a saddle. The summit is reached by going left onto 2N64A. This North facing section is shaded much of the time and hence covered in snow/ice in winter months. The gradient also seems to relax a little for most of this section.
At exactly 4 miles and 5510’ the end of the road is reached. That’s 1850’ above the start, making an average rate of climb of 462’/mile.
You will notice a small (not rideable) path on the left that leads to the peak. Here you will find the foundation of a fire watchtower, and at the time of writing a new antenna was being installed with what appears to be a camera, probably to complement the weather station equipment attached to the small hut. You may also find a register beneath the rocks.
Return the way you came but at the saddle (5.48 miles) consider going straight onto the single track for a short diversion. This path is only half a mile but is a fun ride that brings you to Josephine Saddle; a junction trails connecting with the singletrack from Colby Canyon. For me this is a turnaround point but some riders go on to the trail around Strawberry Peak (narrow and exposed so not for those of modest singletrack skills)
After returning to the fire road at 6.48 miles turn left to return to the start.
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