more stats
1.9 miles
Distance
139 ft
Climb
-914 ft
Descent
00:38:15
Avg time
-776 ft
Altitude change
4,524 ft
Altitude min
5,394 ft
Altitude max
5,300 ft
Altitude start
4,524 ft
Altitude end
-7.9%
Grade
-72.8%
Grade max
28.6%
Grade min
2,457 ft
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
184 ft
Distance flat
00:38:15
Avg time

Sam Merrill (Upper) Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Angeles National Forest
    Pasadena, California
  • Ref Number
    12W14.3
  • AKA
    Sam Merrill (Upper) 12W14.3
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 75 in Trail Running
    • 85 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #64148 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #129453 in Trail Running
    • #110565 in Hiking
  • State Ranking
    #1,984 in Mountain Biking · California [+]
    • #6,437 in Trail Running
    • #6,166 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Season
    year round
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • TTFs on Trail
    Roller Coaster
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    USFS - Angeles National Forest

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.

Tags
RollersStairs

Trail Supporters

Local Trail Association

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 12 rides
  • 13 miles avg distance
All
  • 123 rides
  • Last: Oct 11, 2026
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Sam Merrill (Upper) Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Apr 27, 2026 @ 8:37am (America/Los_Angeles)
Apr 27, 2026
 Great trail. Has been cleared and in excellent condition. Exposure and tight switchbacks typical of San Gabes riding.
Jan 25, 2026 @ 9:14am (America/Los_Angeles)
Jan 25, 2026
 Very loose
Aug 14, 2024 @ 10:46am
Aug 14, 2024
 Very dry, very loose. Not much fun at the moment
Mar 19, 2024 @ 2:04am
Mar 19, 2024
Nov 24, 2023 @ 6:59pm
Nov 24, 2023
more »
Status:
on Apr 27, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.96 (20 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (1,547)
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      Directions to sam-merrill-upper trailhead (34.239050, -118.099300)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      20 more »
      mtb
      148 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      mtb
      120 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      mtb
      125 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      mtb
      147 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      Views 2

      Videos

      10 more »
      youtuber Upper Sam Merrill / Pasadena, CA / MTB
      mtb
      4:22 | 174 | Jul 15, 2024 , Pasadena
      Wilson Full Ride
      mtb
      27:31 | 114 | Jul 11, 2023 , Pasadena
      youtuber MT. WILSON
      mtb
      17:08 | 181 | Apr 11, 2023 , Pasadena
      Mt. Wilson/Eaton Saddle Shuttle Downhill
      mtb
      1:5:09 | 201 | Jul 27, 2021 , Pasadena

      Routes with this trail

      192
      Eaton Saddle Shuttle
      ★ 5.0 • 8 miles • 691 ft • 7 • Shuttled •
      Shuttle run from top of Mt. Lowe East to the bottom of Sunset Ridge.
      325
      Mt Lowe, Sam Merril, sunset, EP
      ★ 5.0 • 13 miles • 1,514 ft • 12 • Shuttled •
      This shuttle Route is one Variation of the so called Front side riding area in the Angeles National Forest.
      336
      Mt. Wilson Mega
      ★ 5.0 • 25 miles • 5,728 ft • 31 • Loop •
      Mt wilson mega ride. load up the camelback, this is an all day event.
      4.0 ★★★★★
      20 Ratings
      5 ★ 35%
      4 ★ 35%
      3 ★ 25%
      2 ★
      1 ★ 5%

      Reviews / Comments

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      Nearby Trails

      Angeles National Forest

      • By gooseman310 & contributors
      • #25607 - 6,471 views

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Sam Merrill (Upper) located?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) is located in Angeles National Forest, Pasadena, California, United States. It is part of the Angeles National Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 34.23905, -118.0993.
      ▼ How hard is Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 7.9%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) has 139 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 914 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 4,524 ft to 5,394 ft.
      ▼ Is Sam Merrill (Upper) a point to point trail?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) is 1.9 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Sam Merrill (Upper). Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Sam Merrill (Upper) are:
      • May (6 activities)
      • December (6 activities)
      • January (5 activities)
      Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
      ▼ How do I access Sam Merrill (Upper)? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Sam Merrill (Upper) are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 38 minutes to ride Sam Merrill (Upper). The trail is 1.9 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Sam Merrill (Upper)?
      Sam Merrill (Upper) is a very popular trail. There have been 1,644 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 1,547 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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