Stough Canyon - #StoughCanyon

Socal - Los Angeles County - Burbank NickNames: #StoughCanyon

Trailhead located above De Bell Golf Course in the Burbank Hills. Exit I-5 on Burbank Blvd, and proceed east until you dead end at Burbank High School. (You'll need to go around the High School) Left on Third street, Right on Delaware, and Right on Glenoaks Blvd. The first street on left is Walnut, take Walnut all the way to the top, you will past De Bell Golf Course on your right. Keep going until you reach the gate, several cars (NOTE: If no bike racks beware of possible hikers) Begin riding along side the golf course past the gate, on pavement for about 1/4 mile, the road soon becomes dirt and the climbing begins. Thomas Guide page: 533

27 Review(s)20 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateIn Great Shape-the trail is in great shape, smooth with a bit of sand/dirt much like a cross country running track, very nice all the way with good traction.
  OGBradley a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 08 Jamis Parker from Van Nuys

  Posted:02/05/2013

• Trail UpdateGreat For Climbing Conditioning-I want to start off by saying beginners and novices... beware of the first section to the first bench. It is really steep and a really tough climb. This is definitely not where you want to get your first MTB off-road experience. (Cherry Canyon in La Canada is probably a lot better for first timers or beginners).

  Stough is really good for just getting your stamina and endurance up. I started doing this a month ago and barely made it to the first bench. Now I can make it to the La Tuna single track split with brief stops at each bench (4). Descending is fun but usually there are a lot of hikers and the road is dry with loose dirt(skidding), use caution around corners.
  Highlander664 a 44 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant Yukon from Burbank

  Posted:01/24/2013

• Trail UpdateFire Department Plowed Road-The fire department has plowed the fire road starting about 1 mile up from Stough Canyon trail head. The trail has a lot of loose dirt and rock on the edge of the trails where the plow deposited the excess dirt and rocks. The trail has become very loose.
  Bruce a 49 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Pivot Firebird from Glendale

  Posted:09/23/2011

• Trail UpdateRains Have Left Deep Ruts-as of yesterday, March 9, 2010, the ride is fine going UP but coming down you really notice the danger of the deep ruts (8"-12")from all the rain. I agree with previous riders post, steep at the start-- first 300 yards anyway then gets easier. When it forks at about a half mile, going RIGHT at the Verdugo Fireroad sign will be more moderate than the sharp left which I have hiked but not ridden before. And yes, there are A LOT of hikers so beware coming down for them and their DOGS-- which are generally on a leash.
  ihearthockey a 49 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Schwinn hardtail from Burbank

  Posted:03/10/2010

• Trail UpdateHi to all readers. I am new rider. but i am in great shape. This train first 1/2 mile nothing easy about it.hard climb make sure you bring lots of water. you will needed. afther that if you have energy left you will do ok. i was on mostly on fire roads and it's well maintained,lots of lose gravels,lippery road,watch your downhill speed too many mountain climbers.impossible to make sudden quick stops going downhill. there is one part of the road on the right side of the mountain going up. there is almost 2 feet gap cross the road damaged by rain. you could easly get hurt. but it is manageable to pass. it's great place i had good time climbing,1st time up there and it is beautiful place. I highly recomended this place to everyone. but it's not a beginners trail.intermediate trail. beginning stage is for advanced ridders they will have easy ride. but anyone can do it there is lots of places you can stop and rest. I thing best time to ride would be early am or late afternoon.I am going there tomorrow again but this time i am bringing my camera.see you guys there you will love this mountain.
  Sako a 47 year old Weekend Warrior riding a endura from glendale

  Posted:02/28/2009

• Trail UpdateClean Trail-Ride this consistently, usually alone because there is not much to this fire road. Mild climb...good for a bit of a workout, but add some fun with the single tracks off the main road. Trail is usually kept up well but watch out for the many hikers on weekends.
  Ricky Mo a 44 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 08 Specialized Epic from Santa Clarita

  Posted:11/27/2008

• Trail UpdateYou Can Stop At The Picnic Table-when your heading up the trail take the first hiking trail to the left and continue till your about one mile up then the trail can go to the fire road(on right) or slightly left down a single track to another fireroad
  about .3 of a mile up the road there is a peak with a great view and a picnic table...
  kr68chevy a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a rockhopper from burbank

