Reviewed by: Paul , from Los Angeles

Summary:
the most satisfying ride i've done in a long time. the trail is clean and consistent. fun switchbacks. if you can, go during the week to avoid the hikers on the weekends. make it to the top - it's worth the effort.

Recommended Route:
park at the top of lake ave and ascend lower sam merril

Reviewed by: Robert , from Tujunga,CA

Summary:
This is one of the best single tracks I have ridden in So Cal!

Reviewed by: Charles , from Pasadena,Ca

Summary:
Posted by Duplicate Post from Tech on April 18, 1999 at 20:45:49: Please write a letter and tell them how you feel to a possible total ban of Mtn Bikes on the Lower Sam Merril Trail which Originates at the top of Lake Ave in Altadena and ends at Echo Mountain! Arroyo Seco District
Oak Grove Park
Flintridge, Ca 91011
818-790-1151 [Side Note] If you have not contributed time for trail maintenance work please contact the Mt.Wilson
Bicycle Association at 626-795-3836 for a recorded message for the next trail work day. [ 4-24-99 -
saturday ] Today, Sunday 4-18-99 a rider and I were climbing the Lower Sam Merril trail on our way to Mt.Wilson
when we were warned by a cyclist descending the trail about an older lady in her 70's who was
anti-bikes and is confrontational. Ten minutes later, as I continued to climb the trail and see an approaching hiker from the distance, I
pulled over to let her pass. All of a sudden I was being yelled at with the following from a distance w/
a very angry & disrespectful tone of voice: " Don't you know this trail is banned for bikes and you must take the Paved Mt.Lowe Road? " " This
trail is too narrow to accomodate a cyclist and a hiker" An accident can prove fatal for a hiker due to
the narrow cliff trail" As I explained to her, that forest service personel on mountain bikes actually ride this trail and that
there are NO signs at the trail head to ban us from using this trail. Furthermore, I stated to her, the
reason why I have pulled over is to let her pass safely. I'm guided by a code of conduct.. Her
response, " Don't you worry about the Forest Service! WE WILL FIGHT them all the way to ensure that you
bikers are not allowed on this trail! You will see, and I promise you that!"
With that statement, I am assuming a rally is in progress to request the forest service to take action on
a total ban on bikes on the Lower Sam Merril Trail. You may think one trail closure is insignifcant, but
if they succeed, who knows where it will stop? It's the beginning of the end. Thank you for your time. Charles

Reviewed by: Eric , from Altadena

Summary:
As far as the Chaney Trail paved fireroad vs. top-of- Lake Ave. single track for the initial ascent, I would have to agree that the latter is a very advanced ascent, unrelentingly steep and exposed. I would also agree that the paved alternative is kind of boring, however it will save you maybe a few hundred feet of climbing. If I'm going all the way to Mt Wilson, I prefer to grind up the pavement and save the good single track for the descent. Also, I find the upper section of the Sam Merril single track, from Inspiration down to Echo Mountain, more fun and way less crowded than the lower section. I always meet quite a few hikers on the lower section, even on weekdays. With all the options and the great views, this is an area worth a number of visits. The only thing from keeping this from becoming the Disneyland of mountain biking is all the climbing.

Recommended Route:
Also a great route to Mt Wilson! In addition to the great views, gnarly single tracks, and history of the old Mt Lowe Railway, the Mt Lowe road continues up all the way to Mt Wilson. Just follow the wide road past the Inspiration Point trail. This route is 10.6 miles total and gains 3600 feet, which is somewhat less grueling than the classic Mt Wilson Toll road a couple of miles to the east (a 4300' climb.) There's an interesting tunnel and a great view just before you hit the paved Red Box Road, which you have to take for another mile and a half to the summit. You can return the same way, or you could always descend the Toll Road for a loop, but of course then you'll have to ride back up to your car or use a second car for a short shuttle back up Chaney Trail Road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Also accessible from the Chaney Trail access road are the Brown Mountain trails which offer some shorter climbs and a couple of loops. Just continue on Chaney Trail to the Millard Campground parking lot and ride through the camp to the trail.