Chantry Flats - #ChantryFlats

Socal - Los Angeles County - Arcadia NickNames: #ChantryFlats mount sake mount wilson

Start at Santa Anita & Foothill Blvd in Arcadia. Travel five miles up the road to Chantry Flats ranger station.
Ask the Ranger for info on the Mount Wilson trail.
Thomas Guide page 537 E5

102 Review(s)18 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateThe Rugger-the winter creak loop is in beautiful shape! leaves are changing or nice and green thanks to the recent rain. this also has packed it down and the river crossings are manageable. all the runoff zones have been repaired. great sprint loop on the stiff singlespeed 29er or trial bike ! the rugger...
  the rugger a 46 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 29er Singlespeed stiffy from san marino

  Posted:11/06/2011

• Trail Updatefun trail, but if you are new to mtbs like me i recomend to stay away... i had to walk through a lot of it
  pumpanickl007 a 14 year old Weekend Warrior riding a nishiki colorado from arcadia

  Posted:06/16/2010

• Trail UpdateStill My Favorite Trail...-
  Rode Upper & Lower Winter Creek yesterday (06-06-2010). The trail is in the best shape I've seen in years. There's still lots of water in the stream but most of the crossings are rideable. The park was very crowded, probably due, in part, to El Prieto being closed(?) I got lucky & was able to find a parking spot in the lot but there were cars parked way down the road on both sides. This is still one of the sweetest single track trails in all of Southern Cal. Ride Safely.
  El Sancho a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized from Palmdale

  Posted:06/07/2010

• Trail UpdateRode Upper Winter Creek up to Zion then back down to Chantry.Trail is in great shape.BUT...way too busy!!!.We got there before 7:00am,had to park a half mile down the road.Saw something cool ...coming down from Zion toward the Falls..saw four guys carrying a 6"x12"x18 foot long beam to one of the cabins way up the caynon. Studs!!!
  Hawkeye a 54 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Stump from La Crescenta

  Posted:03/29/2010

• Trail UpdateUpdate, Please...-
  Does anybody know what the current conditions are on this trail? I'm hoping to ride Winter Creek this weekend. Any info would be appreciated.
  Marrullero a Weekend Warrior riding a Radio Flyer from Palmdale

  Posted:04/16/2009

• Trail UpdateMuch Needed Rains...-The trail is in perfect conditions...nicely packed...and trail maintenance smoothed out a lot of rough areas (not always for the best when mtbing) no landslides, no loose areas...come out and ride...
  borre13 a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant Trance from Los Angeles

  Posted:12/29/2008

• Trail UpdateRe: Winter Creek-I was one of those 2 riders the lady mentioned. I was fine but my friend, who was not as experienced, took a nasty fall, got knocked out & had to be airlifted and taken to a hospital. He had a mild concusion, bruises & scrapes but he's O.K. He was VERY lucky to land in between some sharp rocks. If you've seen the place where he fell, you know it's a miracle he didn't get killed. I'm very grateful that there were people who gave a hand. Brian, thanks for rushing to find a spot to call 911. I left your sweater with the lady at the store. Oliver, thanks for helping me carry my friend's bike back to the parking lot... and for the photos. You guys rock!! It's been over a year now. I've ridden this trail many, many times but not since the accident. Still, this is a great trail. You just have to know your limits and just how far you can push them. I'll definitely be back...
  Marrullero a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized from Palmdale

  Posted:06/04/2008

• Trail UpdateUpper/lower Winter Creek-Previous to starting Winter Creek I spoke to the Lady at the Chantry Store and she commented that 2 different riders had faltered in the same area on Upper W.C. and had tumbled down the cliff resulting in injuries serious enough to require air evacuation. The location she identified as being "just above Hoegee's". The section was apparent when I saw it...Plated hard pan with a little pitch to it, funneling to a debris flume down the cliff face that looked serious. You dont see all this till you are already comitted if you are riding the trail "on-site". The stream crossings can also be a bit devious. (mossy cobbles between large boulders)... wrist protection next time. I would rate this trail as "serious" if you want to stay on your ride. I was off my cycle as much as I have been on any serious Sierra or Moab ride.(Portal trail or Moab Rim etc.) If you are on your bike for the ride I reccomend wearing your lucky hat because two other unfortunates seem to have forgotten thier's. Respect to those who can stay on through it and give it an intermediate rating.
  Brian a 51 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Yeti 575 from Mammoth Lakes,CA

  Posted:06/02/2008

• Trail UpdateOverall, Good To Ride...-I was just up Chantry flats on Dec-09. There are a couple of small land slides and some trees are down on the trail, but most of the winter lower/upper creek is do-able without a problem The water crossings are getting big with the snow that fell past couple of days, so on many of them I had to get off the bike...Overall, it is still an awsome trail to ride...
  borre13 a 31 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trance 4 from Los Angeles

  Posted:12/11/2007

• Trail UpdateGreat Trail-This was my first time riding this trail and I had a blast. There are a lot of dried leaves on the ground which made it quite slippery in some spots. Other than that, a beautiful ride. The weather could not have been better.

  I used the direction from this website and did not have any problems on the trail.
  Sebastian a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant Yukon from Sierra Madre, Ca

  Posted:11/23/2007

• Trail UpdateJust Be Careful For Dog & Hikers-I was just out there this Sunday, fire road up to the antenas and the upper/lower winter creek trails are in good shape, few small landslides but nothing major...there are a lot of people up there, and dogs. I actually take my dog with me when I ride; I just wanted to say that we all just need to get along and respect, I have never had any problems with my dog, but I have noticed other careless dog owners, having said this, I've seen many bikers also not respect hikers, many don't even stop or slow down when coming up to people, wich makes all of us look bad. As a dog owner and a mt biker, I see it from both sides and apologize for the few or single trouble makers but we can't judge in general...and there is now way I could ride the bike with my dog on a leash... :)
  borre13 a 30 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant Trance from Los Angeles

  Posted:09/11/2007

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats "CA Strict Liabili-CA is a "Strict Liability State" under section code 3342 (a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty
  imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
  In a nut Shell California is a strict liability state, meaning that a "dog owner" is liable for injuries inflicted by his dog upon a human being, even if the owner was not negligent and the dog had never bitten anyone before.
  This is for the entire state of California!!!
  End of Story!! Put those dogs on a EFN leash! Attorneys love to Mountain Bike Too!!! I'm one of them.
  
  Steve Austin a 215 year old

  Posted:04/28/2007

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Sorry nothing against dogs, but they are not allowed off the leash on these trails. It is for the safety of everybody including the dogs that they remain on a leash. You can be ticketed by a ranger if he had good reason.
  velofoe a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Foes FXC from Pasadena

  Posted:04/27/2007

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-dogs are allowed off leash in national forests as a general rule so don't be so quick to judge the dogs or the owner. before mountain biking became popular, most of the trails were used by people, horses and dogs.

  we need to all get along and coexist. otherwise we all lose out.

  thanks
  farcus101 a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a shwinn 5 speed from Las Vegas

  Posted:04/27/2007

• Trail UpdateTrails In Great Shape-Road is open. Trails are all in good shape. Mt. Zion is clear and well cut back, the cleanest I've ever seen it. Even the stream crossings down Lower Winter Creek are ridable (though filled with water). The trails up to Wilson appear to be in great shape as well. I used to ride these trails once a week, and hardly ever saw anyone aside from some people on the weekends. Spent last Sunday riding up there, and there were people (and lots of dogs) all over the place and finding a parking spot was a chore. Maybe people are catching up since the road was closed for so long. Even saw several hikers on Mt. Zion and I used to never see hikers there. Still, a great ride despite stopping a few dozen times for hikers and dogs on the trail.
  donopro a Racer

