Towsley Cyn, Santa Clarita Valley

[da big hills]

It was a great ride, 6.5 mile loop, 1200 foot climb. The park was full of walkers and joggers, I believe they were on the 2 mile loop so the back country is pretty empty. No other bikes. Lots of oil seeps, oil ponds and a sulfur spring. The narrows is full of water. The pyramid switchbacks were steep. Wiley cyn drop is very rough although the tread is smooth, it is cobbled with shoe marks from after the last rain. Good loop since you get a warm up, then up up and away climbing most of the 1200 feet in a little more than a mile. Park outside the gates on the old road, it adds 1/2 mile each way but the going is pretty flat. Lots of air on the water bars. Parking lot closes at sunset.
Happy oil field trails

 

[Winger]

Thanks for the ride recap! I did this a number of years ago and remember it being fun, but short. I've been meaning to go back and ride it again.

 

[JimN]

Thanks! So, is counterclockwise the preferred direction for the 6-mile loop? I checked out the satellite view and it looks like a pretty straightforward route to follow. I need to check it out sometime soon.

 

[da big hills]

Counter clockwise is a steeper climb and has a lot of switchbacks, so I rode it that way spending more time on the swooping downhill. The backside does not really have any true switchbacks

 

[stickman]

I prefer clockwise late afternoon to avoid most hikers. I can't clear that steep long hill up but can do most of the rest. You get to the trail sooner, & lots more decent on the way out. If you have anything left in the tank, you can hit the short loop close to the ranger house up, & more down on that as well.

 

[JimN]

Thanks, guys! Tried it out a couple weekends ago. Did the counter-clockwise version starting with the short loop up and over to the ranger house. Definitely a fun ride! Awful lot of hikers, but everyone was very friendly. Too bad the whole thing takes less than an hour to ride. Next time I think I'll tack on some extra by heading back out via the road to the ranger house and hit that short loop in the opposite direction to finish off. Need to try the main loop clockwise, as well, although it seems like the climbing would be extra tough in that direction. Descent would be fun, though.