RR: Burkhart Trail

[dstepper]

Angeles National Forest.

Took a chance to see if the Forrest Service has put up the Wilderness "no bikes" signs and as of today they are not up. I am not sure when the new Wilderness designation takes effect but I strongly suggest that you get your Burkhart fix in before the signs are up. The .3 miles section that Burthart shares with Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a non issue right now, they found a Yellow Legged Forest Frog in Rattlesnake Canyon, so the Rattlesnake Trail section of PCT is closed and has been rerouted off the Burthart Trail and onto Angeles Crest Forest at Eagles Roost.

Lynn (sheclimbs) joined me today on my non sure where we where going to ride ride. Bummer in that I had a wardrobe malfunction cutting our ride short. The soul of my shoe came apart leaving the sole and cleat on the pedal and the rest on my foot. I keep trying to ride further but ran out of duct tape and turned around when all I had left for the fix was my last two zips ties.

This is my 5 time on Burthart and in is in the best shape I have ever seen in. Warning, don't compare Burkhart to other more traveled San Gabs trails because this is a true backcountry trail that sees little use. The scree fields that I was told where non passable by other bikers and the Forest Service trail surveyor are wrong someone must have been worked on the trail because it is in good shape. Forest Service surveyor was out there today, I did not take the time to talk to him but last we talked he was recommending that Burkhart Trail be abandoned. I just don't see it...it is true jewel and has already weather decades of winters.

Between the impending wilderness signs and the Forest Services attitude towards Burthart Trail I strongly suggest you ride this trail while you can it will be lost to us very soon. Also right now Buckhorn Campground is closed so the hikers are few...Buckhorn Campground will be open in a week or two so the crowds we be comin'.

Dean

[Rossage]

Do you do this as an out and back from the 2?
I've never done it due to the PCT stuff and the fact that it is hard to loop.

[dstepper]

Looping that trail takes more endurance than I have. Normally I do it as and out and back to Burkhart Saddle starting at Buckhorn Station. To ride the whole Burkhart down to Devils Punchbowl would be stellar but the shuttle retrieval would suck. Besides I have not talked to anyone that has rode from the saddle down to DP...the trail could be a total mess. I have not been to the saddle in about 3 years.

Dean

[Snowytrail]

Originally Posted by Rossage

Do you do this as an out and back from the 2?
I've never done it due to the PCT stuff and the fact that it is hard to loop.

Not that hard to loop. Burkhardt to Punchbowl all the way across and then up South Fork to get back to the 2. 3-4 miles of pavement and you are back at the campground. A good size ride to be sure...but not massive.

[Rossage]

I think a little Burkhart out and back tacked onto the end of a Waterman loop might make for a great day.
Hmmm...

How is the South Fork trail?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Snowytrail

Not that hard to loop. Burkhardt to Punchbowl all the way across and then up South Fork to get back to the 2. 3-4 miles of pavement and you are back at the campground. A good size ride to be sure...but not massive.

I would love to try that loop but what causes me hesitation are the conditions of the trails out there. If anyone has done that loop recently like maybe in the past year speak up and I will surely love to give it a go.

Dean

[sheclimbs]

It was beautiful out there today. Not sure why this was my first time on Burkhart. It's a gem, a lovely trail with incredible views, large pines and the sound of water running through the canyon down below. As Dean said this is not the typical San Gab trail, there are large sections of scree on some pretty narrow exposed sections of the trail. Well worth drive to get there. This trail goes way up on my San Gab favorites list.

Steppie Rocks


Steppie Rides


Steppie Shoe


Steppie Scenery

[Rossage]

Snowy Trail, a quick look at the map shows your loop to be at least 25 miles of singletrack of unknown condition and I'd guess much more than 3-4 miles on the road back. I'd hate to see what massive is!

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Rossage

Snowy Trail, a quick look at the map shows your loop to be at least 25 miles of singletrack of unknown condition and I'd guess much more than 3-4 miles on the road back. I'd hate to see what massive is!

Yes, I guess massive is a relative term. We talked about the Waterman / Burkhart combo. You just have to time it right when the snow is gone at Waterman and it's not too hot up on the top part of Burkhart. Ironically there was still one large snow patch on the side of Burkhart not far from the campground but it was plenty warm in the sun today.