  Posted:03/20/2006

• Trail UpdateStough Canyon-Rode this trail on Sept 18, who said climbing wasnt fun! The first 1/2 mile is pretty grueling with a few switchbacks. I though I was gonna die after the first 1/2 mile! After getting my second wind, things got real easy. Rode all the way up to the first tower. Trail conditions were pretty good, some loose sand and rocks, but very manageable. Fantastic views of Burbank, Glendale and Montrosse.
  gdo a 28 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized from Burbank, Ca

  Posted:10/07/2005

• Trail UpdateRode this trail yesterday for the first time. Whoever said uphill wasn't fun!!! Only a few hikers and 1 or 2 other bikers. I guess people don't really follow the poop and scoop law for their dogs as I was dogding turds left and right.

  Trail conditions were pretty good though. Big up the Trail Days cleanup crew! A little smoggy so the view from the top wasn't that clear.
  headucate a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a mtb

  Posted:07/04/2005

• Trail UpdateAfter The Recent Earthquakes...-Still, Stough Canyon Park is the same like the last time I went trailing. However, it was cleaned up by our local folks at Burbank (Thank you very much!!). Its really worth the work out and adventure when you take this route going to Brand Park at Glendale. I guess, it will take you an hour and 45 minutes from the Golf Course to Glendale. The best part of going to the three towers @ 3025ft is the view of Burbank and Glendale. When you look at your back, you'll see Mt. Wilson, Latuna Canyon and Pasedena. So, stop reading this message board and GRAB YOUR BIKE!!!....
  wency zingapan a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Raleigh, Hard Tail from Burbank, North Hollywood .uk

  Posted:06/28/2005

• Trail UpdateRecent Fire...-There was a recent fire by DeBell Golf Course, and Stough Canyon Nature Center. (Wildwood cyn). I don't know if it effected any trails or where exactly.

  Another note- you can pick up a map of all the trails in the Verdugos from stough canyon nature center including fire roads and single tracks. (I think there is a Wildwood single track.)
  Steven K. a 16 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Canyon Country (Santa Clarita), CA

  Posted:10/22/2003

• Trail UpdateThe fireroad really took a beating with the recent rain and the side action single track really got hammered.I don't know if the single track is "legal",but it is going to need some work.
  Bonez

  Posted:03/19/2003

• Trail UpdateStough Cyn To La Tuna Loop-I ride this trail at least once a week and have been doing this for the last 3 months which is when I got my bike. The trail is getting smoother every time I go there. The fire road now almost feels like a paved road, when 3 months ago it was really rocky. Anyways, after a approx. 2 mile climb from Stough Cyn. I make a left onto a single track. The single track is smoothed out as well and is not as rocky as before but it is still awesome just not as technical. After almost 3 miles of single track you end up on La Tuna Cyn. Rd. Then I ride East on La Tuna Cyn. Rd to the entrance of the fire road which is located just before the 210 overpass. I take this back up the hill (about a 4 mile climb) and then down again to Stough Cyn.

  I went this morning at 6:30 and saw 4 other bikers and about 6 hikers during the whole loop.
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 14 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=20% Dirt Road=75% Paved Path=5%
  om a Cross-Country Rider from Glendale

  Posted:12/05/2002

• Trail UpdateBrand Park To Stough/Edmore-Another variation of the Verdugos is to go in at Brand Park at the end of Grandview. This is probably the most challenging of the climbs to the top, at least from the South side of the Verdugos. You get a steep paved switchback climb for about 1/3 of the way up till it turns into gravel then dirt. There will be a fork marked by a yellow metal sign, you want to go left. If you continue straight, you will end up at the fire break that you can see for miles. This break is too steep to climb though it can be hike-a-biked. Definately stay left. Conditions are hardpack/rocky/sandy/rutted/loose and frequently change as you continue on up. The first time I made it to the top without putting down a foot or stopping, I felt very proud of myself. Now that I'm riding a F/S with low gears (22/32) and have done it a few times its pretty much a cakewalk. The route is pretty well shown on page 533 and 534 of a 2002 Thomas Guide.

