Shuttle run down the final portion of the Gabrielino Trail

Statistics

0 - 1

hrs

201

m

956

m

8

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

For many years following a fire, the Gabrielino Trail was closed to through traffic.

However, based on recent reports, the trail is now open again in its entirety! According to a recent report [by Ben Goyette](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2rXpR9D1dE) in January, 2019, “the Gabrielino Trail was recently reopened in its entirety thanks to the efforts of some 100 trail building volunteers.” Hopefully the trail stays open and rideable for many years to come! However, if you’re uncertain of the latest trail status and don’t want to become stranded in the mountains, checking with the local trail advocacy groups and bike shops on the latest trail conditions is never a bad idea.

If you do hit the Gabrielino Trail, you’ll get to experience long stretches of seriously exposed benches with a long, steep fall to the downhill side.

Some of the exposure is so severe that it could even be death-defying.

While yes, going off the edge would be a bad thing, these exposed benches provide jaw-dropping views of the steep-sided San Gabriel mountains all around you! The tradeoff for airy exposure is airy views, so be sure to pack a camera and snap a few shots of the stunning scenery. Thankfully, most of the exposed benches are relatively smooth, and most of the ultra-technical rock sections are reserved for the areas lower in the canyon.

While the Gabrielino Trail does boast some fast, flowy one-track, certain spots feature burly rock gardens that are guaranteed to challenge most any rider! Generally speaking, the upper portion of this descent is the most difficult section, and the trail gets easier as you approach the outskirts of the city. Sources: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/10-best-mountain-bike-trails-angeles-national-forest/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2rXpR9D1dE