[JoeTruth]

Nice. The last time I rode this trail was about this time last year with Art. It was the 2nd leg of our ride (1st being Mt. Waterman). The initial drop into the canyon from Buckhorn is arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of single track with views in all of So Cal. It parallel's a stream/creak with a few pools people actually swim in. When we rode it, once down in the canyon, past Rattle Snake, the hike-a-biking was a bit much. Some sections we had to hike up and down. Way too washed out and it wasn't very encouraging. From what you're saying, it's not the case anymore. That's great news. I think I'll hit it again soon, although I wish there was a way to finish this ride not on a steep climb out. Lovely high altitude riding regardless. Thanks for the update, Dean and Lynn.

[mtbski]

Originally Posted by Rossage

Snowy Trail, a quick look at the map shows your loop to be at least 25 miles of singletrack of unknown condition and I'd guess much more than 3-4 miles on the road back. I'd hate to see what massive is!

I'd be willing to give this one a go.

Another good one is South Fork to Jackson Lake to Blue Ridge to Grassy Hollow to Manzanita to South Fork. About 35 miles.

It's getting hot out there so an early start at about 8:00am is about as late as I would want to start this one. Tack on a semi massive commute and you've got an all day deal for sure.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by mtbski

I'd be willing to give this one a go.

Another good one is South Fork to Jackson Lake to Blue Ridge to Grassy Hollow to Manzanita to South Fork. About 35 miles.

It's getting hot out there so an early start at about 8:00am is about as late as I would want to start this one. Tack on a semi massive commute and you've got an all day deal for sure.

I was waiting for you to comment on this one Martino. Sounds just like your kind of ride. Especially after last weekends expedition.

[mtbski]

Doing the Jackson Lake/Blue Ridge/ Manzanita ride ends with an overall dowhill ride that is one of the most excellent descents in the area.

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

Nice. The last time I rode this trail was about this time last year with Art. It was the 2nd leg of our ride (1st being Mt. Waterman). The initial drop into the canyon from Buckhorn is arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of single track with views in all of So Cal. It parallel's a stream/creak with a few pools people actually swim in. When we rode it, once down in the canyon, past Rattle Snake, the hike-a-biking was a bit much. Some sections we had to hike up and down. Way too washed out and it wasn't very encouraging. From what you're saying, it's not the case anymore. That's great news. I think I'll hit it again soon, although I wish there was a way to finish this ride not on a steep climb out. Lovely high altitude riding regardless. Thanks for the update, Dean and Lynn.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

It parallel's a stream/creak with a few pools people actually swim in.

Big yes no that first section. I walked out one of the side trails going down into the creek and already people have built up rock dams to make some decent swimming holes.

Dean

[mtbski]

Hey is that you Paul. Paul from Walnut Creek?

Originally Posted by Snowytrail

Not that hard to loop. Burkhardt to Punchbowl all the way across and then up South Fork to get back to the 2. 3-4 miles of pavement and you are back at the campground. A good size ride to be sure...but not massive.

[Sewellymon]

BITD, DP to Burkhart Saddle was a good out-and-back. And the trail to Burkhart Saddle used to be in mint condition. But that was many a year ago..

[mpmffitz]

Awesome and epic....

[mtbski]

Ross,

How about drawing straws.

1. Loser drops riders at the bottom of Burkhart and drives to Chilao to do a loop.
2. Winners climb burkhart to Clouburst and descend to 3-Points and finishes at Chilao.
3. Everybody finishes with dinner, cold beers and a great time at NEWCOMBS!

Originally Posted by Rossage

Snowy Trail, a quick look at the map shows your loop to be at least 25 miles of singletrack of unknown condition and I'd guess much more than 3-4 miles on the road back. I'd hate to see what massive is!

[Rossage]

I could do that. But you know there are no losers in the yellow van!

[mtbski]

Do you have a 2" hitch on the "Yellow Submarine"?

Originally Posted by Rossage

I could do that. But you know there are no losers in the yellow van!