RR: Upper Bear Creek Trail, Angeles Forest

[dstepper]

After reading in John W. Robinson’s, Hiking Guide, that Bear Creek Trail penetrated the furthest into the most remote part of the Angeles Forest I have wanted to check it out. I have been waiting from a couple of years for Cal Trans to reopen Highway 39…at least to Coldbrook. I finally gave up at just rode the pavement up from the locked gate above West Fork San Gabriel River.

Starting elevation, 2056ft
High elevation, 4279ft
Total gain per GPS 2416ft
Round Trip 12.65 miles…half pavement, half singletract.

I had planned on riding this trail, but once there I realized that this trail sees no use, so I ended up spending most of the day doing trail maintenance. Not heavy stuff just a lot of branches and small rockslides that you could not ride around or over. If you go out there, don’t look for any trailhead sign as it burnt down along with everything else out there. The good news is that it opened up the bush and the deer have moved in big time…most wildlife I have ever seen on a So-Cal ride. The trail lived up to its name “Bear Creek”…with some fairly fresh bear scat on the trail. The trail is very smooth, no steps, drops or trail obstacles and in most places wide, but it has not seen any use in so long that it is like riding off trail…no lines anywhere, not really loose but soft in a way that slows you down. The climbing is mostly in the 500 ft per mile range (10%) so it is taxing but very doable, with no major rests anywhere along the way. Half way up to the Smith Mountain Saddle there is a blue line creek, with running water, which could be used to filter water if needed. I made it to the Wilderness Boundary then turned around, things looked like they could get real interesting from the saddle to the end of the trail…another 3 miles and nearly a 2000 ft drop. This is an out and back trail that does not connect to any other trails.

I would ride this trail again now that it is clear…with some bike traffic to pack the trail, it would be a screaming fast decent. It is just not worth climbing 3 miles of pavement to get there.

Dean

[Krunk]

That's nice !

[Pain Freak]

Not to far from the casa. I'd really like to ride that.

Did you notice any traces of cow bells in that bear poop?

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Did you notice any traces of cow bells in that bear poop?

LMFAO (Insert smiley face rolling on the floor)

[gurp13]

Looks like parts of the Strawberry/Josephine loop

[PHAT TIRE]

Absolutely beautiful. Thanks!

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by gurp13

Looks like parts of the Strawberry/Josephine loop

I was thinking the same thing gurp. That type of trail of trail constructions seems to becoming quite prevalent in the ANF. I don't think I like it personally. I'd prefer something that blends in with nature a bit more. However it seems to be pretty strong.

[dstepper]

It is a great trail, simular to Strawberry but different due to the fire. Not sure how long ago it burnt but it does not look devastated as much of the brush is starting to come back.

I do not advocate poaching but it makes no sense having the finial 3 miles of this trail off limits to bikes...it goes nowhere and no one uses it. Someone has done some chain saw work in the last couple of months, I asume it was the Forest Service. If no one bushes this trail and pulls the new growth out of the trail it will be impassable by bike by spring.

I talked to the Cal-Trans crew working on the Highway and they have no timeline on when the Highway will re-open. I will be going out there again to finish my ride/hike. I want to know what is at the end of the trail.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

Me too. When?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Me too. When?

Whenever we get time.

[dirttorpeedo]

nice pile dean! i think back when there wuz a cabin resort of sorts up there is where that trail is.the cabins had a small store and a cozy little romantic setting.they were up for sale for a time when times were slo,the market wasnt dooing to well and woops the hole thing bernt to the ground.THAT may be the kwaint little hiking trail that wuz up there.nice find tho!

[roadkillross]

nice lookin pics dean. i like the looks of ur bike to. 5-spot??

[dstepper]

Yes first year 2003 5-Spot.

[roadkillross]

good lookin rig u got there.

[Sewellymon]

way back in '91 or so i rode up to the saddle. what- -3 miles up? nice enuff, but just chaparral covered hills. not a lot of personality or killer aesthetics.. it is sort of like a trail i rode in October. Heaton Flats trail out of the East Fork (a trail that hikers typically take up Iron Mt). [FONT=Arial] [/FONT]
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[uzziboy]

That looks very cool how do you get there?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Sewellymon

it is sort of like a trail i rode in October. Heaton Flats trail out of the East Fork

Bummer that the trails out of Heaton Flats are chaparral like UBCT. I like more trees and those two trails out of Heaton Flats heading into Sheep Mountain Wilderness are on my short list. Which trail did you go up, the one to Heaton Saddle or to Swan Rock?

Originally Posted by uzziboy

That looks very cool how do you get there?

Go to Rincon Fire Station on Highway 39, continue up North Fork San Gabriel River on Highway 39 to locked gate. Pedal up another 3+ miles to just below Coldbrook Campground. On the left will be a parking area and bathrooms. Trailhead is right behind the bathrooms, you can see the trail going up to the Smith Saddle from Highway 39.