  Posted:02/26/2007

• Trail UpdateLoose Dogs On The Trail...-

  I finally got the time to go do this ride on sunday. The trail is in great shape, they cleared out all the overgrown brush & did some repairs. About half way up on Winter creek, I spotted this dog running right at me. It didn't make any noises till it was about 12 ft. from me. By the time I got off my bike there were two dogs barking at me. I put the bike in between us & started screaming for their owner to come get them. So some "woman" came walking, without a care in the world, & said she would not call them off because they were at the park. I told her that they were supposed to be on a leash & that they could get seriously hurt if they attacked me again. For some reason she started arguing with me and my friend. She said it was my fault because the dog did not like bikes! Is it possible that some one can be that stupid or was she trying, in the lamest way, to come up with some excuse?! She said we were not supposed to be there in the first place. Now, I can almost understand if there's some kind of confusion as to whether or not the trail's open to bikers; but to actually let your dogs loose & not care if they attack someone is not only stupid but also malicious. I don't expect this creature to read this. She didn't strike me as the kind that even knows how to read, not to mention access the internet. If you see her, she's a big fat ass bitch, about the size of a VW, blonde hair & she's got 2 White & black dogs. I wish I hade a more accurate description but I don't know much about dogs, except to keep them on a leash. It's not the dogs' fault, it's the animal that let them loose in such an irresponsible manner that's to blame. I know this site is for trail updates only but I figure if it happened to me, it could hapen to some one else. I could've got bitten by one of those dogs if I hadn't put my bike in between. Anyway, enjoy the trail, it's in excellent shape & keep an eye out for that linebacker sized bitch & her two dogs.
  El Sancho a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized from Palmdale

  Posted:11/16/2006

• Trail UpdateUpdate...-
  Thanks for the update! That little climb back to the parking lot is a pain. It feels like it never ends. Can't wait to do it though.
  
  El Sancho a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Stumpjumper from Palmdale

  Posted:11/09/2006

• Trail UpdateUpdate-El Sancho you are absolutely right! What was I thinking? That dumbass sure riled me up though. The ride was amazing. Lots of green trees still...some pine kneedles on the trails starting to take over. However trail is in great condition.
  That fire road back to the parking lot is still a killer. My buddy and I konked out of steam half way to the parking lot.
  Steve Austin a 215 year old Weekend Warrior from Pasadena

  Posted:11/08/2006

• Trail UpdateUpdate, Please...-
  Nevermind that dumbass. How's the trail?
  El Sancho a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized from Palmdale

  Posted:11/07/2006

• Trail Updatethat guy sounds like a true asshole i have been riding there since the reopening and havent had any problems this guy needs to hike in eaton or baily canyon where bikes are not allowed!
  crazymtbiker1

  Posted:10/30/2006

• Trail UpdateResponding To POST #79-This douchebag is probably the troll me and my buddy came across three weeks ago. He stopped us on the trail and told us that bikes are not allowed on this trail anymore. So I told him that dogs without leashes are not allowed on trails either. Because he had this prissy yappy mutt with him without a leash. I proceeded to tell him "As a matter of fact it's a misdemeanor in California not to have a dog on a leash". So in front of his wife and two adult son's he responded "oh yeah,,well Im telling the Ranger on you guys". WHAT A TROLL. Bet he got laid that night...NOT.
  Anyway my buddy being the pacifist that he is asked the park Ranger that we came across if we were not allowed on any of these trails anymore. The Rangers response was "Why Not?" We told the Ranger we didn't want to break any laws like walking a dog without a leash. The Ranger didn't get it.
  The funny thing about this story is that as soon as we loaded up our bikes and we were on our way out. We saw the little troll walking over to the same Ranger to snitch on us. With his mutt all leashed up of course. Boy was that troll in for a surprise. Trolls like this should be banned from trails not bikes.
  This trail is very cool can't wait to do it again!
  Steve Austin a 215 year old from Pasadena

  Posted:10/29/2006

• Trail UpdateThe guy below me thinks this site is a waste of time but still takes the time to post. Thanks for the input douchebag.

  The trail was fun and totally fine on my DH setup. I'm told it was looser than normal but I ride Wilson all the time so it was nothing new to me.
  tgreathead a Downhiller

  Posted:10/29/2006

• Trail UpdateClose This Website-Content written by degenerates for degenerates.

  Posted:10/29/2006

• Trail UpdateFirst Timer-I'm planning on trying Chantry for the first time tomorrow but all I've got right now is my 42 pound freeride bike. I'm not the strongest climber, you guys think I'll have a problem?
  Any PO problems right now? That's something I definitely don't want to deal with.
  Thanks :)
  tgreathead a Downhiller riding a Azonic Saber w/Super T

  Posted:10/28/2006

• Trail UpdateCheck out the Trails tab. I put together a pretty detailed description of my route. All and all the Upper Winter Creek Trial is in fair shape. There are a few slides but they can all be negotiated. Most of the creek crossings on the lower section are not ridable (by me). It's a great ride.

  Posted:10/26/2006

• Trail UpdateUpdate, Please-
  Does anybody know what kind of condition this trail's in right now? I used to ride it all the time & I'd like to go back. I just don't want to do the 1 1/2 hr. drive from Palmdale if it's not in good shape. Any info would be great.
  El Sancho a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized Stumpjumper

  Posted:10/26/2006

• Trail Updateeasy, just bring water and a candy bar
  diamondback

  Posted:09/04/2006

• Upper To Lower Winter Creek Loop-Start at the gate on the west end of the parking lot marked Upper Winter Creek Trail. Ride up the pavement a few hundred yards to the start of the single track. There are some steps but don't worry the trail is very doable. From here it is 2.2 miles to the junction for the Mt. Wilson Trail. Stay right and cross Winter Creek. You will come up to another junction in about 100 yards. This is the Mt. Zion trial. Go right (away from the Zion Trail) toward Hoegee Campground. You will cross the creek before entering the camp. Stay to the right through the campground. You are now on the Lower Winter Creek trail. Take this for about 2 miles to the next major juction. Cross the footbridge and start the .6 mile climb back up to the lot. This climb is kind of a bummer. It gets steeper the closer you get to the top. Make sure that you have plenty of water for the last 1/2 mile up. Watch for washouts on the upper trail and be prepared to hike over streams and logs. For extra credit at the last junction take the 1.25 mile spur to Sturtvent Falls. Mileage is based on this extra leg.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 7.5 miles Elevation change: 1200'
  Singletrack=90% Paved Path=10%
  Mrkcy a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant Iguana from Temple City

  Posted:08/15/2006

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Its about time this trail is open.Trail is in great condition! havn't been here in years I forgot just how fun this trail is! The climb is not bad, even ridable on a freeride bike.the downhill is grade A single track lots of rocks,streams,and logs.At the end it's only a short uphill back to the truck.
  crazymtbiker1

  Posted:07/16/2006

• Trail UpdateLower Winter Creek-Pumped up the pavement from the locked gate on Santa Anita and rode the lower Winter Creek loop today. BIG FUN! The trail is entirely passable, although it is covered in many spots with leaves, acorns and sticks. There are a handful of sections that are too rough to pedal, but they were really short. There was a snotty little landslide a mile or two into the trail, but it was pretty easy to hike over. The stream crossings on the downhill weren't ridable like they were in the old days either. Bushes were narrow in a few spots, but nothing impassable. This loop today made me remember what singletrack is all about.
  zerordl a Cross-Country Rider

  Posted:02/05/2006

• Trail UpdateChantry / Winter Trail-Rode this for the first time today. It's nice. About 1.5 or so miles up the trail the bushes became a bother, grabbing and shoving me around. It may have cleared further up the trail, I just got tired of pushing through bushes so I wouldn't go tumbling down the hill. Once I turned around though, WHAT A RIDE! Still struggled with some of the bushes, and had to walk over some washed out areas, but otherwise a BLAST! I'll be going back, absolutely! PS wear a hawaiian shirt when you ride, it's more fun!
  TbC a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Surly 1X1 1.78:1 from Santa Clarita CA

  Posted:01/12/2006

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Trailwork-Hey Pain,

  In that newsletter are they taking volunteers for trail maintenance?

