2.3 miles
Distance
408 ft
Climb
-1,486 ft
Descent
00:16:39
Avg time
Trail Supporters, Builders & Maintainers of Ken Burton Trail

Ken Burton Details

  • Riding area
    Brown Mountain
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Trail type
    Singletrack
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Trail Usage
    Multi-use
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • TTFs on trail
    Skinny
  • Ride in rain
    Yes
  • Global Ranking
    #10153
  • Year Opened
    1991

The Ken Burton trail in the Angeles National Forest is a milestone in Southern California mountain bike history. It represents the success of the local group Mount Wilson Bicycling Association (MWBA) and their strong, positive relationship with the USFS land managers in the 1990s. MWBA worked together with the USFS to build the trail as a memorial to Ken Burton, a loved Forestry Firefighter who left his friends and family much too soon.

The trail descends into the Arroyo Seco canyon from the top of Brown Mountain and connects to the Gabrielino trail. Rugged and exposed in many sections, the Ken Burton trail has over 20 steep switchbacks that challenge riders and keep you on your toes. The Ken Burton Monument is on your right side before the switchbacks start. The first three switchbacks will give you a good taste of what is coming ahead. As you near the bottom, be aware of the poison oak as it tends to flourish as you near the bottom of the canyon. Once you get to the Gabrielino, turn left and continue over the dam on your way back to the JPL area.

In 2009, the Station Fire destroyed the trail and it was closed for many years. In 2015, MWBA and CORBA volunteers joined forces and worked solidly for over 6 months on rebuilding the trail. On May 1st, 2016, the Ken Burton trail was officially re-opened at the MWBA Pancake Breakfast.

source: https://mwba.org/news/ken-burton-trail/
Access Info

Ken Burton is accessed by climbing 6 miles up Brown Mtn / Fern Truck trail from the JPL Windsor trailhead area

Local Trail Association
More Stats for Ken Burton mountain bike trail
  • Altitude change
    -1,078 ft
  • Altitude min
    1,832 ft
  • Altitude max
    2,960 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,910 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,832 ft
  • Grade
    -8.889%
  • Grade max
    -68.684%
  • Grade min
    35.805%
  • Distance climb
    3,137 ft
  • Distance down
    1.6 miles
  • Distance flat
    696 ft
  • Avg time
    00:16:39
  • Avg reverse time
    01:23:26
  • view trail stats
Status:
on May 19, 2016
Variable
Avg: 4 (5 votes)

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Directions to ken-burton trailhead (34.241879, -118.167422)
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Ken Burton Trail Reports

datedescription
May 19, 2016 @ 12:04pm
May 19, 2016
 The trail is riding great! There are a few soft edges along the singletrack and the switchbacks so be cautious and considerate of the trail.
view all reports »

Photos

more »
91 |
Sep 5, 2016 @ 10:23pm
Sep 5, 2016
Ken Burton, Pasadena
81 |
Sep 5, 2016 @ 10:22pm
Sep 5, 2016
Ken Burton, Pasadena
94 |
Sep 5, 2016 @ 10:21pm
Sep 5, 2016
Ken Burton, Pasadena
69 |
Sep 5, 2016 @ 10:21pm
Sep 5, 2016
Ken Burton, Pasadena

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Videos

more »
Ken Burton Trail - Brown Mountain - 9/5/16 -...
9 | May 21, 2017 , Altadena
XC Ride: Ken Burton Trail Grand Opening
154 | Jun 27, 2016 , Altadena

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Brown Mountain

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