Cow Canyon Saddle - #CowCanyonSaddle

Socal - Los Angeles County - Mt. Baldy Village NickNames: #CowCanyonSaddle

Take the I10 Frwy into Upland, exit on Mountain Ave. and travel north about 7.5 miles to Mt. Baldy Rd. Turn right (north) and drive another 4.5 miles to Glendora Ridge Rd. Turn left (west). The Trailhead is within about 1 mile. Elevation 4527 Thomas Guide page 511

47 Review(s)Login

• Trail UpdateTurkey Day Ride-I will be there. See my post (2 down) the trail is in good shape. I am going with at least 1 other person from my work and there should be a lot of other riders up there. I don't think this is a "sanctioned" event. It's just a bunch of riders hitting a great ride at the same time. I would bet that you could find a ride back up to the saddle from Wheeler Ave if you make some friends on the way down. My group is planning on a 7AM meet time at Wheeler Ave.
  mrkcy a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant from Temple City

  Posted:11/11/2006

• Trail UpdateTurkey Day Ride-Does anyone have any info on the 2006 turkey day ride. I riden sunset peak mountain way before it it was way cool.
  Bill H a 42 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Firmstrong Londale from Chino CA

  Posted:11/08/2006

• Trail UpdateTurkey Day Pre Ride-I headed up to Cow Canyon Saddle today to see what the trail was like. I have never been up here before and after riding today wish I would have done this sooner. What a beautiful ride! There are some rocky areas that require some care but nothing that a novice rider could not handle. The parking area in the picture is no longer available. There are no parking signs posted. I drove down to the Baldy Ranch RV park (through the gate in the picture) and spoke to the owner. He's a really cool guy. There is a lot of parking available in his lot and he charges $2 for the day. I didn't have the cash on me and he let me park for free. I asked him about Thanksgiving day and he said that he would be there and would not mind letting riders who are doing the Turkey day ride park in his lot. Make sure you bring the $2 with you and help this guy out (he has to work on Thanksgiving for God's sake). The parking are in the picture is now used as a helipad.

  I was riding solo today so I only made it to Sunset Peak (4 miles up the road and the top out point for elevation). I was so bummed that I didn't have a car at Wheeler Ave so I could finish the ride.
  mrkcy a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant Iguana from Temple City

  Posted:11/06/2006

• Trail UpdateSee the Buddy Ride section for info. I have a group of 4 going from the top at 8am.
  Hohnster a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a K2

  Posted:11/23/2005

• Trail UpdateTurkey Ride-Any word on the Turkey Ride? I know there was a stink in the paper about it last year. If it's going on, what's the start time? Anybody ride it recently?
  Innes

  Posted:11/12/2005

• Trail UpdateGroup of 5 rode it on Memorial Day. Trail in good condition. Wildflowers are unreal! Found myself looking at them instead of where I was going. Hooked up with lower Marshall Canyon.
  Hohnster a 39 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a K2 from Claremont

  Posted:06/02/2005

• Trail UpdatePix-Diane try this out, http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=1128
  Henry a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a VT1 from Temple City

  Posted:01/13/2005

• Trail UpdateI RODE THIS TRAIL!!!!!!!!!-I was one of the few women that actually ventured on this trail! It was awesome! My co-worker Jean Lange was the lady interviewed last in the article in the paper. Does anyone have any linky's to pic's that I could look at? You can't miss me I looked like a freakin' elf... I had on red tights. Anyway I had a blast and can't wait to do it again next year. I saw some people taking pictures but can't seem to find anyone who knows anyone who was taking them??? Ciao!
  Diane a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek Fuel 90 WSD from Glendora / Upland

  Posted:01/04/2005

• Trail UpdateSunset Peak-Rode this trail on 12/27 for the last ride before the rain and snow. Freezing cold and windy up there. Awesome, tiring ride!
  Hohnster a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a K2 from Claremont

  Posted:12/28/2004

• Trail UpdateTell him the PRESCRIPTIVE EASEMENT BIKE SHOP
  sponsored it.