  Thanks,
  Zo

  Posted:12/13/2005

• Trail UpdateGot In The Mail-that they were going to start work on this trail soon. The Sierra Club had filed a lawsuit with some nonsence about an enviormental impact study and that put an end to any trail work that needed to be done. Well, the lawsuit was thrown out(no suprise here,huh?) and now they will begin work soon.
  Pain Freak

  Posted:12/12/2005

• Trail UpdateWinter Creek/ Mount Zion-Rode Chantry Flats a couple of weeks ago to see what condition it was in and left quite disappointed as the trails up there used to be among my favorites. Parked near the gate at the bottom and rode up the asphalt as the rode is still closed to those without a key. Upper Winter Creek is in OK shape, only one overgrown bush and plenty of acorns. A few more riders will do wonders for the trail. The trial up Mount Zion is overgrown and covered in leaves. I didn’t see any tracks (bike or foot), and turned around after ½ mile as it’s in too bad of shape to ride. Lower Winter Creek was also in bad shape. Stream crossings are unridable unless you possess mad trials skills. Not too overgrown, though. It will take lots of work to get this trail to flow as smoothly as it once did before last year’s rains. I helped out and cleaned up one crossing and urge others to do the same. The trail up to Stutavent Camp is in the best shape out of all the trails and is the only one still worth riding. Ran out of daylight and didn’t make it past the camp. More riders/hikers will certainly help all the trails up there although I might hold off until the road is repaired and bikers/hikers return to the trails in force.
  donopro a Racer from OC

  Posted:12/08/2005

• Trail UpdateUpper Winter Creek Trail/zion-the bridge is now completed and even though the gate is closed to all but those owning cabins, you can hike or ride up to chantry flats. the upper winter creek trail is very overgrown, moreso than i have ever seen it in 5-6 years. you will get scratched up riding through some of it; our plan was to ride zion, but when we got to the creek, the noseeums were so big and the swarms were so thick that i at one point didn't even want to breathe, even though my body needed it desperately. luckily i had a net and put it on, at the risk losing vision and crashing. my buddy jeff inhaled several of them. it was miserable. then the lower winter creek trail with all of its newly exposed rocks from last year's downpours made the ride out not much fun. i won't ride it again, even though these used to be my favorite trails.
  eflockoi a 45 year old Racer riding a turner burner from pasadena ca

  Posted:09/15/2005

• Trail UpdateWant To This This Trail Visual-I have a mini film of this trail check it.
  http://www.urchannel.com/mountain%20bike%20trail%20guide.html
  eric hunter a 34 year old riding a yeti arc from mammoth lakes ca United States URL: urchannel

  Posted:07/27/2005

• Trail UpdateTrails Open-There is a catch 22. Trails are open, but the road is legally closed to everyone going up to Chantree. The rangers are tolerating people going up and down the closed road because otherwise there is no way that you could get down after a ride down from Wilson. I'm guessing that you won't be able to drive up to Chantree Flats for a couple of years.

  Speaking of Wilson, we went from Wilson to Sturtevant and up to Chantree Flats last week. On our way down we almost ran into a huge black bear. We must have scared it more than it scared us because it took off like a rocket into the trees. There has never been a fatality in California (that I know of) from a black bear, so don't let that stop you from riding. It was a little spooky though, since we continued our ride into the same direction that the bear had run. If it had been a female with cubs it would have been a lot worse for us.
  JP a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Too many to list, but 2 of them are Banshee's from Arcadia URL: mtb madness

  Posted:06/12/2005

• Trail UpdateIt's Open-Seen rangers and workers up there and not a word about it being closed. We spent about 4 or 5 hours up there and only seen one other biker on the trail.Conditions were a little soft,but we left no trace to speak of.One major concern though is the poison oak.The shiat is everywhere and I'm covered in it.I took a Technu bath and thought I'd be fine,but still have it.Not real bad,but enough.It's hanging into the trails as you go even on the lower portions and the Mt Zion trail is saturated with it.Trail is really over grown and it's kind of hard to find the trail sometimes,but it's still a premier ride to me.
  Pain Freak

  Posted:03/23/2005

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Road-I thought the road was closed to everyone, including hikers. I have been wanting either hike or bike up there for last several months but like I said, I thought the road was completely closed. i saw photos somewhere on the web with dirt and mud up to 5-6 feet high covering the road. Not sure when the photos was taken. anyone have any recent info? Thanks in advance!!
  melon

  Posted:03/23/2005

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Hey, I rode up the road to Chantry Flats today and did the Upper and Lower Winter Creek loop. I must say that most of the climb on the loop is still in pretty good condition, if somewhat over grown, but the downhill section is pretty torn up. The section I speak of is that which follows the river and quite a lot of the trail is simply wash away or has down trees on it. This makes the downhill much more interrupted, slower, but still a great adventure. Be prepared to get your feet wet at the many river crossings if you are going any time soon. As for the road up to Chantry, well it is still closed to automobiles, and looks like it will be for some time but is in great riding condition. This may be a good thing for those who don't mind the climb up to the trailhead. All in all still an awesome ride!

  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  David Kline a 32 year old riding a Gary Fisher 29er from Monrovia, CA

  Posted:03/12/2005

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Road-Good News! I hiked up the road to Chantry Flats yesterday and it was open at the site that was previously washed out. I can't say for sure that it is open all the way to the top but I did see quite a few people hiking down before I turned around. The washout site has a narrow trail in the side of the mountain so be careful! I hope this helped.
  David Kline a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek liquid 25 from Monrovia, CA

  Posted:03/06/2005

• Trail UpdateFebruary 19, 2005-I have ridden down from Mount Wilson numerous times since they have close Chantry Flats and although the road was damaged, I never had any problems. However, I regret to say that the road to/from Chantry Flats is now, after this recent stormy weather not safe to be ridden, hiked, walked, etc. About 1.5 miles from the bottom the road is completely washed out and the road is seperated by a 300 foot cliff! I know they expected to open this road again by June...but given the extent of the new damage and the current pace of repair, I don't expect to see this open for some time. If anyone knows any other way down from Chantry flats beside this road I'd be interested in knowing since the trail from Mount Wilson was still safe to ride as recent as last weekend.
  Ride rating: Expert
  David Kline a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek Liquid 30 from Monrovia, CA

  Posted:02/20/2005

• Trail UpdateLA Public Works lists Santa Anita Canyon Rd. as a major casuality of the recent storms. Sadly, it is scheduled to reopen June 30, 2005. URL: http://www.ladpw.org/mpm/roadclosure/pdf/TG_537.pdf

  Posted:01/28/2005

• Trail UpdateForest Service Message V.2-Got another email from the Forest Service about Chantry Flats. The dates are different but access is still allowed.

  Chantry Flat Road is closed to Forest Visitor vehicles until February 28, 2005 to allow our contractor to complete the Reconstruction of Chantry Flat Picnic Area. This closure is necessary to prevent a safety issue regarding vehicles parked along the Chantry Flat Road since the parking lots at the top will be closed because of equipment, construction work etc. Forest Visitors can still access this area by hiking, biking etc but not by vehicle.

  If you have any questions, please contact me.

  Howard S. Okamoto
  Recreation Officer
  R5, Angeles NF, Los Angeles River RD
  12371 North Little Tujunga Canyon Road
  San Fernando, CA 91342
  818-899-1900 ext 229
  hokamoto@fs.fed.us
  Mtnfiend a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized S-Works Enduro, w/ PUSHed shock from Pasadena

  Posted:12/07/2004

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-rode the mt. zion loop a couple of weeks ago. no trail maintenance has been done and trail is way overgrown. i'm guessing since the road has been closed, the volunteers that were to do maintenance postponed it.
  Swilson

  Posted:12/07/2004

• Trail UpdateUpdate - Good News!-This is the response from the Forest Service:

  The projected opening date for the road to Chantry is January 1. Hiking and biking on the road is currently allowed. The reason for the closure to motorized vehicles is that the Forest Service is completely renovating the parking lot at the end of the road, and there is no place to park until construction is complete.