  At the top of Brand Park fire road there is another yellow sign and a bench. You can stop or rest without feeling guilty since you have already done the difficult part getting to it. This is a very challenging hill to come back down because of its rough conditions and its steepness. If you continue on, left is toward the top, right is toward Mt. Tom. I usually go left and proceed up (well, down then up) the Verdugo fire road. The first fork that you come to is Skyline. You want to stay right. The connects to a trail that is off limits to bikes. From here on out, you want to stay left or else you will find yourself going down on the the north side of the Verdugos. (A long ride back if you don't feel like climbing back up) There is one left that goes about 100 yards up to the antennae. If you take this by accident, you will immediately know it. Back on the Verdugo Fire Road, the next place you can go left is the Stough Canyon fire road. You will know it if you miss it because you will begin climbing again. Stough Canyon is a good way down. Its short with a few steep and rocky short turns. Watch for hikers around every bend.

  This last weekend, I decided to not turn on Stough and go straight to see where I would end up. The Verdugo Fire road continues with a few short climbs and descents on smooth hardpack. The hills are challenging because your legs have gotten used to the downhills to Stough. The fire road finally spit me out at Edmore. Although it felt like more, the extension to Edmore only added about 2 more miles beyond the drop in at Stough. I was excited to find that except for the few climbs, this was an easier way down than Stough. Back on pavement, I cruised out to Glenoaks back towards Burbank down to Scott to San Fernando for a post ride reward at Tommy's.

  I highly recommend this ride for anyone who lives in the area who enjoys the challenge of a good climb, needs to hone his or her skills at picking lines around rocks and loose stuff and wants a good training ride. Also, there is another benefit to this ride in that there is no road access for downhillers so anybody up here had to ride or push their bike up here first. Its also very hard to get lost to the point of being in danger. Its pretty much a junior mountain and any direction will either take you down or along the top. If you have to drive to get here though, I wouldn't recommend this ride. These hills are pretty barren with no shade and it can get pretty hot during most of the day. There are much better rides in the Santa Monicas and the San Gabriels.

  Intermediate due to the steepness/heat/rough climb but otherwise its pretty easy. If you like this ride, consider the Mount Wilson Toll Road climb which is much longer but not as steep with mostly better surface conditions (except near the top).
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change: 2500 ft
  Dirt Road=75% Paved Path=25%
  BH a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Titus from Burbank

  Posted:04/22/2002

• Trail UpdateBrand Park To Stough/Edmore-Another variation of the Verdugos is to go in at Brand Park at the end of Grandview. This is probably the most challenging of the climbs to the top, at least from the South side of the Verdugos. You get a steep paved switchback climb for about 1/3 of the way up till it turns into gravel then dirt. There will be a fork marked by a yellow metal sign, you want to go left. If you continue straight, you will end up at the fire break that you can see for miles. This break is too steep to climb though it can be hike-a-biked. Definately stay left. Conditions are hardpack/rocky/sandy/rutted/loose and frequently change as you continue on up. The first time I made it to the top without putting down a foot or stopping, I felt very proud of myself. Now that I'm riding a F/S with low gears (22/32) and have done it a few times its pretty much a cakewalk. The route is pretty well shown on page 533 and 534 of a 2002 Thomas Guide.

  At the top of Brand Park fire road there is another yellow sign and a bench. You can stop or rest without feeling guilty since you have already done the difficult part getting to it. This is a very challenging hill to come back down because of its rough conditions and its steepness. If you continue on, left is toward the top, right is toward Mt. Tom. I usually go left and proceed up (well, down then up) the Verdugo fire road. The first fork that you come to is Skyline. You want to stay right. The connects to a trail that is off limits to bikes. From here on out, you want to stay left or else you will find yourself going down on the the north side of the Verdugos. (A long ride back if you don't feel like climbing back up) There is one left that goes about 100 yards up to the antennae. If you take this by accident, you will immediately know it. Back on the Verdugo Fire Road, the next place you can go left is the Stough Canyon fire road. You will know it if you miss it because you will begin climbing again. Stough Canyon is a good way down. Its short with a few steep and rocky short turns. Watch for hikers around every bend.

