Middle Merrill is truly one of the best trails in the San Gabriel Mountains (Angeles National Forest), and in the SoCal area. This trail is usually linked up with other trails in the area: Sunset, Upper and Lower Sam Merrill Trails. The trail is all technical narrow singletrack with numerous sections of considerable exposure. This trail is for intermediate and expert riders only, and intermediate riders will likely have to dismount several sections. Access: There are three ways to access this trail: 1) Chaney Trail: From Alta Loma Rd in Altadena take Chaney Trail Rd. towards Millard Campground. Before dropping into Millard Campground, park at the closed gate. Ride up paved road until it turns into dirt and continue towards Inspiration Point. The dirt road turns into the historic Mt. Lowe Railroad. The trailhead is at the three way junction and is marked. To visit Inspiration Point, which is highly recommended, go straight or South at the three way junction. 2) Lower Sam Merrill Trail: Park at the end of Lake Ave. in Altadena. Follow signs to Sam Merrill Trail. This trail is very steep, narrow, with a great deal of exposure. This route is only recommended to experienced, strong climbers. Once at Echo Mountain (2.7 miles) turn left towards Cape of Good Hope. This singletrack trail will meet where the paved Chaney Trail meets the dirt Mt. Lowe Railroad. This route is not recommended for decents on weekends due to heavy use by hikers. Use Sunset Trail for alternate (and better) decent after MSMT. 3) From above: Park at Eaton Saddle on Mt. Wilson Rd. Take fireroad through tunnel. You can either take the Upper Sam Merrill Trail or the fireroad. The USMT is on the left at crest past tunnel. Taking USMT to MSMT to LSMT or Sunset Trail will link together some serious singletrack with some serious vertical!
Lower Sam merril is a very hard climb, upper and middle sam merrill, Sunset and El Prieto trails are among the best technical DH singletracks anywhere. thanx for the write up, MTBMaven