  Kathy J. Peterson
  Assistant Public Affairs Officer
  Angeles National Forest
  626-574-5206 FAX 626-574-5233
  kjpeterson@fs.fed.us

  For those who want to ride this area without worrying about hiker nows the time. I understand there was some recent trail work on the 20th, so the trail should be in decent condition.
  Mtnfiend a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized S-Works Enduro, w/ PUSHed shock from Pasadena

  Posted:12/06/2004

• Trail UpdateTrail Work At Chantry Flats-Hello!! My name is John Ahern with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). As a partner with the USDA Forest Service, the SCA and the Angeles National Forest will be hosting a day of trail maintenance on Saturday, November 20th on the Chantry Flats trail in the L.A. River Ranger District. We will be working on parts of the 13 mile loop with Forest Service personnel as well as other volunteers. If you have never done trail work, it's a lot of hard work but its very rewarding and fun! For more information, you can contact me at sca_fs_john@yahoo.com or call the SCA office at 951.658.9651 and ask for John or my Program Manager Amanda Wendt. Take it easy!!
  -John Ahern
  John Ahern a 23 year old from Hemet

  Posted:11/05/2004

• Trail UpdateTrail Work On Chantry Flats-Hello!! My name is John Ahern with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). As a partner with the USDA Forest Service, the SCA and the Angeles National Forest will be hosting a day of trail maintenance on Saturday, November 20th on the Chantry Flats trail in the L.A. River Ranger District. We will be working on parts of the loop with Forest Service personnel as well as other volunteers. If you have never done trail work, it's a lot of hard work but its very rewarding and fun! For more information, you can contact me at sca_fs_john@yahoo.com or call the SCA office at 951.658.9651 and ask for John or my Program Manager Amanda Wendt.
  -John Ahern
  

  Posted:11/05/2004

• Trail UpdateTrail Is A Mess-upper and lower winter creek trails are a mess. a lot of slides on the upper creek trail forcing me to dismount about 1/2 a dozen times. some of the slides are in very exposed areas. rain with the washes carried down a lot of debris branches rocks, dirt etc.... the same with lower creek alhtough you don't get the exposure. i could barely find the trail in some sections and some of the washes were so bad that i had to get off another 1/2 dozen times. rain carried a lot of crap down into that canyon. that being said, it still is very beautiful back there. doesn't feel like you're in LA. lots of water flowing. trail isn't good shape, but the scenery is good for the soul.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 14 Elevation change:
  Asian Fury a 28 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Ellsworth Id from Irvine

  Posted:11/01/2004

• Trail UpdateLower To Upper Winter Creek-Rode it on the 10/23. I thought we might have problems riding up the closed road, but no one bothered us- in fact, a few rangers even drove past us. Climbed over the gate at the bottom, rode up the paved Chantry road, up winter creek trial to upper winter creek trial. Trail is in decent condition considering all the rain. The trail used to be cleanable all the way to the upper winter creek cutoff- now there are several washouts and debris flows that need to be hiked. Rode up upper winter creek to the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. Aside from a few recently fallen trees, trail is in good condition and not overgrown. Although I didn't ride the Mount Zion Loop, I would expect that trail to be overgrown, and in worse shape, though probably ridable. Rode down Mount Wilson Trail, now more challenging than usual, but still in good shape- aside from a few hike a bikes that have now turned into climb a bike sections. Overall, Chantry is in better shape than I was expecting considering the road up has been closed for so long. So suck it up and ride up the paved road, cause the trails up there are well worth the added climb. 16-mile loop took us 4 hours- can you believe it?
  Ride rating: Expert
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change: A Lot
  Singletrack=85% Paved Path=15%
  Sean a 26 year old Racer

  Posted:10/29/2004

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-The link to why its closed. From the forrest service.

  http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2004/news-2004-09-23-use-restrictions.shtml

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Angeles National Forest Announces Increased Use RestrictionsEffective - September 27, 2004

  ARCADIA, CA September 23, 2004

  Angeles National Forest will be increasing use restrictions and closing areas that have been identified as extreme safety risks on Monday, September 27. As fire season has progressed, the severity of the situation has continued to increase along with the fire danger. Use restrictions, such as no campfires or campstoves of any kind, have been in place on the Forest since July of this year.

  Roughly 80% of the Angeles 680,000 acres will be affected on Monday, with the exception of several popular recreation areas including Pyramid Lake, most of San Gabriel Canyon and the Mount Baldy area in San Antonio Canyon. These areas are within close proximity of a paved state or county highway with two ways out for possible evacuation purposes or because of favorable vegetation conditions.

  Despite possible cooler temperatures, the wildfire danger will continue until a significant change in weather patterns occurs. Drought stressed areas need significant rainfall. Until then, areas of the Forest will remain under increased use restrictions.

  We're trying to avoid a repeat of last year, said Forest Supervisor, Jody Noiron. Even though we may have a low pressure system that moves through the area and temps are cooler for a day or two, it has no real affect on the extremely dry conditions. Cooler temperatures are only a drop in the bucket. The only thing that will bring us out of these extreme conditions is a significant amount of rainfall over a sustained period of time. Until then, we need to take necessary action to protect public safety.

  Last fall, wildfires burned over 750,000 acres, destroyed 3,710 homes and killed 24 people. The Angeles was closed for 11 days during that time. It reopened on November 7, following significant rainfall. This past July, three fires burned 34,000 acres over a two- week period on the Angeles National Forest in the Santa Clarita area.

  These increased restrictions will affect the use of most of the Forest's recreational facilities, roads and hiking trails. County roads and state highways, such as the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2), will remain open to through traffic. For instance, commuters from the Antelope Valley to Los Angeles will not be affected. However, drivers are urged to use extreme caution and adhere to posted fire prevention regulations. Violators of the closure are subject to fines of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment.

  Some areas are totally closed and all uses are suspended due to extreme conditions. These areas include: Chantry Flats, Upper Westfork, Millard, the Clear Creek area, North Fork California Trail Users Association and all organization camps along Santa Clara Divide Road.

  Special access will be authorized by permit only for most existing Special Use permittees. However, permit holders must get site-specific temporary special access permits from their local Angeles National Forest District Offices.

  
  Los Angeles River Ranger Station (818) 899-1900
  San Gabriel River Ranger Station (626) 335-1251
  Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger Station (661) 296-9710

  
  Visitors are encouraged to check the status of their destination before making final plans.

  
  Hanzo URL: http://http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2004/news-2004-09-23-use-restrictions.shtml

  Posted:10/05/2004

• Trail UpdateHey-Check this out, I know it is old. Y'all how gvmnt works but anyhow, some more info for us.
  http://www.dreier.house.gov/pr100600.htm
  Ride rating: Advanced
  henry a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VT1 from temple city URL: http://http://www.dreier.house.gov/pr100600.htm

  Posted:09/30/2004

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Hello everyone,
  The deal with Chantry is always the same every year. During fire season, they close the forest range because of extreme fire danger (bunch of bullshit). They will open the forest once a good amount of rainfall has fallen. Last year it was closed for about a week or two after the firestorms took place and before it really started to rain.

  Once it has rained, they like to close the road up to chantry because it gets washed out (at least that is what they say) and there is evidence to prove it. The problem is with that road, there are three jurisdictions that control that road. The Feds, the State, and the city of Arcadia. A couple of years ago there was an article in the local areas newspapers; it stated that all of the agencies were bickering about who will fix it because noone wanted to spend the money. It was threatened to never open again. This problem has happened before in other parts of the forest and some of the roads have never opened again.

