Supporters, Builders, Maintainers & Land Managers of Sam Merrill (Upper) Trail
USFSLand Manager
Sam Merrill (Upper) Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaAngeles National Forest
Pasadena, California -
Ref Number12W14.3
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AKASam Merrill (Upper) 12W14.3
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Difficulty Rating
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeDH, AM
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DirectionDownhill PrimaryPopular direction shown
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingModerate
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Seasonyear round
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailRoller Coaster
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Ride in RainYes
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Global Ranking
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Local Popularity80 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 40 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Land Owner
Coming down from the paved road near Mt Wilson, Upper Sam Merrill is the 1st single track trail to the left after coming thru the old tunnel.
You climb the Mt Lowe Fireroad to a three way fire road junction and you will see the Mt Lowe East trail to the far left. The single track starts with a couple of rock steps and climbs to a metal trail sign labeled Mt Lowe / Mt Wilson. Mt Lowe East / Merrill Upper single track is very narrow, loose, and exposed. There are many 180 switchbacks and areas where you may prefer to walk over ride. There are a number of "chutes" that go straight down so be careful and be aware the regular trail always switchbacks at these points and is safer. Competent DH riders may prefer the straight "chutes" where All Mountain riders may prefer the standard trail which is still very challenging. This trail demands focus and attention its entire length.
The trail reconnects to Mt Lowe Fire Road and you continue down to the junction of Middle Sam Merrell Trail and Inspiration Point. Inspiration Point is to the left at this junction and is well worth the short climb for the historic view. Descending Middle Merrill from here is a classic trail with similar conditions to Mt Lowe East. Be aware that you will likely encounter many hikers as you get closer to Echo Mountain.
Using a bell on your bicycle is highly recommended.
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
More Stats for Sam Merrill (Upper) mountain bike trail trail
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Altitude change-776 ft
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Altitude min4,524 ft
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Altitude max5,394 ft
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Altitude start5,300 ft
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Altitude end4,524 ft
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Grade-7.9%
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Grade max-72.8%
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Grade min28.6%
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Distance climb2,457 ft
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Distance down1 mile
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Distance flat184 ft
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Avg time00:35:00
- view trail stats
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
- Description
- Photos
- Description & Photos
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- most popular
- popular
- less popular
- not popular
- mountain biking recent
- mountain biking (>6 month)
- hiking (1 year)
- moto (1 year)
- Downhill Ski
- Backcountry Ski
- Nordic Ski
- Snowmobile
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SaveSam Merrill (Upper) Trail Reports
Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail
- 2 rides
- 17 miles avg distance
- 32 rides
- 16 miles avg distance
- 1,318 rides
- Last: Nov 3, 2024
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Videos
Nearby Trails
- San Gabriel Peak Trail (markham To Disappointment) 108 ft
- Old Mt Lowe Railroad (shuttle To Sadle) 2,949 ft
- San Gabriel Peak Trail (saddle To Summit) 3,671 ft
- Mt. Lowe Summit Spur 1 mile
- Chutes 1 mile
Angeles National Forest
- By gooseman310 & contributors
- #25607 - 5,508 views
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