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