  However, it appears that this will not happen to chantry, but this situation happens every year for a at least the past three to four years where they close the road due to the damage from the rainfall. It was closed around march and was suppose to open in early july. that got pushed back to late september. Now they have extended that due to the fire danger.

  I hope this has shed some light on the situation. Oh, one more thing. I do know someone who rode up the road and encountered a worker. He was threatened with a very expensive ticket if he did not turn around and was caught again riding up the road. however, most of the forest rangers are a joke because the tickets really are not enforced. However, this may have changed. They just changed that policy down in OC, so it may have changed here as well. peace.
  Estylee a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Jericho Payback from LBC

  Posted:09/30/2004

• Trail UpdateBarricades!-I drove up there for lunch the other day (tuesday, i think) and at the gate there was a big sign thatt said "FOREST IS CLOSED TO ALL USERS". And then there were crossed out pictures of hikers, bikes, horses, dirt bikes, jeeps?, and tents. So they might re-open it till next season or NEVER AGAIN!. I dont know. There were some print-outs posted but I didnt want to get out and read'em. So I flipped a B*TCH and whent back to work.
  Ride rating: Expert
  Ride distance: miles 3 Elevation change: some
  Paved Path=100%
  the runner a 27 year old Weekend Warrior riding a '04 Silverado from MONROVIA (work)

  Posted:09/29/2004

• Trail UpdateOpening?-Well a few days ago I saw a sign on Santa Anita saying that chantry will open on the 25th. Does anyone know how the trails are these days?
  henry a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VT1 from temple city

  Posted:09/22/2004

• Trail UpdateOpening?-Well a few days ago I saw a sign on Santa Anita saying that chantry will open on the 25th. Does anyone know how the trails are these days?
  henry a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VT1 from temple city

  Posted:09/22/2004

• Trail UpdateOpening?-Well a few days ago I saw a sign on Santa Anita saying that chantry will open on the 25th. Does anyone know how the trails are these days?
  henry a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VT1 from temple city

  Posted:09/22/2004

• Trail UpdateOpening?-Well a few days ago I saw a sign on Santa Anita saying that chantry will open on the 25th. Does anyone know how the trails are these days?
  henry a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a VT1 from temple city

  Posted:09/22/2004

• Trail UpdateThe Road Is Closed But ...-
  I rode Chantry Flats this last weekend. I parked at the gate and rode up the pavement to the parking lot (yuk!) then I rode up Winter Creek, down to the waterfall and back up to the parking lot. The trail is in pretty good shape. It's just a bit ovegrown and it looks like someone did a little mulching around the little cabin area. I saw a couple of tire marks but I didn't see anybody riding. I only saw 2 hikers on the way back. There's a big crane and some equipment about halfway up the road. I didn't see any rangers or anybody that I could ask if it was o.k. to ride there so I just kept riding. Does any body know?
  Ride rating: Advanced
  El Diablo a Weekend Warrior from Van Nuys

  Posted:06/14/2004

• Trail UpdateClosed 6-7-04 To9/04-If you didn't ride Chantry today, you missed it for the summer. New signs are saying they will close the road starting monday. Mt Zion is overgrown. Winter Creek is in good condition.See you in the fall.
  Ride distance: 15 miles Elevation change:
  Mother a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant AC2, TCR TEAM ONCE from EagleRock

  Posted:06/06/2004

• Trail UpdateChantry's Still Open!!-
  I decided to do Chantry Flats last saturday. I'd prepared for the climb up from the gate to the parking lot but instead I found th gate wide open. I drove all the way up and there's no evidence of road construction. Everything looks just the way it did two months ago. I rode Winter Creek to the waterfall and back up the little pain in the butt paved climb. The ranger wasn't very informative when I asked but it seems they don't know when or if they're going to close the road for repairs. For now, I guess, Chantry Flats is open and it has been open in spite of what the sign says.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Mighty1 a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from Burbank

  Posted:05/17/2004

• Trail UpdateCHANTRY/ZION-LAST WEEKEND FOR A WHILE. WILL BE CLOSED NEXT WEEK FOR HIGHWAY REPAIRS.ZION WAS A HELL OF A CLIMB TODAY. WE SEEN A GROUP OF TRAIL MAINT. CREW.AND THEN ON THE DOWNHILL WE SEEN A HIKING GROUP OF 50 PEOPLE!. WAS A LONG REST STOP.NO CRASHES THIS TIME. ALSO SEEN A SNAKE ON CARDIO HILL.TRAIL WAS IN GREAT SHAPE TODAY.TESTED ALL OF MY SUSPENSION ON THE ROCKS.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 9 MILES Elevation change: 1000
  Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
  WINSTON a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a KONA STINKY from LAVERNE

  Posted:03/27/2004

• Trail UpdateClosing Soon?!-
  I did Winter Creek up and down to Mt. Zion last weekend. This is by far one of the best trails in So.Cal. The trail up Mt. Zion is still very overgrown though there's evidence of some recent trimming in some areas. The downhill is incredible. Still lots of water, lots of fun. Just be careful & keep an eye out for hikers. Does anybody know if they're just closing the road up to Chantry Flats or are they shutting down the whole park? Too bad they're closing it for the entire spring. The best time of the year for riding this trail. I guess it needs to be done.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Marrullero a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from Burbank

  Posted:03/22/2004

• Trail UpdateNice Day-Four of us made this ride today with one of us (Carlos) starting from the freeway and meeting us up top.The trail itself is in excellent shape.The section that you can take to do Zion though is very overgrown.Not unpassable,just thick with brush.For beauty this trail is one of the tops in SoCal.It's hard to beat.One thing is that it is so beautiful that you don't notice all the exposure.Today I did, and it's formidable.Our ride went off with only a little bit of unintended side action, with one of our party trying to do his impression of what a bird looks like in a nest.Bushes stopped his fall and no real damage.There has been some maintenance on this trail,but I don't know by whom.Good work none the less.I had a real good day there and finally cleaned that tight double switchback at the bottom portion when you come down from Zion.The only other thing was that we noticed the area will be closed for repairs from April 1st to July 9th.I don't know if bikes will be able to ride up, but I doubt it.So if you plan on riding I'd do it now.Hiking activity is still quite heavy.You might consider wearing a bell of some sort.
  Pain Freak from The 909

  Posted:03/07/2004

• Trail UpdateCrash Landing-
  My buddies & I had planned on doing Upper Winter Creek & Mt. Zion this las Sunday. Unfortunately, by the time we got to that really tech, rocky switchback on Upper Winter Creek, where you start the descent, my friend & I stopped right at the edge but my friend, who had been having problems with his clipless pedals, was unable to get unclipped and fell to the right side, fell on his back, (his Camelbak broke the fall a little), cracked his helmet, and tumbled down the hill some 20 ft. before he stopped. Anybody who's seen this section knows that you can easily fall 100 ft. through sharp rocks, stumps, roots, etc. It was like watching in slow motion. My brother and I jumped in to try and lend a hand. Obviously, by the time we got off our bikes & ran, he had already fallen, tumbled, and stopped. His arms and legs were badly bruised & scraped and he broke a finger but no head injuries. Even his bike was o.k. We were very fortunate that he had no major injuries or worse. The more I think about it, the scarier it seems. Thank God for that trusty helmet! After that, we just took it real easy downhill & ended up doing only the Winter Creek loop and back to the parking lot. He was still a little shaken up but already thinking about the next ride. What a trooper. We'll try to tame that beast next weekend. I guess the moral of the story is: Always wear a helmet and, whenever possible, ride with someone else... Oh, and keep your clipless pedals clean and lubed at all times!!! ... or the rest of your rig for that matter (o.k., Dr.?)
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Singletrack=90% Paved Path=10%
  Marrullero a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from Burbank

  Posted:02/04/2004

• Trail UpdateROCK GARDEN-CRASHED HARD AT THE FALLS. KODAK MOMENT.MY UNCLE WAS
  TAKING MY PICTURE ON SOME TECH. ROCKY SECTION. I HAD
  VERY LITTLE BRAKING AREA.OVER THE BARS AND INTO THE
  STREAM I WENT.I RECIEVED LEG AND SHOULDER DAMAGE.MY
  FULLFACE HELMET SAVED MY JAW BONE.BUT I LANDED ON MY
  SHOULDER AND HAD NO FEELING IN MY LEFT ARM FOR A WHILE.
  RODE AND WALKED THE REST. READY IN A WEEK OR 2 FOR SUNSET PEAK.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 6.5 Elevation change: SOME
  Singletrack=90% Paved Path=10%
  WINSTON GOTTE a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 03 KONA STINKY-X from LAVERNE

  Posted:01/31/2004

• Trail UpdateSorry I Missed It!-Jmomma, the ride sounds like it was fantastic. I regret not being able to make it. However, it was a wise decision on my part since I'm at home in bed on antibiotics. Major cold/sinus infection. As soon as I'm well, I'll email you for a ride.