  This last weekend, I decided to not turn on Stough and go straight to see where I would end up. The Verdugo Fire road continues with a few short climbs and descents on smooth hardpack. The hills are challenging because your legs have gotten used to the downhills to Stough. The fire road finally spit me out at Edmore. Although it felt like more, the extension to Edmore only added about 2 more miles beyond the drop in at Stough. I was excited to find that except for the few climbs, this was an easier way down than Stough. Back on pavement, I cruised out to Glenoaks back towards Burbank down to Scott to San Fernando for a post ride reward at Tommy's.

  I highly recommend this ride for anyone who lives in the area who enjoys the challenge of a good climb, needs to hone his or her skills at picking lines around rocks and loose stuff and wants a good training ride. Also, there is another benefit to this ride in that there is no road access for downhillers so anybody up here had to ride or push their bike up here first. Its also very hard to get lost to the point of being in danger. Its pretty much a junior mountain and any direction will either take you down or along the top. If you have to drive to get here though, I wouldn't recommend this ride. These hills are pretty barren with no shade and it can get pretty hot during most of the day. There are much better rides in the Santa Monicas and the San Gabriels.

  Intermediate due to the steepness/heat/rough climb but otherwise its pretty easy. If you like this ride, consider the Mount Wilson Toll Road climb which is much longer but not as steep with mostly better surface conditions (except near the top).
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change: 2500 ft
  Dirt Road=75% Paved Path=25%
  BH a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Titus from Burbank

  Posted:04/22/2002

• Trail UpdateLOST DOG, Please Help-On the early evening of May 21st, I lost my way on the Stough Trails. My small, white Terrier, Daisy, was with me. I unleashed her, for a moment, while checking in my knapsack, for flashlight batteries. When I looked up, she was gone. It happened so fast, I am not sure what happened, to her.
  Daisy is wearing a collar, with dog tags.
  If you find her wandering, on the trails, please call my home at 818-769-9701, or email me at:
  timfonseca@yahoo.com

  Thank You
  Tim Fonseca
  
  Tim Fonseca

  Posted:05/22/2001

• Trail UpdateFirst time riding in area/this trail, Sunday morning after dropping off relatives at Airport, I started at the end of the Golf Course at 7:00, the wide smooth fire road is kinda boring, after a bit, saw the hiker sign fork to the left, I kept going right towards the antenne, A little while longer another hiker fork on the left again, Figuring that was the entrace/exit of a different loop. Little while longer you see the 210 & Mt. Wilson towers in the distance, and all the La Canada area on the left, SFV & Top of LA on the right, passing the antenne, a few more trail fork's going down towards the LaTuna & the 210, after a little more the fire road starts going down, so I turned around here (45 minutes). Heading back I saw that trail the previous reviews are taking about with that "Warning" sign, but also a "NO BIKES" sigh too, well, I wanted to, but I could see hikers on this, so I didn't go down, continuing on the singletrack that is just above the fire-road. This rain gutter'ed - non maintained trail has a few sketchey parts & you better be careful. At the top hiker trail sign i passwwd on the way up, I took it, soon it breaks off to the left and becomes singletrack (YaHoo!) Passed that chimney and more fun singetrack for another mile, till it merges back to the main fireroad to the start. Nice views, saw 10 hikers & 8 bikers. 10.6 miles, 1Hr 20 min.
  ET

  Posted:11/06/2000

• Trail UpdateRoute Back To Brand Park-If you want to go back down to Brand Park the sane way (i.e.: not down the ultra-steep firebreak), keep a lookout for a yellow crossroads sign and a concrete bench.

  At this intersection, take the SW trail down (towards Burbank). This will switch to the left and drop you into Brand Park at the intersection of Western and Mountain.

  Posted:10/16/2000

• Trail UpdateStough To Wildwood Alt-
  This is a tight loop that folows the Stough Route up, heads right at the first saddle (first view of La Tuna) and then right again to hit the first set of Radio Towers along the Ridge.

  I started at 9AM in August, which dried me out on the way up pretty quickly. By the time I hit the saddle, I was good and warmed up.

  The crank past there was gentler, but still had some sloppy bits. There can be a lot of sand on the trail this time of year, and it made for slow going.

