The riverside trail used on this ride is lightly travelled by cars but is a popular walk with local families and fishermen as it offers easy access by foot to the San Gabriel River. The ride is suitable for all levels of riders including children, with the exception of the last half mile that climbs ~350 feet; that’s steeper than some single tracks!
Getting there
In Azusa take Highway 39 (Azusa Avenue) North from the 210 freeway. After passing the last traffic lights (intersection with Sierra Madre Avenue) drive approximately 11.3 miles to the parking area on the left. A forest adventure pass is required for parking. Google directions to start
The Ride
As the directions suggest, the easiest starting point is the parking area just North of the trail. The mileage quoted is from the gate reached by riding South on Highway 39 across the bridge and then turning right. Bikes can either pass through the turnstile or as we do with the tandem, carried over the gate. The first mile or so of trail is marred by graffiti on the boulders, but fortunately this is soon left behind and after a few miles you are likely to see very few others. There are no junctions to watch for on this ride; just follow the road. Although cars do use the road (there are a few residences near the dam), it’s rare and the drivers have always been courteous to us.
At around 6.3 miles you will reach the end of the easy section and be faced with a steep climb. This is easily walked but not so easily ridden, especially without low gears. Should you chose to tackle the climb you will reach a chain linked fence at 7.09 miles - continue straight, as marked the lanes going left and right are to private residences. After passing the homes and another short climb to 7.31 miles you reach the top of Cogswell dam (photograph below). Views of Mount Baldy and of course the West Fork canyon are typical from here. Although the road continues a short way as it zigzags up an embankment, it soon turns to dirt and traverses a fairly remote part of the mountains (the subject of another ride yet to be published).
The return is the same way you came.
Ride log
Last Ridden
Condition
Pedal Time
Elapsed Time
Jan 19th, 09
Excellent: warm and dry and not very busy
1 hour 29 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
Dec 22nd, 07
Excellent, although a little icy near the dam (even mid afternoon)