  
  Upchuck

  Posted:01/05/2004

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Loop-I finaly was able to do the full loop Sunday,Upper Winter creek-Mt. Zion-Gabrielino-Lower Winter creek-Upper Winter creek-parking lot.We got to the parking lot at 10am,leaving a little later than normal so the sun could heat things up a little bit.When we got out of the trucks it was nice out,sunny with no wind(it was windier than hell in Simi).It wasnt excactly warm buy not really cold either.I put on 2 coolmax long sleeves under my jersey and was fine,I had a shell but never used it.Trail conditions were perfect,I was planning on it being a little muddy due to the recent rains but it ended up being perfect,Nice and tacky.Had a good run going on the Upper Wintr creek trail only dabbing in a couple of spots,the steep little down up turn section and the knobby rock section right before the descent to the creek before the MT.Zion trail intersection.I nailed the rock drop off turn section after balking the first time I rode there.Mt. Zion was nice and tacky so we were able to climb 70% of it.There was a lot of huffing and puffing as this is a steep climb.It was pretty narrow with a lot of growth but not too bad.The descent to Gabrielino was way fun as was descending Gabrielino.By the time we got to the Lower Winter creek junction we were all pretty spent as none of us had been riding a lot and considering all the climbing we had done earlier.We still trudged along and finaly got to the Upper Winter creek junction peddaled a little more uphill and began our final descent.This is my favorite ride in the San Gabriels as it is 90% killer singletrack with plenty of climbing and descending and as my freind Tony likes to say"plenty of chances to get hurt". We came across a few hikers without stratling them(all freindly)trading pleasantries ,as this area is great for hiking too.4 of us did the ride and no one crashed so all in all it was an excellent way to start the new year."Rubber side down"!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: miles16 Elevation change: a lot
  Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10%
  Jmomma a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Heckler from Newbury Park

  Posted:01/05/2004

• Trail UpdateOpen-As most everyone knows by now the trails/forests in the San Gabs are open again.And this little gem is open.We had a fairly good group show up for this one today.Scott,Paul,Rod,Cliff,Gabe,Ray and myself.Very managable size group.I was first at the parking lot and noticed the ground was wet but I never seen any rain on my window on the way up, but it started to sprinkle a little.Not even enough to consider bailing on the ride though.There were a lot of cars in the lots,not anything like usual though.I was suffering on the SS today.I found this is not a good trail for this bike if you have to stand to pedel as there is foliage overhead that won't let you.Back to the trail, the bottom part is in really good shape with only a few places where the hillside has given way and fell into the trail, but outside of that it's business as usual...Great singletrack.We saw a few hikers,but for the most part we had the trails to ourselves.Or at least this section.We took the Zion turn and decided to climb on up.This is the part you don't want to do on a singlespeed.Sure there's a lot of riders who could do it,but like I said if you need to stand, in a lot of places you won't be able to.This part of the trail is really overgrown and it feels like the bushes are reaching out to grab you and slow you down.I ended up hiking 50% or more of this part, but I knew the downhill section would more then make up for it.Finally got to the top and looked around at everyone else legs and they were just as bad as mine.Scrapped up!While we were sitting around waiting for the rest of the crew to show up I felt a burning sensation on my thigh.I moved back my shorts a little and found a tick.I was thinking that they were only out in the summer and didn't even think about getting one this time of year.Anyways I sent him to tick heaven and the rest of the guys filed in.I don't think I'm going to do this trail again till we get the okay to brush it back.Right now the Sierra Club has a lawsuit pending which has stopped this from happening and no one can say when this might finally be over.Stupid Nature Nazi's.On the downhill I seen quite a few places where the trail is desintergrating (sp) and falling away.Don't get me wrong, it's still very rideable,but use more caution.One thing that got me today was, riding along I was watching the trail and assumed that because the leaf litter was there that the trail was still under it.It wasn't.I must have come off the bike 5 times today with two of those being real crashes.But, I had the pads on and if no one saw it, it didn't happen.The fallen trees that make you get off the bike and port your bike over are a good thing and I think there maybe one or two more now.On the bottom portion we found some hikers,but this was the least crowded I've ever seen it up there.
  I listened to people all summer long complain about the heat and then when it starts to cool off you tend to get a few less riders then you would if it was hot.I like it hot!Fun day today. And it's still very green and beautiful there.
  Pain Freak a I dont want to talk about it year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02/Surly 1X1 (Mighty Whitey) from Fontana

  Posted:11/09/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-TRAIL CLOSED UNTIL 10/27 DUE TO FIRE DANGER
  

  Posted:10/23/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry-Zion Loop-Started on Upper Winter Creek. Great trail! Not too steep but technical enough not to be boring. The view is not bad either. I continued up to Mt. Zion. This was my first trip up this trail. This climb was so bad, I thought someone was playing a joke on me. After almost 45 minutes of pushing through this over-grown absurdly steep goat path I reached the top. The descent was awesome. This trail seemed very simalar to the Arroyo below Switzer's. Single track descent through the woods, riding over fallen leaves along the stream. All this in SoCal.

  This loop is highly reccommended.
  Ride rating: Expert
  Anthony a 33 year old Racer from Arcadia

  Posted:08/28/2003

• Trail UpdateGood Ride-I ended up just doing the bottom portion of this trail twice as I didn't feel like doing the hike-a-bike to Zion.Last time up I got it real bad with poison oak.The trail is in excellent shape.There are a few places where the trail has collapsed though and I chose not to ride these this time as I was going solo.I see a couple of other areas that are in need of some support or just some trail work.I never really rode this trail slow till today and I see now that there is really a lot of exposure I never noticed before.Since I was just going along real slow I did a couple of sections that were somewhat difficult for me before and I was able to clean them all with two or three different attempts.This trail has just enough rocks in the trail to make it challenging and really fun.With the trees and brush this is a great trail for those hot days that some people have a hard time with.Really pretty down there and the hikers are really friendly.Lets keep it that way by showing them how nice we can be too.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: Elevation change: small
  Singletrack=99% Dirt Road=1%
  Pain Freak a 48 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02 from Fontana

  Posted:08/17/2003

• Trail UpdateLocal Wildlife-Please do not buy or use one of those commercially available "Snake-Bite" kits. They are useless and possibly harmful. Get off the trail and call 911. You usually have several hours before serious injury from an actual rattlesnake bite. 40% of rattlesnake bites are "dry"; ie. No venom injected. Of course if you fall and get bitten in the jugular vein get help faster.
  Slowduck a 59 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek Fuel 100 from Highland

