This ride uses the Santa Clara Divide Road to reach Magic Mountain (not to be confused with the theme park in Santa Clarita!), from Little Tujunga road. Although the road is paved it is quite rough in places making the ride more suited to mountain bikes than the narrow tires of road bikes.
Getting there
From the 210 Freeway North take the exit signed Osborne, and turn right. Almost immediately after this turn left at the traffic lights onto Osborne street which soon transitions into Little Tujunga Road. Continue 11.7 miles to Bear Divide picnic area on the left. Google directions to start
The Ride
From the parking area at Bear Divide turn left onto Little Tujunga Canyon Road, and then at 0.13 miles turn right onto the Santa Clara Divide Road, 3N17. The section of road used for this ride is paved, but is mostly a single lane serving both directions. While traffic on the road is light, it’s not unusual to see a few vehicles up here. With the exception of two short descents, the climb is a fairly constant grade.
The summit of Magic Mountain may occasionally be seen to the left, identifiable by the transmission towers. At 5.39 miles you round a corner to see the summit straight ahead.
6.61 miles is where we turn left off the Santa Clara Divide Road (which at this point turns into a dirt fire road) onto 4N46, which may be gated. Just a little more climbing and navigating around some major pot holes brings us to the summit at 7.18 miles, after about 1 hour and 10 minutes of climbing.
This was once a defence base, hence the two large water tanks. Little remains of the original site, although presumably the two large transmission towers are installed over the foundations of the former base. Views of the surrounding area require walking around the water tanks and perimeter fencing.
Ride log
Last Ridden
Condition
Pedal Time
Elapsed Time
Aug 30th, 08
Good, if on a mountain bike. The road continues to deteriorate so not as much fun on a road bike due to the numerous potholes, bumps and cracks
From the parking area at Bear Divide turn left onto Little Tujunga Canyon Road, and then at 0.13 miles turn right onto the Santa Clara Divide Road, 3N17. The section of road used for this ride is paved, but is mostly a single lane serving both directions. While traffic on the road is light, it’s not unusual to see a few vehicles up here. With the exception of two short descents, the climb is a fairly constant grade.