  Once at the radio towers, there is a warning sign: "Extremely Steep Trail, traverse at your own Risk". They ain't whistlin' dixie! This trail is a single track that follows a finger ridge between Stough and Wildwood Canyon.

  It is incredbly skinny (about 10ft) and full of STAIRED switchbacks. I wanted to test my new full-suspension, and I don't advise this without one.

  At one point, I vaulted off the finger, and slid about 20ft. The climb is sandy, and you kill a tons of plants - so please be careful.

  The height/danger of this single track is amazing, and the technicalities of the stairs makes this great "do or die" practice. But don't get me wrong - you WILL need to walk parts of it.

  After heading out toward the end of the finger, you can go left along the edge (1ft wide cliff-like setting) or a wider route on the right. Already earning my "wings" for the day, I did the left and was reqarded with...more stairs, ug. Take the right hand path, its longer.

  Overall, this trail is a powerhouse up to the towers and a wrist-jarring quick ride down. 1-2 hours depending on your skill.

  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 5 miles Elevation change: 3000
  Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=60% Paved Path=10%
  Jim a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale Jekyll from Burbank

  Posted:08/28/2000

• Trail UpdateI've Had My Eye On You...-Any rider that has been through the Burbank, Glendale, or Pasadena area has certainly seen the huge, steep, intimidating fire break on the southeast side of the Verdugo Hills. You can see the stupid thing from the top of any hill in Santa Monica on a clear day. Well it has been on my list for quite a while and yesterday it's time had come.

  Started from the frontside at Stough and was surprised how quickly you get to Verdugo Mtwy. From there I hooked a right and then a left onto the La Tuna singletrack. Very sweet trail. Another right at the bottom on La Tuna Canyon Road, then back on the dirt up Hostetter Mtwy. Took that back up to Verdugo Mtwy and stopped to take in the insane 360 degree view of this gigantic city. Went left from there and then it gets a little tricky. I am not an authority on this area and when looking at a map had thought that the big fire break was the Skyline Mtwy. It turns out that this might not be the case. When you get to the fork that gives a route to get to the 5 or 6 skinny, red & white antennae, take it. This will keep you on the ridgeline instead of following fire roads that descend. From the top you will see the break daunting you to come closer, the road you are on will lead the way.

  When standing over this beauty it looked strangely familiar... kinda like the widowmaker on Mulholland. Not as loose, not as rutted, but TWICE AS LONG! I dropped in and the sandstone that prevails on the top third was begging me to get my back tire sideways. "Don't do it!", I said to myself, knowing that if I touched down, re-mounting on steeps like these is no easy task. Cleaned the top and took a breath on the flat to look back at the wall behind me. This sweet ride continues on it's scary way for another 1/2 mile until it gets skinny providing some nice tech singletracks finally dumping you into Brand Park.

  Again, I must say I am not an authority on this area but seeing that it left me in Brand Park, looking at a map you might be convinced that the trail was actually the Brand Park Mtwy. I think it's somewhere just past the road due to how curvy the road looks on a map, and how damn straight "The Wall" is. Feel free to correct me, as I'm sure somebody will. It's not the hardest trail in the world, but one of the most visible in thie area. I don't really care what it's called or it's exact location, now I can look from anywhere in L.A. and say... "Yeah, I've done that."

  Great riding in those hills, check 'em out. Good luck to you.

  
  Dusty Bottoms

  Posted:04/17/2000

• Trail UpdateLa Tuna Option-When you get to the singletrack on the left...you'll know it because all the people that come up the mountain from Tujunga take this down so there usually are people about...be prepared for some great singletrack. It's steep at times (epecially the first mile or so) and has a few sketchy ledges which increase the sphincter factor, but it's manageable.

  Follow the trail until it comes out on the street. You'll be right near the freeway (210) and have two options: up and under the freeway or down the hill. If you go up, you have to ride around the mountain, down Verdugo Blvd to Glenoaks and back to Walnut. This is a long-ass way...it's mostly downhill, but a long way. If you go down the hill to the left (La Tuna Canyon), you'll have a ride of about 6 miles on the streets, with most of it being downhill (the first mile is straight down...wide open and fun). La Tuna will hit a light at Sunland Blvd (this is not a good area, so be careful if the sun is going down). Take a left. The next big intersection will be Glenoaks. Take that left. You'll ride it for about 5 miles on busy streets. You'll eventually hit Walnut, where you'll take a left and climb to where you parked.

