A popular workout with local road riders, this is a short but pleasant mountain road leading from the top of Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia to Chantry Flats. The climb is fairly consistent at around 350 feet/mile and the road surface is generally good, but cleanup from mud slides has left some gouges that could be harmful to racing bike tires/wheels if hit at speed. Note also the road is narrow and gets busy on weekend mornings. If you can, ride this during a weekday when there is little haze/smog to enjoy it at its best.
Getting there
From the 210 freeway in Arcadia take Santa Anita Avenue North. Continue past residences, parking just before the National Forest gate, either on Santa Anita Ave or Arno Drive (I usually turn left onto Arno and park on the North side is this is not directly in front of anyone’s home). Google directions to start
The Ride
Directions are simple for this ride - pass by the gate at the top of Santa Anita Avenue where the residences end, and start climbing the canyon road. As you gain altitude you will see the dam below on the East side of the road. The road surface is generally kept in good condition, although it does suffer badly from slides during heavy rains. There is little shade on this ride, but it’s not uncommon to start out surrounded by morning mist and break through into clear blue skies as you ascend into the canyon.
After 3.2 miles you will reach the Chantry Flats parking area. To round it up to 4 miles I recommend go through the middle parking area to the upper section, passing the forest service buildings on your right and turning right at 3.34 miles onto the paved but gated fire road (to the right of the gate is a fence with a gap you can ride through). This road is completely shaded and is used by hikers accessing the trails. At 3.95 miles and 2477’ the heliport is reached. Head towards the sheds and around the back to find a peaceful resting spot replete with picnic table and bench, overlooking the road you just came up.
Returning is reverse of the ascent; just be careful as it’s easy (and tempting) to build excessive speed returning to the Chantry Flat parking area, and while I’ve never seen anyone else at the heliport I usually see hikers (some with unleashed dogs) on the short stretch of road near the car park
Directions are simple for this ride - pass by the gate at the top of Santa Anita Avenue where the residences end, and start climbing the canyon road. As you gain altitude you will see the dam below on the East side of the road. The road surface is generally kept in good condition, although it does suffer badly from slides during heavy rains. There is little shade on this ride, but it’s not uncommon to start out surrounded by morning mist and break through into clear blue skies as you ascend into the canyon. 
