Chantry Flats at the top of Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia is a perfect starting point for rides, hikes or just relaxing in the newly renovated picnic area. Many riders take off from here to compete with hikers on the Winter Creek single track. Personally I prefer the solitude of the rarely used fire road to the communications tower you might have noticed on the drive up Santa Anita Avenue.
While you may not see other riders or walkers once past the Helipad, there is a high probability of seeing wildlife: lots of squirrels, deer and sometimes bears (I once saw a mother and cub up here - the only occasion I decided to cut the ride short!). The fire road dead ends with no option but to return the way you came. With this in mind I start at least one mile down from the Chantry Flats parking lot, and sometimes will take the steep access road down to the river to add a little more distance and climbing.
Getting there
From the 210 freeway in Arcadia take Santa Anita Avenue North, for 1.6 miles to a gate. The residential street transitions to a mountain road that switch backs its way into Santa Anita Canyon. The parking at the top fills up fast on weekends so I recommend pulling over in one of the many turnouts, and favour one that is 2.2 miles from the gate, 1 mile from the parking lot. Google directions to start
The Ride
Continue the climb up Santa Anita Canyon Road to the parking lot at Chantry Flats, reached at exactly 1 mile if you start at the same point as this trace. As you approach the parking keep left and follow the road around to the left and upper parking, so you pass the forest service buildings on your right. Look for a paved but gated road 2N41 on your right at 1.16 miles and pass around the gate using a small opening in the adjacent fence.
This is a shaded and pleasant climb with the picnic area below on the left and horse/mule stables on the right. After a few switch backs you will reach the Chantry heliport at 1.8 miles and 2477’ elevation (according to the sign) at which point go right onto the fire road. The grade is not steep and while I see little use of this section it is generally kept in good order. There are no junctions to look out for, just a steady climb with occasional shade especially at 2.3 miles. At 2.4 miles there will be a hut on the right and a watershed at 2.5 miles (makes a weird pulsing noise).
At 4.39 miles the communications equipment comes into sight. After a short descent you will see a water tower on the right - while you can go just a little further down to the communication towers I usually turn off at the water tower (4.69 miles).
From this vantage point you will probably have excellent views of the San Gabriel front range including Mount Wilson and Disappointment to the North West. To the North East the power lines mark the ridge reached from Monrovia Canyon. Looking into the valley the Santa Anita race track is usually easy to spot, and with a little searching you may be able to make out El Monte airport a little further South. To the South West you may also see downtown LA. If the weather has left clear air this ride offers one of the best returns on effort when it comes to views of the LA basin.
Return the way you came, but be aware the paved section just above the parking lot is heavily used by hikers to access the winter creek trail - take it steady to avoid startling walkers and dogs.