  If you don't want a long final climb and don't want to stay on the main street that long, when you get into Burbank (you'll know by the street/area being nicer) take a left on Buena Vista and a right on Kenneth...it'll get you to Walnut quicker and through residential streets.
  Dom a 28 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Gary Fisher from Burbank

  Posted:04/12/2000

• Trail UpdateLonger Downhill Singletrack-After an email tip from a fellow rider of Stough Canyon, I followed the fork off to the right. It reaches a plateau where you can breathe for a moment, then keep climbing. Eventually you get to a spot where you can see a singletrack drop off to your left off of the fireroad you are on. It is at a bend that flicks to the right to continue up the "mountain" towards the radio towers.

  I won't bother to go into lengthy detail about the ride, you simply should enjoy it for yourself. I'll sum it up with "A W E S O M E!" One tip, be sure you know the way back on La Tuna, otherwise you'll end up doing what I did. (i.e. riding to La Crecenta on fireroads/paved roads. It sucks pretty bad, take La Tuna back) On that note I still don't know the way back on La Tuna and I've been too busy w/work lately to go and find my way back. )C:=

  NOTE: It is relatively steep in some spots (IMHO) and you should not be afraid of heights as it has ledgy spots, and watch you speed!

  Anyway, have fun!!! It is a killer trail! 2 thumbs up!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: dunno no computer yet, poverty stricken rider Elevation change: down down down
  Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
  Tony Bothwell a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GFisher Joshua from Burbank, CA 91504 URL: Personal Homepage

  Posted:01/17/2000

• Trail UpdateStough Canyon-For a change check out a trail up Country Club Drive. Go way up into the hills and, after about 2 miles after the debris basin (which is on the left), there is a very small turn out on the right. Its tight between two houses, but looks to be a fire road entrance which is really grown over. After pushing my way through the bush for a while I cleared the undergrowth and it looked like the road went clear up to the top of the Verdugo ridge. Anyone up for an adventure?

  If you think you've passed the entrance, turn around and look on the south east side of Country Club Drive. The entrance is about a 1/2 mile from the end of the road.

  Posted:12/31/1999

• Trail UpdateCorrection-In the fourth paragraph of my review I said when the fireroad splits left and right I went to the right, that's incorrect. I went left, I just reread it now, sorry :)

  Tony Bothwell a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Gary Fisher Joshua (FS) from Burbank

  Posted:12/28/1999

• Trail UpdateA Fun Ride-Prelude:
  I'm new to the area being a Mt. Biker from the Bay area that recently moved to Burbank and I've been looking for places to ride ever since. All I really stumbled across on my own were a few trails at Griffith park, but most of those trails have no bikes signs all over them. Thankfully I discovered socalmtb.com! (yes I know there are books on the subject but ... I'm lazy/cheap I guess) Anyway, on to the review.

  Review:
  I found the review of this trail here on socalmtb.com and decided to check it out for myself as it sounded like a fun ride and is literally right up the street from where I live. You'll drive alongside a golf course for a while, once you get to the end of the road you'll see where you get started heading towards the trail, there is a big iron gate that appears to be closed most of the time. It appears to be where to park assuming you didn't ride up the road to get there.

  You slide your bike under that gate, then ride on a roughly paved road for 50 meters before you come to a chain link fence with a no tresspassing sign and new pavement. (The sign is to keep people out of the construction site, so I don't think it applies to riders/hikers) You ride on this new pavement up a small hill, you'll see the contruction on your right (a small building) and a little trailer that the construction security is living in.

  Straight ahead you'll see a graded fireroad with many switchbacks. A previous review said this would only be difficult for a novice rider. Well, I'm no expert but I haven't had to do a lot of long uphills like this in the past, and it was definitely tiring. At any rate, it's certainly possible and once you get to the top you'll thank yourself for doing the ride.