  Posted:11/29/2004

• Trail UpdateREAL OWNER-Hey PF, Flying W would know. He works for a dept that can check it out. [I did not say it was the FBI]
  The story I was told by the locals that this guy wanted to build a camp ground on the other side of the road, He did then the [water dept or someone] decided he did not have any water rights and they would not let them hook up a water line?
  We got pissed off and put up the bolders at the gate and has been cring ever since.
  Sounds like the people that thought they owned The Blair Witch House, come to find out they leased the property from the county that leads up to the house.There lease is a use lease and they can't post no trespassing signs since they don't own the property. [or it is something like that]
  and who said we can't do anything else but ride those dam Mountain Bikes.
  [you know he will read this]
  I started [I was not one of the orignal riders]riding this ride about 18 or so years ago, before he started building the campground. When I got back to my car the was a flyer on my car that advertised this website? Who would have guessed?
  [No socalmtb nor does anyone sponser this ride]
  Maybe we should have a protest ride so the owner can cry a little more?
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 16miles Elevation change:
  Mr Bonk a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a too many to list from the 909 and proud of it!!!!

  Posted:11/28/2004

• Trail UpdateThis-was posted in the guestbook:

  As the property owner of Cow Canyon Saddle and the first 1250 feet of the Sunset peak rd( former) I would like to know who sponsored this ride and what insurance was taken out to protect private property owners?
  Ronald L. Curtis from Upland, CA - Friday, November 26, 2004

  Does anybody know how to verify who the real owner is?I'd hate to piss off the real land owner and lose access to this trail/ride.
  Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909

  Posted:11/28/2004

• Trail UpdateWe Made The Paper-There was an article on the front page of the Daily Bulletin about our ride.Showed some pics on another page.It seemed to me like we had less people this year.Maybe the temps scared some off.I think there were more singlespeeders then gearies.Almost every local fast rider was there.Kind of neat how it stays as a grass roots type of ride with just a word of mouth getting it started.Did anybody get a head count?
  Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909

  Posted:11/26/2004

• Trail UpdateFun Ride-I think I saw every rider, including PF there. I started climbing(from the bottom) at about 7:15am. Didn't see a soul until I reached the radio towers. Is it really 16 miles one way?

  For reference, I was wearing the green and black jersey and shorts, riding the Fuel with green tires(what a combo!).

  All in all a great ride.
  MtnbikeMike a 19 year old Racer riding a Diesel/Fuel/R-650 from La Verne

  Posted:11/26/2004

• Trail UpdateTurkey Ride 2004-First 3 miles of uphill had patches of snow up to 6 inches tall some slippery ice spots and minimal mud, less than expected. weather was clear no real wind chill factor to worry about. the downhill was nice and dry, rocky in some sections. over all a great turkey ride, very scenic with a wide of array of terrains to ride on.

  showed up at about 7:30 am, and saw riders affiliated with various bikeshops: Incycle, Competitive Edge and Bud's; along with a big group of single speeders.and a couple of guys riding downhill rigs. all together about 30 riders left at the same time. all conjugated at the first switchback, then the saddle at sunset peak, then finally at the antennas. a few mishaps were seen: i guy taco'd his front wheel, another guy had his rear wheel falling apart due to loose wheelset and i ate it in a rocky section on the downhill section.

  hope to see more of you guys out there next year!!

  
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 16 miles total, 11+DH Elevation change: 5000+ feet elevation drop
  Dirt Road=100%
  Epic Mtn Biker a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a '04 Specialized Epic Marathon from Ontario

  Posted:11/26/2004

• Trail UpdateTurkey Ride-So how was the ride?
  How much snow?
  Ride distance: 18miles Elevation change:

  Posted:11/25/2004

• Trail UpdateFire Road Or Dry River Bed-I thought I would ride up to Baldy than take this trail back to La Verne. But Sunday, wasn't my day and I bonked at the the summit of the trial, (at least I think it was the summit), and turned around and rode the road back down to Claremont. The part of the trail that I did ride was more like a river bed than a fire road. It is passable, but I was sure glad I wasn't riding my hard tail. Has anyone riden the entire trail lately? I would like to ride it agian, but am wondering what to expect.
  SouthernThang a Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized FSR

  Posted:11/01/2004

• Trail UpdateTechnically-Nobody or shop/s sponser this ride.It's kind of a word of mouth thing that just seems to draw a lot of people on Turkey day.It's a tough climb,but if you decide to do the street climb it's not to bad.I doubt that it'll be open because no ones asking for it.
  Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909

  Posted:10/01/2004

• Trail UpdateIf the turkey ride is a go, I want to know about it.
  Innes

  Posted:10/01/2004

• Trail UpdateLikely Closed-Since the Angeles Nat'l Forest is closed, I'd assume that this is. Being that it's in the National forest
  MtnbikeMike a 19 year old Racer riding a Diesel/Fuel/R-650 from La Verne

