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Chilao / Silver Moccasin Figure-8

Angeles National Forest

A high altitude figure-8 ride high in the San Gabriels.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
24 km
Ascent
754 m
Descent
754 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
Chilao / Silver Moccasin Figure-8 Map

This figure-8 loop in the Chilao Flats area, incorporating the Silver Moccasin trail, is one of the highest-elevation rides in the San Gabriels near Los Angeles. While there aren’t any major climbs or descents, the entire ride takes place over 5,000 feet, with the peak elevation reaching almost 6,200 feet!

Description

Since this loop is located so high in the mountains, you should always expect inclement weather and plan for the worst. While the weather in sunny Los Angeles may be beautiful as ever, riding at over 5,000 feet is a completely different story. Be sure to check the weather, start early in the day, and bail out of the weather looks like it’s changing. The high altitude of this ride also means that it has a shorter riding season than many other trails in the region. The upper reaches of the San Gabriels routinely receive snow in the winter, so plan accordingly.

Assuming you’ve planned your weather window properly, this sky-scraping ride will reward you with delightful singletrack and stunning views! According to MountainBikeBill, “this is a raw, untrammeled bit of goodness that requires your full attention as it is narrow, steep, and often quite brushy. It is not a fast ripper trail per se, but it does have its moments.”

Some sections of trail are buff and flowy, and others feature waterbar jumps and chunky rocks. While overall this trail is intermediate friendly, expect some of the rock gardens to pose a challenge!

Sources: http://www.mountainbikebill.com/SilverMoccasion.htm

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Drops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area