  Posted:08/08/2003

• Trail UpdateSnakes !!-
  I did this ride on 08-06-2003. Weather was great, trail is still in great shape. I ran over a rattle snake on the single track. I took my eye off the road for one second because of the mosquitoes and as I came around a corner just before you start the downhill, I spottet it but I had no time to stop and once my front tire rolled over it, I had to run it over with my rear one so it wouldn't bite me if I stopped, since the trail is so narrow and you can't really go anywhere. Needless to say she was mad as hell. First thing I'm doing today is buying a snake kit. I carry a little 1st aid kit but I guess you never know. I saw another snake just before the Mt. Wilson trail. I didn't run her over but she was close enough to give me the chills. Mosquitoes aren't that much of a problem once you're going downhill but they get in your face long enough to take your eyes off the road for a split second. Bring plenty of bug spray and try to carry a snake kit, and, try not to do this ride by yourself. Be careful.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Belicoso a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from Burbank

  Posted:08/07/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry - Mt. Zion-
  I rode Chantry Flats with a couple of guys from my regular riding crew for
  the first time this morning. In a word - AWESOME! The weather was
  perfect for our 8:30am start. We rode up Upper Winter Creek Trail to Zion
  Trail. So far so good - nice climb, just technical and narrow enough to keep
  you on your toes. When we reached the Zion trail we found it to be
  overgrown, narrow, and steep. It was hike-a-bike time. Even the
  hike-a-bike was difficult with the narrowness of the trail and the overgrown
  brush making it narrower. Anyway, after what seemed like 5 miles of this
  (actually only about 1.5 miles), the trail widened and dropped down into
  Sturtevant Camp after a few more miles. It was a nice rolling downhill
  singletrack with some technical rocky areas and some tight switchbacks all
  the way down to Roberts Camp. We passed waterfalls and streams
  along the way. The last half mile or so was a STEEP paved road leading
  back up to the Chantry entrance. We saw many hikers mostly in the lower
  areas and we dismounted for almost all of them. Many of them were very
  appreciative that we gave them the right-of-way. Next time I ride this trail I'll
  try and include Mt. Wilson in the loop. No flats, no crashes - a perfect day.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change: not too drastic
  Singletrack=99% Paved Path=1%
  P-Funk a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Bullit & a Tracer from Anaheim Hills

  Posted:05/26/2003

• Trail UpdateYep! Chantry's Open!-Rode from the Ranger Station up to the toll road yesterday. I forgot what a "beeyatch" climb this was. It did'nt help riding a dualie hard tail with a slick rear Nokian and carrying a fully loaded Transalp. What the hell was I think'in of? Huh? Maybe, just maybe, I pulled the wrong arrow from the sheath?
  Most of the pine needles have washed away, but the trail still exhibits that icy feeling in some areas due to the scrub oak leaves. There has been some recent trail work done, looks like erosion repairs. overall the trail is still wonderful and the hard climb is so worth it for the return trip down. JUST WATCH FOR HIKERS!
  
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change: 4000
  Singletrack=99% Paved Path=1%
  Clancy a 42 year old Racer riding a Intense, K2, K2, K2, Cannodale, Cannondale, Specialized from Norco

  Posted:04/26/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry's Open-Yes, it's about time. I was there on 04-20-2003 and it was quite busy. There are a couple of sections where you might want to take it easy due to the trail being a little slippery and narrow but overall, what a ride!!! There's an article about it in the L.A. Times ((04-21-2003 pg. B3) Get out there. Keep an eye out for hikers, there's lots of them, dogs too.
  Mighty1 a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a bike that doesn't suck ... huh, hu, hu ...

  Posted:04/23/2003

• Trail UpdateOpen, Open ,open-Bout time.
  Arcadian Rider a Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant AC1 from

  Posted:04/21/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry's Open-Myself and about 14 other riders from TOTAL MTB, went there today and had a blast.The trail is really overgrown and is in some desperate need of some brushing, but the ranger told me it was on hold ,while a lawsuit from the Nature Nazi's (Sierra Clubbers) winds its way through court. He did hint that they weren't going to bother anybody for doing a little trimming.A lot of places you are riding blind, but it is oh, so much fun there.Very beautiful right now.A hiker stopped by while driving past and thanked us for letting them know the trail was open.Just goes to prove we are being monitored here.Very busy out there today though.I came to a stop to let a hiker go by and he tripped on a rock and fell into me.No harm, but he cold have said, excuse me.No biggy though.I was wearing a bell which drove my fellow bikers crazy, but the hikers said they appreciated it.
  Singletrack=98% Paved Path=2%
  Pain Freak a Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02 /Quintana Roo TeQuilo from Fontana

  Posted:04/19/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Road-Thanks for the info, guys. It seems odd that the road would be closed due to fire danger this time of the year. My buddy and I will give it a try this weekend.
  J. Sosa a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from North Hollywood

  Posted:03/28/2003

• Trail UpdateGem Of The San Gabriels-The road to Chantry has been closed for about 9 months now. This is actually a great thing. If you can tolerate the paved climb to the trails or come in to Chantry from Rincon Road then you are in for a treat. Absolutely empty trails because there is no easy access from anywhere. A good ride is a 30 mile loop going up from Monrovia Canyon around to Rincon and then down to Chantry and back over to Monrovia via about 4 miles of street. Don't do this ride solo. I think it was about 4100 ft of climbing.
  The trails are pristine. Be good to them.
  Jake a Cross-Country Rider

  Posted:03/27/2003

• Trail UpdateChantry Road-Don't worry--it's bullshit.
  There's no particular fire hazard and the road is quite passable with a little care. If you're concerned about the police officer sometimes posted at the gate, you can go up another Mt. Wilson trail, and out the Chantry exit past the pigs.

  Chris
  

  Posted:03/27/2003

• Trail UpdateRoad Closed??!!-I tried to do this ride last weekend but the road is closed right as you're leaving the residential area. The sign on the gate says the road will remain closed until April 15th. Does anybody know if it's just the road that's closed to traffic or is the whole area closed? Is there a different entrance? I guess I'm just too anxious to wait til' the 15th.
  J. Sosa a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from North Hollywood

  Posted:03/26/2003

• Trail UpdateWinter Creek From The Toll Road-Rode Down through Chantry after having our Asses Kicked by the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. The Climb never stops, but the descent through Chantry did'nt seem long enough. Although, It was a great pay-off! Had Big Fun with Sonny, Rob, David, Barry and Jimmy. When we got down to the gate. We were met by a county worker who let us out. He explained that the area was still closed for Fire Danger! Seems sorta-Odd since all the other surronding areas are still open?
  This ride could be intermediate for someone who is in great shape on the way up, and with a little tech ability and no fear of exposed edges on the way down, should'nt have any problem. Otherwise, a bitch'in ride for the seasoned rider.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 19miles Elevation change: 4500
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=50% Paved Path=10%
  Clancy a 42 year old Racer riding a Brass Monkey from Norco

  Posted:01/27/2003

• Trail UpdateUp And Over-I was there on new year's eve. The road from Arcadia to the camp ground (Santa Anita Avenue) is closed, as is the camp ground area. However, I did not know that until I started down the Strudevant trail from the top of Mount Wilson; a gentleman working at one of the observatories told me that. But that did not bother me, since I have never started from this end of the trails. I rode up the Toll Road to Observatory Park to look for the Sturdevant Trail as I never had the opportunity to ride it before, and I knew it ended in Chantry Flats like the Mount Wilson trail. It started out with some slushy snow at the top, which gave way to mud in some parts. The rest of the trail is mostly covered with dead vegetation and rocks, so it's not too bad to ride. It was foggy most of the time, but the few instances where the fog cleared, I could see that the canyons were quite beautiful. There was one part that was filled with rocks where I had to walk through; I was too tired to negotiate it. The real sucky part was at the end, where I had to climb out of the camp ground on this really long and steep driveway. It just seemed really difficult after my long ride. I did not see any road damage on my way down. I got most of the ride on video with my helmet cam, and hope to post parts of it on my site soon.
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Singletrack=99% Paved Path=1%
  Eugene Chu a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 1997 GT LTS from Pasadena, CA

