Some Questions - Riding Mount Wilson Toll Rd - Parking, trailhead etc

Next Saturday, I'm going to be in the Pasadena/Altadena area and was thinking about riding somewhere there.

I'm thinking of trying Mount Wilson Toll Road

I've been searching back through STR, and found this post from TranceRider from almost 2 years ago -

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/for...-near-Pasadena&p=932565&viewfull=1#post932565

So, my questions are -

• Is it still ok to park on Pinecrest Drive? As I'll be riding next Saturday, does the weekend make a difference (i.e., lots of other riders, hikers etc parking there, and/or any businesses, local "parking permit" restrictions)

• Is the trail head on Pinecrest (still) open, or have there been any (recent) changes and I need to start elsewhere?

• Weather, I can check weather.com, but I'm assuming its going to be warm this time of year(?)

I've also found this geoladders of the route -
http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=31725

and this strava map -
http://app.strava.com/activities/4313548

...is there anything else I need to know?

I'm going to study the maps more closely, but I'm assuming its fireroad (if a little steep in places)

If anybody wants to join me, they're welcome, but be warned, I'm a slow climber, and I'm viewing this ride as a "leisurely/relaxing weekend ride"...

Anyway, any help, comments, info etc welcomed

 

If you want make it a loop you can go up the toll road and down Wilson Trail then pedal the road back...if not start early because it gets hot! Pinecrest parking is fine but busy. You can also park in the park just below pinecrest and ride the road in.

I wouldn't recommend riding the horse trail up from the park in because no bikes are allowed but if you do it is nice and know one will bother you.

 

The gate on Pinecress used to get locked at sunset. Not sure if they are still doing that. Tough climb that I do not like to do during the summer.

 

Thanks for the info. I hope to be started by 7:30am, so hopefully beat some of the heat.

 

I would start earlier if possible. This climb can get bad in the heat and the first 3 miles up to Hennager flats are the toughest..

I have climbed this in the snow and you manage to keep warm just fine.

 

This time of year, I'd suggest climbing up mt Lowe fire road instead - it has a lot more shade and can be looped with some great single track for the DH. I did that climb the other day and even though I started at 10am, it never got too hot.

 

I grew up just around the corner from there. I know the trail well and surrounding area really well. It's a tough climb! Henninger Flats is at about the 2 3/4 mile mark. Nice place to stop and rest, there is a ranger station with a neat little "museum". From there get back on the main fire road and keep climbing. Just north of Henningers there are a couple trail intersections but nothing that should confuse you. About a mile up from Henningers is the Idle Hour trail, a single track that will be on your left.

If you were on the trail by 8am you should be OK. The weather is cooler up higher, you'll be climbing to about 5,500 feet. Many times, not allows, descending I've passed through a temperature inversion layer and you'll notice it get warm quick. It will be warm on the climb but not scorching like it might be in the LA basin. Also if the air is dirty you can see the smog layer. Strange sight. Brown line where above the sky is blue and pretty and below tonic waste.

Parking on Pinecrest near the gate is illegal on weekends. About a block or so away you can park, there is plenty of parking. I suggest you park below the gate, after this ride your not going to want to ride up Pinecrest to your car.

Enjoy the ride, it is a fantastic way to spend your Saturday! The ride is tough, the climb is relentless. Never goes downhill, always up. The ride to Henninger averages 10.3%.

 

I agree with those who have said to go earlier, it does get hot, and the climb is relentless. You will encounter many walkers on their way to Henninger, but very few go beyond there. Not the best ride in the area, but one that you can check off the bucket list. Have fun.

 

Agree with all of the above posts - should be no problem parking on Pinecrest. The last time I rode this route was earlier this year. About half way up there were some hike-a-bike sections where large rocks/boulders were in the trail. Let us know if those have been cleared out or not. Have a great ride!

 

I did this a few times in the 90s and revisited last December just to see it again. Parked off Pinecrest, tons of people parking there so had to park a bit away, gate was open and very congested with hikers on the lower portion up to Henninger like everyone has said. I agree that Mt. Wilson Trail and Lowe would be far better trail, but it's a pretty scenic old dirt road, shaded in a canopy for a good portion in the middle, and an amazing view from up top. Plus 9 miles up = 9 miles down.