1.9 miles
Distance
139 ft
Climb
-914 ft
Descent
00:35:00
Avg time
Supporters, Builders, Maintainers & Land Managers of Sam Merrill (Upper) Trail

  • USFS
    Land Manager

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
  • 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
  • TTFs on Trail
    Roller Coaster
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Global Ranking
    #37558 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #21105 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 40 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • 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
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Sam Merrill (Upper) mountain bike trail trail
  • Altitude change
    -776 ft
  • Altitude min
    4,524 ft
  • Altitude max
    5,394 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,300 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,524 ft
  • Grade
    -7.9%
  • Grade max
    -72.8%
  • Grade min
    28.6%
  • Distance climb
    2,457 ft
  • Distance down
    1 mile
  • Distance flat
    184 ft
  • Avg time
    00:35:00
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Aug 14, 2024
Very Dry
Avg: 4 (18 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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      Directions to sam-merrill-upper trailhead (34.239050, -118.099300)
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      Sam Merrill (Upper) Trail Reports

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 2 rides
      • 17 miles avg distance
      6 Months
      • 32 rides
      • 16 miles avg distance
      All
      • 1,318 rides
      • Last: Nov 3, 2024

      Photos

      more »
      93 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      72 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      66 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      86 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 5:52pm
      Aug 25, 2021

      Routes with this trail

      more »
      titledistance
      Eaton Saddle Shuttle8 miles
      Mt Lowe, Sam Merril, sunset, EP13 miles
      Mt. Wilson Mega25 miles
      Mt Wilson Shuttle - Sam Merrill Down10 miles

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      Videos

      more »
      Upper Sam Merrill / Pasadena, CA / MTB
      4:22 | 30 | Jul 15, 2024 , Pasadena
      Wilson Full Ride
      27:31 | 78 | Jul 11, 2023 , Pasadena
      youtuber MT. WILSON
      17:08 | 90 | Apr 11, 2023 , Pasadena
      Mt. Wilson/Eaton Saddle Shuttle Downhill
      1:5:09 | 164 | Jul 27, 2021 , Pasadena
      • By gooseman310 & contributors
      • #25607 - 5,508 views

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