  Posted:01/02/2003

• Trail Update2 Weeks Ago-We had a group ride planned here and as I got there,there was a ranger parked at the gate.He also said there was road damage and he couldn't tell me much more.I guess it's still accessable from the otherside if you want a really good workout.They said they couldn't tell me how long it would be closed.
  Pain Freak a Cross-Country Rider riding a Renrut 02 /Quintana Roo TeQuilo from Fontana

  Posted:12/18/2002

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Closed!!!-The Chantry Flats area of the Angeles National Forest is closed, rather the entire road, until April 15th. Don't quote me on the exact date but it is with in a few days of April 15t. Apparently there is some road damage. There is a gate just past the last set of homes on Santa Anita Blvd., this gate is closed restricting access to all trailheads out of Chantry Flats. I am not sure if one could go under the gate and ride up the road, best check with the Rangers.
  MtnFiend a 26 year old Weekend Warrior from Torrance, CA

  Posted:12/18/2002

• Trail UpdateClosed !!-Chantry flats is closed as is most of the Angeles National Forest. Should be open by end of november.
  nick a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT avalanche 2.0 from arcadia

  Posted:10/06/2002

• Trail UpdateTraffic But Worth It-Rode the Winter Creek and Mt Zion loop today. The trail is in great shape. Poison Oak all over the sides of the trail, stay on the trail though and you should be alright. The Mt Zion loop is highly recomended. the climb is 1.5 miles long, 1000' up, very rough and overgrown. It's worth every foot. 4 miles of singletrack downhill, Mt Zion to the Gabrielino. go early, this trail gets busy
  Mother a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS1 from EagleRock

  Posted:04/14/2002

• Trail UpdateSan Onofre-Fireroad to radio shack has just been graded--nice and smooth all the way up.
  Surly a 26 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a '02 Giant AC AL from Pasadena

  Posted:02/07/2002

• Trail UpdateWINTER CREEK LOOP-Rode there Saturday for the first time.
  I have riden the road to the ranger station at lunch
  time for training.
  It was great first tme with John and Paul.I only crashed once. the trail is is great cond.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 5 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=98% Dirt Road=2%
  Mr Bonk a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a To many from Rancho Cucamonga Ca USA

  Posted:01/13/2002

• Trail UpdateCurrent Conditions-Does anybody know the current conditions of this trai?
  I am going to be spending a week end in the area and I would like to do some riding. Is this trail worth to check it out? I'm a cross country rider looking for a nice work out. Can anybody recommend this or any other trails in the area?
  Pilas a Cross-Country Rider from Irvine

  Posted:10/18/2001

• Trail UpdateChsntry Flats - Bring $6-Opps... Forgot my wallet today. Apparently you need to buy one of those wildernes advanture passes for $6 to park.

  It rained 2 days ago and although conditions were not perfect, there is enough crushed rock and sand that there was a firm enough surface to ride on. However, there are a lot of boulders in the road that you need to be careful to ride around. I started up the paved fire road by the ranger station, at the helo pad the dirt begins. About 4-4.5 miles up from the ranger station there is a radio shack (not the store :-) ). I stopped here... good view. It was a little cold and although I got to try my new riding paints, I would have prefered full fingered gloves. My hands froze to my brake levers. BTW: Saw a young deer. Wanted to call the wife with a lame "I'm on top of the world!" But no cell service at the top. Would like to go back and see what comes next. Oh, I got lucky and didn't get a parking ticket (like hell I'm going to pay for parking!)
  a Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized Hardrock

  Posted:01/14/2001

• Trail UpdateCHANTRY FLATS IS OPEN-Chantry Flats has now been re-opened. The road up to Chantry has been cleaned up. If it rains, they might close it temporarily. They do fear landslides on the main road if it rains. I was up there today. I went for a 20 mile ride and all the trails are in fine condition, just like before. A few twigs here and there, but thats normal. If you like single track, this is the place to be. AWESOME RIDE AS USUAL ! ! !
  Psycho Al a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Cannondale V500 or Porsche from Whittier

  Posted:09/02/2000

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Chantry Flats is now open. However, there is lots of debris on the trail. Picked up a stick in my spokes and whent over my handlebars. But its still a great ride. Enjoy.
  Ramon G. a 26 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Research Dynamic Cyote hardtail from Brea, North Orange County

  Posted:08/28/2000

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Road-I talked to a guy who hiked up the Chantry road a couple weeks ago. When I told him it was closed due to big landslides on the road, he gave me a dumb look! He then said the road was spotless, and that there were a bunch of private (i.e. not USFS) vehicles parked at the end of the road, and no signs of disaster or cleanup.

  Time to lean on the USFS to re-open it!!!
  Tom Kenney a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Pinnacle from Reseda, CA

  Posted:08/24/2000

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats Still Closed-Called the ranger's 8-10-00 to check on possible rides from Mt Wilson ending in Chantry. They confirmed the Chantry is still completely closed and patrolled by rangers. The trails above from Mt Wilson, even down into Hoegee and Santa Anita Cyn are open, but you would have to climb back out to Wilson (ouch!). Nobody allowed through Chantry, hiking, bikes, etc. due to major landslides on the road. Major ticket ($300?) if caught. They need $300,000 to fix it, and are trying to find budget money. Can you say "Maybe now I will buy an Extorsion Pass."?

  Arroyo Seco Ranger District 818-790-1151
  Airbear

  Posted:08/10/2000

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-CLOSED!!!!

  Due to fires in December and subsequent rains/mudslides, Chantry Flats is CLOSED indefinitely. Stiff fines for going anyway.

  We planned to ride Sunday 4-30-00 but the road is closed and clearly posted with no trespassing signs. We rode Echo Mtn to Gabrielino instead and met up with a ranger on a bike who patrols the area and confirmed that Chantry Flats is indeed closed indefinitely.
  
  Chris Francoeur a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Ellsworth from Corona del Mar

  Posted:05/01/2000

• Trail UpdateChantry Flats-Zion Loop-head up the cement serviceroad from the parking lot to the mt. wilson trailhead, follow the signs to zion, once at the peak and its 4:20, return via chantry and climb up to the lot and back to your ride
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 13miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=90% Paved Path=10%
  Pablo De La Cruzin a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from The hellbent Desert, California

  Posted:02/12/2000

• Trail UpdateTrail Conditions?-Does anyone know if this trail has been temporarily closed due to the recent fires?
  GE a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT XCR-5000 from Huntington Beach URL: http://www.etonebusiness.com

  Posted:02/11/2000

• Trail UpdateI recently rode the trail and it is awsome. At some parts it is really hard. Once you get to the top of Mt.Wilson go to the pavillion if you look to the south there is a picnic table and water spigot. It is the only one that works. If you run out of food or are really tired by the end there is a pay phone at the top. It is a great ride.
  
  Singletrack=20% Dirt Road=30% Truck Trail=50%
  Robert a 14 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized RockHopper from Chatsworth, CA

  Posted:06/04/1999

• Trail UpdateSweat And Tears-The trail is ride able for approx 3 miles, the trail is clear and techical. At the mile three veer to the left up to Mount Wilson. The vertical climb is about 2 miles of switch backs at about 20 to 30 percent incline; its a bike hike.
  Once you reach the first saddle, you'll have an awesome view of the San Gabriel Valley and LA County, continue to the right( Trail Sign) and climb another 3/4's of a mile to the Mount Wilson Fire Road; the climb is a slight grade up to the Obseratory for about 1.5 miles. The downhill ride will follow the same fire road; its in good condition. Once you reach Henniger Flats... its a swift decline into ALtadena.
  Round Trip is 23 miles of sure maddness.
  Bring along sufficient water and food. Dress warmly in layers. I would suggest a small back pack and a camel pack with a capacity of at least 70 oz of h2o. My buddies and I documented our adventure on video. The BBQ and Beers afterward were worth the experience.
  Bring along a cell phone, we were able to use it the open areas only.
  Good luck
  Dirt Road=80%
  Ruben Corral a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale V-1000 from Temple City

  Posted:03/21/1999