RR: Lower Monroe Truck Trail - Mystic Canyon

Discussion in 'Trail Conditions' started by dstepper, Feb 9, 2008.

  1. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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    Vic thank you for showing my this route.

    Glendora CA, San Gabriel Mountains. 15.57 miles 2214 elevation gain.

    Started Glendora Mountain Road in town, climbed Lower Monroe Truck Trail to the upper pavement on Glendora Mountain Road, 8 mile climb. Backtracked most of the trail and split off on Mystic Canyon Trail.

    First mile of the trail follows the stream up, water crossing rideable or walkable without getting wet. Yes it says truck trail but not much road left, it is long gone and only a road left is near the top. I like this ride the grade is not real steep and could be classified as one step above a beginner ride. This one will be put on my full moon night ride list, you can see downtown LA from up there and the whole San Gabriel Valley.

    The exposure is minimal for the San Gabs, at least bushes to stop the fall. For the OCers this ride reminds me a lot of Santiago Truck to up to Old Camp, but the snow views of Baldy make it better.

    For the downhillers it is very shuttlable with some very steep extra credits single tracts paralleling the fireroad. For the thrill seekers, if you are so inclined end the ride with Poopout Trail.

    Dean
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 9, 2008
  2. Burner

    Burner WAWE

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    looks like fun. it was hot out today!!!!
     
  3. jfromlv

    jfromlv trail sanitizer

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    Just so you know, taking Poopout will be the end of most any ride, literally. It is super steep, rutted, and gets washed out really bad after the rains. Looks like you guys had fun on one of my favorite night ride trails.
     
  4. ka0t1c07

    ka0t1c07 Full Travel

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    Lets get a night ride going.
     
  5. VTVic

    VTVic New Member

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    Let me start by saying WOW I live so close to this trail and had never rode it before. I think I'll be making more regular visits on this trail during the week. It was just awesome. Steppie and I met and parked at the trailhead and off we went into the unknown
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    A few water crossings at the beginning with plenty of water flowing through the creek but not enough to make us turn around. Just a bit technical as we were riding through the creek bed to the beginning of the climb on MTT.
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    Once we got on solid ground the trail was a gradual and steady climb along the canyon with great views. Very green out there
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    Once we got to the ridge the views were incredible on both sides, which included plenty of snow
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    Looking back at the view of Glendora down below and MTT on the right. The trail on the left is a nasty DH section, which we dared not try it. Pretty nasty drop right were the hikers are standing.
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    Our journey continues in search of GMR
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    View of Mt Baldy to our right
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    On our left we could see the Crystal Lake are with plenty of snow
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    We crossed GMR and rode into a fire road to take a break, have lunch and enjoy the views of Mt Baldy
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    And the downhill begins back the same way we climbed
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    Here we decided to take a left and hit the Mystic Cyn Trail. You can see Poopout to the right and disappearing. Looked pretty nasty and steep. Perfect name for it...
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    Steppie mastering the switchbacks
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    Sun reflecting on water down below
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    The last section of the Mystic Trail turned out to be very loose and somewhat steep...fun fun fun
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    Trail ends at Dalton Road
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    From Dalton road we noticed this trail on the other side of the creek heading up...very steep. Does anyone know what this is called and where it ends up at?
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    Traffic on GMR was predominatly motorcycles and CHPs chasing them back and forth. We could see this go on through out our climb with Ambulances making runs a few times.
    Looks like this guys' fun ended in a not so fun sort of way. According to the CHP guarding it, the bike smashed on the hillside of GMR. As to the rider "he will live". "Just a typical weekend out at GMR"
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    yet another run
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    Great time out there. As usual, a pleasure to ride with the legend - Steppie
     
  6. un-kola

    un-kola Just another Homer!

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    Gmr

    It's really a great ride.:D In the summer though,take lots and lots of water and sunscreen.8) - Lloyd
     
  7. Pain Freak

    Pain Freak Dead or Alive

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    I missed my big ride yesterday (flocking taxes). But as soon as it warms up a little more I'll be out the door heading over to climb GMR.

    The motorcyclists really push it here as they know Azuza and Angeles are very closely watched. Going at the pace we do on the climb we see the CHP all the time watching the bikes go thru and just waiting till they make it up and then they cite them as the come up. It's amazing too, they just keep coming and the cops keep citing.

    We also do a section some of the people call "widowmaker", on the way down. Did you cross over GMR then go thru the white gate on the other side? That's my favorite part of the ride. Some of the folks that have been riding this trail for over 20 years tell me they've renamed Mystic as it was called something else by the locals. I haven't rode MTT in 3 or 4 years. I've got to get back over there and do it again.
     
  8. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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    Yes we did but only to the first saddle to eat lunch and turn around. What does the road do from that section on? Looks like it might head back down.

    Dean
     
  9. Pain Freak

    Pain Freak Dead or Alive

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    Yeah it does, for a short while then comes back to the road where you then ride down for about a mile or so if memory serves me. Then you can drop into Mystic.
     
  10. Rossage

    Rossage Active Member

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    The fireroad on the "north" side of GMR is Upper Monroe Truck trail and it is basically a fun downhill for around 7-7.5 miles. The fun ends at a 20ft high fence surrounding Fire Camp 19 (probation) near Follows Camp along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. Fun ride but it is an out and back.
     
  11. thebush

    thebush DW vs. CVA

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    Just rode MTT for the first time this afternoon and absolutely love this trail. This is my new favorite local trail 15 minutes from my house! Wasn't in the mood to ride at all but made myself and this turned out to be a great ride!

    My Garmin Edge 305 uploaded to Motion Based reported TOTAL elevation gain as 2650ft.
     
  12. Impy

    Impy Active Member

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    great pics and ride report. I'd relaly like to do that ride.
     
  13. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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    Here is the elevation profile from the ride. Don't know were that spike came from at mile 3, I don't remember anything that steep.
     

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  14. KeepsWhatHappens

    KeepsWhatHappens Warriors Society Member

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    F'ing INCREDIBLE PHOTOS !! Thank you for posting them. I am going to have to burn some gas and try out this trail some time!

    KeepsWhatHappens
     
  15. thebush

    thebush DW vs. CVA

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    I was disappointed that I forgot my camera and only managed to get a few camera phone shots.

    This was across GMR going down the other side of MTT. I would've taken it but it was going to get dark soon.

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    Bike shot

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  16. dirtmistress

    dirtmistress AKA Roadiemistress

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    ](*,)
    Bad cold and visiting mom kept me off the bike this week-end. I now live through the ride reports. Beautiful photo's! Next time!!!
     
  17. chupacabra

    chupacabra New Member

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    Fun Trail. Great at night.
     
  18. chupacabra

    chupacabra New Member

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    I wonder how that got there?

    It a great trail, hopefully getting better.
     

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  19. allison

    allison Active Member

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    :clap:
     
  20. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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    Tin, I will keep an eye out for a full moon that is high in the night sky and will post it up. Would be great to get part of the ride gone whyilethe sun sets.

    Dean
     

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