Rediscovering Marshall

[53-12]

Finding I had a little extra time on my hands this weekend I decided to reacquaint myself with the trail through Marshall Canyon. Anyone who has ever ridden this can confirm that there is nothing overly challenging here, but since I have always been a 'climber not a descender' and had not ridden the canyon for some few months, I took things a bit slower than usual. I got my workout riding up Burbank Canyon in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park at mid-day. The sun beats you mercilessly here, which makes the shade of Marshall's depths all the more inviting.

I topped out, and only momentarily took in the view of the smog enclosed valley below, then rolled on downhill until finally making it to the first short 'st' section. On a good day, ie. no crowds, you can swoop along here as smoothly as the hawks riding the air currents up above. A little further down canyon and vertical trails tearing into the mountain's sides come into view - too intense for my hardtail rig or my 44 year old nerves. From this vantage they look impossible to ride, though clearly for the more talented of our kind they are; so smiled in amazement and continued on my way.

I am winding through my favorite section now - stream crossings (when there is enough water), sheltering canopy of oaks, walnuts and willows overhead, and swooping trail with an occasional pump rise. The lack of water was especially noticable at a crossing near the golf course, where over the winter my, then 8 year old son, took a nose dive (shaken but no damage done). The water and mud softened up his fall at 'Owen's Plunge' then, now it would be a bit more painful.

I had the trail virtually to myself until reaching the detention basin at the bottom where I latched onto a trio of mtb'rs, who had themselves caught up to a large group of equestrians. At the far end of the basin the local neighborhood kids were doing some hucking off the baisin's rim, and enjoing a fine afternoon in the outdoors. Marshall Canyon may not be the most interesting trail I have ever ridden, but today, from the seat of my bike it was just fine.

[Letyrides]

Nice RR. I felt like I was there.

[davidB]

nice write up, been riding there for the last couple months as often as I can. Nothing like being the last one down the 2-3 miles of canopied shade while the sun sets.

sadly I have only ever gotten to mile 3.31 (geoladders.com) starting from the bottom due to the sun setting and me feeling like i'm the only one out there in case i die lol

[J_Sims]

We used to night ride this area every wed night back in the mid 90's... always staring over in claremont up Burbank or Cobalt...

Great RR really brought back some memories....

[CC]

Rode Marshall Cyn tonight. However, left from Oak Mesa park and rode up through the canapy. Went to the gate and over to the first ST. The dirt was nice and tacky today...must have rain a little. Overall it was a great ride. Headed to Red Robin after for some good eats.

~ cc

[Mike D.]

Did the loop today and coming down Colbalt there is a large tree blocking the trail! I was up there from about 3:30 until 5:30 and saw only one other mt. Biker! However, I did come across LARGE DOGS unleashed. Did they not see what happen on the TOUR last week to that Dog? ( and that rim)
After reading the post about the rider who made her way up Baldy last Saturday I'm inclined to give it a go. Will I need a Wilderness Pass?
I don't post often, but I read what others have posted and must give a thanks to all of you!
Take Care fellow MOUNTAIN BIkers !

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

After reading the post about the rider who made her way up Baldy last Saturday I'm inclined to give it a go. Will I need a Wilderness Pass?
I don't post often, but I read what others have posted and must give a thanks to all of you!
Take Care fellow MOUNTAIN BIkers !

"that rider" who did Baldy last weekend is the same "rider" - CC - who did Marshall last night. Perhaps you too should try and ride together.

[CC]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

Did the loop today and coming down Colbalt there is a large tree blocking the trail! I was up there from about 3:30 until 5:30 and saw only one other mt. Biker! However, I did come across LARGE DOGS unleashed. Did they not see what happen on the TOUR last week to that Dog? ( and that rim)
After reading the post about the rider who made her way up Baldy last Saturday I'm inclined to give it a go. Will I need a Wilderness Pass?
I don't post often, but I read what others have posted and must give a thanks to all of you!
Take Care fellow MOUNTAIN BIkers !

Mike, You will need a wilderness pass displayed if you go up to Mt. Baldy. They actaully sell them on the side of the road on the way up.

It's a nice place to explore if you haven't been up there. There is also another trail "Sunset Fire Road" that left a perminate scar on my right fore arm. I'm ready to hit that trail again too. However it's best to have a shuttle up for that ride.

Let me know when you want to hit those trails up and I would be glad to show you the trail.

~ cc

[Sharky]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

Will I need a Wilderness Pass?

I live in the foothills right there so we're up at Baldly often and they are persistant in tickets for not displaying but PM me if you want to borrow mine for the day. That goes for anyone I'm on your way up. Baldy is one of the few places I've noticed recent upgrades and maintainence which I'm assuming comes from the money generated from these. Atleast I sure hope the money generated is being put to good use...

[SIZE=1](I have mixed feelings on the Pass idea)[/SIZE]

[53-12]

Was up there about 6:00 last night - a pedestrian going up canyon warned me about the tree as I was coming down. Always unleashed dogs up there, I once had one follow me half way down canyon to the gates. The best though is the rider who carries a little white dog in a pack on his back - I have seen him a few times and give a little chuckle.

[Mike D.]

Sharky,

Thanks for the offer to use your pass. However, I will buy one this week.