  Posted:10/01/2004

• Trail UpdateInformation Please-Does anyone know the current condition of this trail, or if it is even open?
  Bombin' Bob a Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized FSR Stumper from Claremont

  Posted:10/01/2004

• Trail Update"Pre" Turkey Ride-Shuttled up yesterday morning with Mr. bonk, Pain Freak and Mountain Man. The gate at Glendora Mtn. Road & Mt. Baldy Road was locked so we had to park in the village and tool it up the road to the saddle. There could be a parking problem if it's locked again on Thursday morning, so be prepared.
  We rode Sunset Ridge down to Laverne. Pain Freak says "you guys are too slow for me" and proceeds to wave "bub-bye" as we climb! As usual I was the only one to dissmount. Alot of sandy turns so watch it, that's what got me. Lucky though, fell right into some nice soft stuff. Take luck when you can get it!
  Mr. Bonk lost his front disk mounting bolts just as we got to the top so he had to ride "ALL THE WAY DOWN" with no front brakes...and he still kicked all our butts.
  Mountain Man did very well on his Trek 4500...no helmet...tennis shoes...and almost no clothes. I guess 45° is warm to a guy fresh from Alaska.
  Other than the sandy turns traction is good right now.
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Dirt Road=100%
  Flying W a 41 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant - Warp from La Verne

  Posted:11/24/2002

• Trail UpdateTURKEY RIDE-OPEN OPEN OPEN!!!!!
  Ride rating: Novice
  Singletrack=5% Dirt Road=95%
  TURKEY RUNNER a Racer

  Posted:11/22/2002

• Trail UpdateTurkey Ride 2002-Is the area open again, or is it still closed due to fire danger?
  Turkey Jerky

  Posted:11/20/2002

• Trail UpdateSunset Ridge-Can you say BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  The Turkey will be BBQ this year
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Singletrack=10% Truck Trail=90%
  Mr Bonk a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a To many from Fontana California

  Posted:09/28/2002

• Trail UpdateSUNSET RIDGE AKA SNOW RIDE-Can you say powder packed powder!!!!
  I have never skied but I now know what they mean when the say powder or packed powder.
  The first 1/2 mile was dirt they the next 3 miles was 2 to 3 inchs of powder and packed powder in some areas
  The downhill was great with the rains this last week.
  Rode with Shocktower,Pete,John,and Painfreak.
  Painfreak did not crash but if he does not change the front tire soon!!!!!
  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 16miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=90%
  Mr Bonk a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a To many from Rancho Cucamonga Ca USA

  Posted:02/04/2002

• Trail UpdateTHE TURKEY RIDE-Rode it again this year with my youngest daughter Emilee, she pushed me up the hills!!!
  It was great this year, not as many riders I would guess about 100 or so.
  The trail is in great shape all most no ruts.
  Yes that was me with the turkey on my head.
  Next year I will try a new trail!!
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=90%
  Mr Bonk with Emiloo a Weekend Warrior riding a Cannondale tandom from Rancho Cucamonga Calif USA

  Posted:11/23/2001

• Trail UpdateSUNSET RIDGE AKA TURKEY RIDE-Rode it Sunday with the Chinese studman. We started at the bottom and went up about 6 miles 1 hour 20 mins
  The trail is in great cond smooth no ruts a little power in a few turns, This will make a great ride this thanksgiving!
  Ride rating: Advanced
  Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 40 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek 9.9 from Rancho cucamonga

  Posted:10/30/2001

• Trail UpdateTURKEY RIDE-Rode this backwards on Sunday morning. No I don't mean with my butt facing the handlebars, I mean 12 miles of climbing! I expected to be dodging the downhillers, but I never saw one rider for the entire 2 hr. 20 min. climb. Got a good look at trail conditions. If you are coming down from Sunset Peak, there's only about 3 or 4 sections you need to watch out on until after that climb at about the halfway point. After that there are several sections with parallel ruts. Some are pretty deep. Watch for them or you could be doing a Superman impersonation without the cape!
  This is the first time I've ridden up it. Don't know if there's any other access from the bottom. I waited outside the security gate until a car triggered it. The pedestrian gate was locked.
  Ride distance: 12 miles Elevation change: 4,000 ft. prox.
  Dirt Road=100%
  Les a 56 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized M4 FSR from Rancho Cucamonga

  Posted:07/10/2001

• Trail UpdateCow Canyon Saddle-Thanks MR. BONK....(finally someone has responded to questions about this area)...this answers most of my questions. Gonna try it out.....I'll e-mail you if I get lost or need further directions....thanks again!!
  
