March 27, 2010 9:00 AM - 12 attended

Chantry Flats to Mt Zion

Chantry Flats Access Road (map)

Selected By: A former member

Rescheduled to 3/27 due to expected heavy rains 3/6.

Due to the technical nature of this trail, steep climbs and strenuous hike a bike sections, big bikes are not advised nor would they help you much on the way down.

Check out the photos from our last trip here:
http://photos.3fbc.co...

We'll start this ride at Chantry Flats (that's the top of the road noted in the directions). We have two options on the climbs:

Interactive Ride Map:
http://www.mapmyride....

TOPO Map
http://topos.3fbc.com...

From Chanty flats, your first two miles of climbing up a tight switchback are rideable but slightly challenging. You'll have to watch out for protuding rocks and roots on your left while focusing on not falling down steep embankments on your right most of the time. Error margin is about zero on this part of the trail and the penalty for failure is severe.

After the first 2 miles, we have a little fun dropping into a canyon for the next 1/2 mile, and then soon after we begin our hike-a-bike section: a solid and very steep mile or so switch back hike up to the Mt. Zion.

From Mt. Zion, you'll be pleased to know that the rest of the trip except for the climb out at the end on pavement is ALL downhill. However, this 3 mile section of bliss is combined with many rocky sections that will require your focus on the trail. You are almost certain to get wet in this area.

Once at the 8 mile mark, we begin a short climb up a steep paved road to get back to the cars (about a half mile).

Don't let the mileage fool you. This will be some of the most challenging climbing you've ever done if you're accustomed to fire roads. The terrain in the San Gabriel mountains is far more difficult. We're going to be doing quite a quite a bit of hike a bike stuff, so be patient with us slow guys!

Warning: If you are afraid of heights, sharp rocks, steep climbs, sheer drop offs, gnarly and rocky water crossings, hikers, horses, and/or God, this probably isn't the ride for you. Embrace your fears and you should be fine, but there is no guarantee. You might become seriously injured or die on this ride. It all depends upon your own bike handling skills and speed. We are NOT responsible for you safety, but we will be there with you the whole way to guide you through this adventure and call for a rescue helicopter if needed.

Overall stats if parking at Chantry:
Mileage: Approx. 9 miles.
Climbing: Approx. 2300'
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced, Strenuous Technical Climbing and Technical Descents
Time: Approx 3 hours or more with breaks

Radios: If you have one, bring it. We're on channel 7/7.

A forest adventure pass is required to park at Chantry Flats. If you decide to wait until you get there to buy one, be advised, they are double the price at Chantry ($10).

  • A former member

    Wait until you see the down before you say "fast down". lol

    Posted March 8, 2010 at 2:09 PM
  • David Covert
    David Covert

    I'll make sure not to forget the pads for this one :o)

    Posted March 8, 2010 at 2:26 PM
  • chris  G
    chris G

    hike-a-bike for a mile...yuck :(

    Posted March 24, 2010 at 2:43 PM
  • A former member

    Yeah the hike-a-bike part sucks, but it's worth it. We could do the ride backwards and do a much easier climb, but then the downhill part would be pretty short and pretty steep - and possibly have some sections you'd have to walk DOWN. Now that REALLY sucks!

    Posted March 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
  • A former member

    The hike a bike section is technical, steep, and rocky with some tight switchbacks. If you're a super strong technical climber, you might be able to ride up most of it, but the switchbacks will be quite a challenge. Here's a photo of part of the hike a bike: http://photos.3fbc.com/20091219_Chantry_Flats_to_Mt_Zion/... - much steeper than the Backbone trail.

    Posted March 24, 2010 at 8:24 PM
  • chris  G
    chris G

    mark, why dont you clean up some of those rocks off the trail while you're out there...

    Posted March 25, 2010 at 10:53 AM
  • A former member

    Ahhhhh Chris that would take all the fun out of it if we made the trail smooth.

    Posted March 25, 2010 at 11:10 AM
  • A former member

    I like Paul's excuse - too much local snow to show up for a Chantry ride.

    Posted March 26, 2010 at 10:51 AM
  • A former member

    Holy crap a dozen people? Man I hope I remembered the route! lol

    Posted March 26, 2010 at 10:51 AM
  • matt
    matt

    Wow! That is a lot of people, I may have to cut out early if it starts to take to long, got some prior engagements to make but I'll make that diecision at the Zion trail head I guess.

    Posted March 26, 2010 at 12:33 PM
  • A former member

    No problem Matt, and anyone else who wants to go faster or take off - if us slow guys are holding you back and you know the route - go for it. See you all soon.

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 7:35 AM
  • matt
    matt

    It's not that I'm fast, I just know that trail is tight and crowded so getting 12 bikes through there is gonna take some time but it should be alotta fun, see you there!

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM
  • A former member

    Sorry we couldn't keep up with you guys but glad you all made it around the loop just fine! I'm beat. Garmin stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28192932

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 2:58 PM
  • peter
    peter

    The whole time i tought they where behind us! LOL...Good times....

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 3:32 PM
  • Will Wright
    Will Wright

    Thanks for the ride everyone, nice meetup! Way to rock it Colleen!

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 4:33 PM
  • Colleen
    Colleen

    Can you see me smiling? Please, guys, don't try to top my "no brakes" fly-down adventure. The trail was amazing today. Lots of hikers which made it even more challenging to maneuver & keep a level head. Thanks, again, Mark. A quick stop at Incycle on the way home & now I'm set to go back in the dirt w/the proper braking power.

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 9:20 PM
  • Drew
    Drew

    Hey Mark, Sorry I took off. I waited a couple of times, but had some stuff to do... no one told me about the cement wall at the end. The garmin stats are cool!

    Posted March 27, 2010 at 11:55 PM
  • matt
    matt

    Great ride! The skill level in the whole group was awesome which made for a challenging fast paced ride, I'd happily ride with any one of you again! Great weather, met some great new people to ride with and happy hikers, what more could you ask for in a ride. Thanks for putting it together Mark! Oh yeah and Colleen is a badass for sure!

    Posted March 28, 2010 at 8:35 AM
  • A former member

    Everyone's comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

    Posted March 28, 2010 at 4:37 PM
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12 attended

RSVPs closed

5.00 5.005 (5 ratings)

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