upper winter creek to mt wilson trail

From what I understand, this route is still open...is it in good shape and relatively snow free?

 

Yes and yes. As usual, a bit steep going up after the LWC split.

edit: the only snow I've seen lately is on Sturdevant trail coming off the top of Mt Wilson, and even then it was nothing to worry about.

 

Sweet! thanks Do you know if there is any way to add a little extra mileage of ST into that loop?

 

Up Gabrielino to Mt Zion. :?:

 

how suicidal would climbing mt wilson trail, dropping from there to chantry, and climbing back up to mt wilson and back down mt wilson?

 

Trail is in great shape (minus a couple of small downed trees). Just rode it yesterday. I call it the 18-2 climb. 18 switchbacks in the first 2 miles, then another 2 in the last 3/4. If you want extra credit and want to keep it simple, once @ Manzanita Ridge, keep climbing up to The Wilson Toll Road and up to Skyline Park (ST or Fire Road). Once there, back track to Mt. Wilson Trail. Start somewhere near Mountain Trail and Grand view and climb up to Chantry, in order to avoid climbing at the end. Good luck.

 

If you like tech climbing and a bit of HAB it's doable. I enjoy climbing MWT to the top, then you can return back down MWT or drop Sturtevant, up and over MT Zion, up UWC and back down MWT. Suicidal? no, ASS KICKER yes.
Mike.

 

what's the estimate on miles and ft climbed with the MWT climb, to Zion and down Sturtevant, then back up UWC to Wilson and back down MWT?

 

I'm not big on stats, I just like to ride. But if the signs along the trails are correct 7 1/2m up MWT, 3m down Sturtevant, 2 1/2m up and over Zoin, 2 1/2 up UWC and I think 5 back down MWT. Ft climbed, I would guess 5-6000. Like most rides, miles and ft climbed don't really tell the whole story.
Mike.

 

What about this loop?

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=9767

 

That loop is Climbing up Mt Wilson Toll Road not Mt Wilson Trail. A tough ride nonetheless. Going up Mt Wilson would be brutal. Lots of HAB, but definitely doable.

 

I did that on Xmas eve. 8)


1. The toll road seems like the longest climb ever. Not sure why, just felt like it would never end, with no flats to rest or anything.

2. The 3 mile descent from the top of Mt Wilson to Spruce Grove Campground was some of the hardest stuff to ride for me. Technical to be expected, but being so steep made it much harder. After that it's the normal Chantry fun.

3. It was a blast as expected, but I got a little freaked when I got to the top of mt wilson and found out the pavement to the top of Sturdevant trail is closed from Dec-March. Luckily some maintenance guy came through the gate and let me through. Otherwise I would have had to take the toll rd back down, which apparently is what some people do (why i have no idea)

 

"HAB"?
Possible to ride up Mt. W Toll Road then down Swisher? (Gotta get me a good trail map of the S Gabes! Ideas?)

 

HAB = Hike a bike

 

Ya, but you're superhuman Mike. That climb from UWC to MWT on Manzanita is no joke.

 

What is harder, climbinb MWT or Climbing the pavement up to chantry, then crossing over on Manzatia?

 

I have never climbed MWT but Krankin Kiwi has. I would have to guess MWT would be harder. MWT is all steep, techical, single track climbing. While if you go up the pavement to UWC to Manzanita, the only hard part would be Manzanita.