Josephine Peak Fire Road - #JosephinePeakFireRoad

Socal - Los Angeles County - La Canada NickNames: #JosephinePeakFireRoad

From the 210 freeway in La Canada, exit north on Angelus Crest Highway and follow it for roughly 11 miles to the Clear Creek Junction (where Angelus Forest Highway forks left to Palmdale). Park at the Ranger Station or in the dirt formed by the Y of the intersection. The fire road begins on the northwest arm of the Y, marked by an iron gate. The fire road climbs steadily for 2.5 miles to the saddle between Josephine and Strawberry Peak. As scruffy and brushy as the place first appears, it's actually a pleasant if tiring ride. A single track leads right toward Strawberry but you'll stick to the fire road that climbs to the left up the shaded, north side of Josephine--a nice woodsy feel. After 4 miles and 1900-2000' of climbing, you'll hit the top. Dismount and hike the 30 yards to the top. The site of a former lookout, the views are great, especially on a clear day--Downtown, Century City and the mighty Pacific. Not bad. A decent workout for those who don't want to schlep too far into the Angelus. Non-technical but too much of a grunt for softies. Thomas Guide page 505

4 Review(s)7 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateGrunt-Had not been on this thing in a bazillion years.
  road is in excellent shape.
  climber1 a 59 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized Pro Carve

  Posted:11/07/2013

• Trail UpdateTough Climbs, Great Views-A great way get to the top. Rode up to Jo Peak over the weekend, sweated alot but it was well worth it. Took the colby trail over to Strawberry Peak, back down to Hot Rock and the single track back to the car. Trail is in great condition. Only 2 downed tree's that we needed to climb over. Its a hot one in the summer so bring water. You can refill at Hot Rock.
  littlfubar a 25 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 2003 Tomac Revolver from Walnut Creek, CA

  Posted:07/17/2007

• Trail UpdateJosephine-Colby-I was up on Josephine Peak today and decided to go down the Colby trail back to Angeles Crest Hwy. Kudos to the Forest Service for funding the trail work on the Colby trail. It is as magnificent as the work done on the Strawberry Peak trail. In the past, I avoided the Colby trail because it just wasn't fun with all the rocks & yuccas. Everything has been smoothed out, and a lot of big rocks have been moved. No problem with bugs or West Nile. Warm, but good day. Only 2 other bikers & 2 hikers. Most of L.A. missed out on a nice day in the mountains.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 10 miles Elevation change: 2000'
  Singletrack=30% Dirt Road=70%
  Hugh Jass a 55 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Klein Mantra from Santa Clarita

  Posted:06/26/2004

• Trail UpdateI had some time before work today and rode up
  this thing. Last time was I guess in 1998 with
  my friend Jim. He of course dusted my ass, but
  since he was busy, I did it alone today. It was pretty
  uneventful, and for a long steep fireroad, the
  payoff wasn't that great as the view was hazy today.
  Its a great way to condition yourself, but since
  there's no singletrack, or any way to get yourself
  killed, its like a long boring session on a trainer.
  Heck, I didn't even see any animals either. I was
  expecting to see the ghost of Josephine at the top,
  but no luck. Perhaps, maybe a few of us can do a
  night ride up there sometime, during a summer
  campout, and maybe, just maybe the ghost of
  Josephine will come out and scare the krap outta
  us as we ride up.
  Ride rating: Novice
  The Real FatCat riding a Stinky

  Posted:11/17/2003