Ride Report: Santa Anita Canyon/Chantry Flats *PICS*

[Luwin1026]

As I've hiked this trail many a time before but had never ridden it, I figured it was a good opportunity to do so. Went for an early morning ride to beat the heat. Drove up Santa Anita Canyon (sometimes also referred to as Chantry Flats), and realized that I had forgotten to purchase an Adventure Pass the day prior. As no place was open to sell them at 6 in the morning, I thought I was SOL and was just going to risk getting ticketed. Luckily, I found that you can park at the Adams Pack Station adjacent to the Chantry Flats picnic area - and as the station is privately owned, you can park in their lot and simply place $5 (same price as an Adventure Pass) in a metal box as a courtesy fee. They also sell Adventure Passes there as well if you're ever there and they're open.

Cruised down the trail - nothing crazy significant to report about. It starts off with a paved downhill section (which means hella climbing on the way back). Took my time as it had been awhile since I had hiked it and it seemed unfamiliar going by bike. Several short, steep uphill sections, but nothing to cry home to momma about. Stopped to take several pictures along the way - original plan was to ride to Sturtevant Falls and turn around. Took my camera out of my back pocket when I got there to discover that there was no juice left . . . oh well - pics another day.

Here are a few crappy snaps en route - was borrowing the wife's camera, which I'm still undecided on whether I like it or not.

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/163195026-M.jpg

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http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/163195078-M.jpg

[merider1]

Luwin, your pictures are stunning and do much justice to the beauty there. I used to hike (as much as I cycle now, but gave it up when I bought my first bike) and Chantry Flats to Mt. Wilson Obersvatory was one of my all-time favorites. It is gorgeous in there, and even if you just hike to Mt. Zion, it's a tough workout! Thank you for sharing! :)

[roadfix]

Very nice, Luwin. I've never mountain biked up there.

[spingineer]

I saw the dirt trail picture, and was thinking "how am I going to ride through there on my road bike" ... :p Silly me ....

[Gretzky]

Amazing photos Luwin!! Thanks for sharing :beer:

[Jeronimo_]

Nice,

[octico]

Luwin you should organize a MTB ride there.

[JDMxB]

Luwin you should organize a MTB ride there..

Agreed--I would definitely be in for that!!!