  Left Out a 22 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight

  Posted:12/30/2000

• Trail UpdateSUN SET RIDGE AKA TURKEY RIDE-OK HERE IS MORE INFO JORGE AND LEFT OUT.
  FIRST THE BEST PLACE TO PARK THE CAR AT THE BOTTOM IS AT THE SCHOOL ON WHEELER AVE ABOUT 1 MILE SOUTH OF THE GATED HOMES.
  AT THE TOP PARK IN THE DIRT AREA AND CROSS THE ROAD AND GO UP THE DIRT ROAD.
  WHEN YOU GET TO THE FIRST Y TURN LEFT AND GO UP THE ROAD WHEN YOU GET TO THE TOP GO STRAIGHT , IF YOU TURN LEFT IT GOES TO THE TOP OF THE HILL THERE THIS IS A GOOD SHORT SIDE TRIP.
  FROM THIS POINT THERE IS A SHORT DOWNHILL AND THEN A SHORT UPHILL THE NEXT MILE IS A FAST DOWNHILL! THEN A LONG CLIMB TILL YOU REACH THE ANTENIA TOWERS STAY TO YOUR LEFT DONT GO UP THE HILL THERE IS NOT MUCH UP THERE. KEEP GOING DOWN THE HILL AT THE NEXT Y STAY LEFT STOP ANY TIME AND LOOK DOWN IN TO MARSHELL CYN
  YOU WILL COME TO A BIG HILL APPROX 1/2 MILE THIS IS THE LAST HILL AT THE TOP THERE IS A SINGLE TRACK TO THE LEFT IF YOUR NOT A PRO OR HAVE GOOD MEDICAL INSURANCE DONT TRY IT.
  FROM THIS POINT STAY ON THE MAIN ROAD TO THE HOUSES ALL OF THE SIDE TRAILS DONT GO ANYWHERE.
  IF YOU WANT ANY MORE INFO E MAIL ME .
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamonga

  Posted:12/27/2000

• Trail UpdateCow Canyon Saddle.....-Good luck Bro....I've been trying to get info on this trail (at this site) for years...nobody will give any info on it.....maybe nobody knows...or they just dont wanna say........
  Left Out a 22 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from La Verne

  Posted:12/26/2000

• Trail UpdateCow Saddle Trail-A friend and I rode this on December 23rd, 2000, but were wondering, if you start at the gate on Cow saddle 2N07, where do you end the ride? We ended up in a gated residential community, even though we saw various trails that veered off to dfferent directions. Can you tell us more about options? also we saw various spots were to park, but we left our car on a residential street.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change: 4600 ft
  Dirt Road=100%
  Jorge Ramirez a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Mantra 2000 from Whittier California

  Posted:12/26/2000

• Trail UpdateTHE TURKEY RIDE-WELL ANOTHER YEAR THIS MAKES 12 IN A ROW
  NOT AS MANY RIDERS THIS YEAR BUT STILL FUN AS ALWAYS
  ANDREW IS THE MAN 9YRS OLD AND HE FINSHED!!!!!
  THERE WAS A 12 YEAR OLD I DONT KNOW HIS NAME BUT I SEEN HIM TAKE THE OFF CAMBER RIGHT TURN LIKE A PRO!!!
  NO SHERRIFFS THIS YEAR....
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamonga

  Posted:11/23/2000

• Trail UpdateCow Canyon Saddle-Can anyone give me info on this ride (turkey ride)...I would love to do it this year but need info..such as what time..where to meet....how long it takes..etc etc.....thanks!!!

  Posted:11/20/2000

• Trail UpdateTHE TURKEY RIDE-I WAS UP THERE SATURDAY AT THE TRAIL HEAD THERE WILL BE SNOW THIS YEAR!!
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 17 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamonga

  Posted:11/19/2000

• Trail UpdateThe Turkey Ride-Rode there today it is as smooth as a babies #@%
  it really does not get any better than this [well mabe if it rained a litte]
  sorry clark we missed you but keep away from those sticks they will stab you every time.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 17 miles Elevation change: a lot
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mc Mahon buff Dos Hueves from Rancho Cucamonga

  Posted:09/10/2000

• Trail UpdateSunset Ridge-Started at Cow Canyon Saddle with about six other riders (was expecting at least two others--they musta chickened out). At that elevation, it was good to be above the smog line and at a bit cooler temperature for the climb up.