  After you ride past a relatively large cement drainage thing nearing the last visable turn of fireroad, you'll see that it actually splits up and you can follow the fireroad to the left and to the right. I followed it up to the right which appeared to be steeper and looked more like it would head to a trail than the road to the left. (Don't ask why I think this, I just did) Anyway, once you get to the top of that, it T's left and right, to the left is a fairly steep climb up fireroad to a small platau, then semi-downhill along a ridge leading to a trail that heads down out of the hills into a basin near a dam which looks like it has contruction going on.

  I chose the path to the right which looks like at one point it was a fireroad that is now overgrown and basically singletrack. You ride up this winding around for a while, nothing terribly technical some rocks etc. You'll be doing a steady slight climb for a while, so get used to it. You'll pass a spot I almost died, there's a section where the trail is soft and eroded a bit, walk that it's on a tad of a ledge.

  Anyway you keep riding up a fairly straight climb, relatively rocky so be careful, but it's fun. At the top of that you'll see a small foundation and a chimney that looks like an old shack that burned down. Don't wander down the "trails" to your right, what a waste. I rode through that scratchy brush for a while before deciding it was pointless. Save yoursef some time if you want the same effect. Put four cats in a pillowcase, vigorously kick it around then put your legs in it for a few minutes.

  Anyway, the trail straight past the building is a nice semi technical short climb maybe 20m, then it becomes standard singletrack, winds around, fun to ride on. Big cliff on your left at the end of the singletrack, watch your speed! Keep following it and it ends at dirt road again, follow that to the top where you'll see a tree and a picnic table. This is where the plastic can w/notpad and pen is, you can write whatever you want in there.

  From here is where you get a killer view, you can see LA city over the hills, the valley, etc. It's worth the ride! Anyway, it looks from up here that the "trail" aka dirt road can be ridden towards sunland from here. I never saw the trail that headed towards Glendale but I could be blind.

  Coming down the singletrack you came up is killer, major fun. Use caution of course! (I crashed twice on my way down, I need to learn to slow down a bit I think)

  Anyway, I hope you find this review of mine useful. This was my first time on this trail so I may have left some things out.

  See you on the trails! :)
  -Tony (Soon to add a Y2k Cannondale F500 to my stables)

  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: not sure (no computer) Elevation change: SOME
  Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=70%
  Tony Bothwell a 24 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Gary Fisher Joshua (FS) from Burbank, CA 91504 URL: My personal homepage

  Posted:12/27/1999

• Trail UpdateConstruction-There's now a construction site above the golf course with its own inner gate.
  Make sure you don't get locked in if you're riding in the evening.

  Posted:10/26/1999

• Trail UpdateA fun and challenging ride for everyone. Novice riders to experts can find fun and excitement. The climb starts out with a somewhat difficult climb for the begining rider, with several quick switchbacks. After the first mile and a half the climb becomes much more manageable for novice climbers. Upon reaching the Verdugo Mtwy the trail splits and you can choose to go south (towards Glendale, Radio Towers, numerous single tracks and downhills into Brand Park , Glendale) or North towards Tujunga and La Tuna Canyon. The south trail offers a much longer ride, while the north trail rises quicker to the summit and has a relatively gradual descent into Sunland/Tujunga. Total uphill mileage from gate can can range from 3 to 5 miles depending on route.

  At the top of the North route lies an imported bench and tree where many bikers and hikers have rested and taken in the views. At one time, someone had left a jar with several note pads in it to jot down thoughts while you caught your breath. You could definately tell the prose of the hikers is a bit more poetic compared to the Mtn Bikers (I guess they aren't as tired as we are and can think clearer)

  At the top of the South Route lies several radio towers and the start of many singletracks. As of now at the far south end of the mountain there is a wide graded road, visible from most places in Glendale and Burbank, which is VERY STEEP. The road dumps you off in the Brand Park area of Glendale and can be a fun ride.

  The numerous trailheads into these mountains; Glendale (Brand Park, Oakmount CC) Tujunga (La Tuna Canyon), Sun Valley (Above Hollywood Way) make for fun shuttle rides if you want to avoid climbing back to a car after a downhill.

  For years I have brought the dogs along, and as long as I had plenty of water for them, the trails, fire roads and even singletracks were plenty manageable for the canines also.
  Singletrack=25% Dirt Road=75%
  a 31 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Cannondale SV-2000 SOON !!!! from Burbank and Santa Clarita, Ca

  Posted:02/26/1999