  There are just a few recently graded spots toward the end of the fire road. Otherwise, it's mostly patchy, loose gravel and some obstacles of granite rocks. It's somewhat challenging to find a decent line around many of the tight turns, but the ruts are beginning to fill in. Watch out for sandy spots on the initial down hill!

  Overall, a good way to spend a Memorial Day!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 17 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  clark kent a Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized FSR Enduro from Ontario, CA

  Posted:05/29/2000

• Trail UpdateTURKEY RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!-Other year what can I say 11 in a row.
  The ride was alsom over 300 riders.
  There was problems at the bottom with a few out of controll rider,we must remember there is the chance of a vehicle comeing up the road!!!!!!!
  One rider hit the Sheriffs truck.
  Remember to ride safe!!!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR Bonk a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek y-22 from Upland CA

  Posted:11/27/1999

• Trail UpdateSunset Ridge-Rode the trail on 11-24-99. I see they've made some additions to the Cow Canyon Saddle gate, chain link and barb wire. I hope they're not thinking about making the trail off limits. Anyone have any inside info?
  Pete a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from San Dimas

  Posted:11/24/1999

• Trail UpdateSUNSET RIDGE TURKEY RIDE-RODE THERE YESTERDAY THE TRAIL IS PERFECT.
  NO RUTS THE RAIN MADE A GOOD HARD PACK
  THIS WILL MAKE A PERFECT RIDE THURSDAY
  LOOK FOR ME I WILL BE ONE OF THE TURKEYS ON A TANDEM.
  Ride distance: 16 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a CANNODALE TANDOM from UPLAND CA

  Posted:11/21/1999

• Trail UpdateSUNSET RIDGE-RODE THERE TODAY TRAIL IS IN GOOD COND, NEED RAIN FOR THE TURKEY RIDE.
  IT IS FAST IN MOST AREAS NO RUTS, SOME SOFT TURNS.
  WEATHER COND WAS GREAT WE COULD SEE DOWNTOWN LA FROM THE FIRST TOP.
  IT WAS ABOUT 9:00 AM,
  THERE IS A COOL LOOKING SINGLE TRACK THAT LEEDS DOWN TO MARSHELL CYN LOOKING FOR SOMEONE THAT WANTS TO TRY IT WITH ME ?
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: APPROX 16 miles Elevation change:
  Dirt Road=100%
  MR BONK a 38 year old Weekend Warrior riding a MC MAHON BUFF DOES HAVOS from UPLAND CA

  Posted:10/24/1999

• Trail UpdateCow Canyon Saddle-Rode here Saturday Morning, April 24, 99. Took the fireroad on the south side of the parking lot. Trail was in great shape. Weather was absolutly beautiful. This was my first time up here and I have some questions. The other comments on this trail suggest that you can ride "12+ miles, downhill, all the way down to Wheeler Ave. after reaching the saddle at 3.5 miles" Which road do you take? Is it N207A, the road going straight after you get to the saddle at 3.5 miles? Or do you have to go left and back up the other fire rode? Any instructions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
  Dirt Road=100%
  XC Rider a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Schwinn from Ontario, CA

  Posted:04/24/1999

• Trail UpdateTURKEY RIDE THIS YEAR WAS GREAT FUN WITH OVER 200 RIDERS!
  THE YOUNGEST WAS 8YRS OLD!
  

  Posted:11/27/1998

• Trail UpdateCow Canyon Saddle-this trail has been graded in the last month and is in alsome shape
  lots of downhill ,worth the climb!
  Dirt Road=100%
  brent feller a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a trek y-22 from upland ca

  Posted:10/16/1998

• Trail UpdateSunset Peak Mtwy-Take the trail (2N07) on the south (left) side of the parking area. There is a gate you have to go around within the first 100 feet, then it uphill for about 3.5 miles. At the top of the ridge/saddle is the junction with Sunset Peak Mtwy. Also a great view of the Pomona Valley. From there it's a 12+ mile downhill ride into La Verne, coming on out at the top end of Wheeler Ave.
  Dirt road=100%

  Posted:10/16/1998

• Trail UpdateTurkey Run-

  Posted:10/16/1998