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5.8 miles
Distance
59 ft
Climb
-3,963 ft
Descent
01:10:31
Avg time
-3,906 ft
Altitude change
1,781 ft
Altitude min
5,688 ft
Altitude max
5,688 ft
Altitude start
1,781 ft
Altitude end
-12.8%
Grade
-68.8%
Grade max
14.2%
Grade min
1,647 ft
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
604 ft
Distance flat
01:10:31
Avg time
Sturtevant Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaLos Angeles County
California -
Difficulty Rating
-
Local Popularity20 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
-
State Ranking
-
Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeDH, AM
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DirectionBoth DirectionsPopular Direction Shown
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Dogs AllowedYes
-
eBike Allowed
Sturtevant is a Classic Dark-side Downhill. Its got a bit of everything you find in the San Gabrial Mountains oldest "un-burnt" forest. This is a beautiful and challenging ride through a historic area.
This trail starts along the fence of the telescopes at the east end of the Mt Wilson Observatory.
The trail starts with some steep and loose switchbacks and as you get into the Pines. Then it gets into some flowier sections with some very serious exposier and rock gardens interspersed; so watch out. Then into some nice roots as you get down to the creek. Once you get under the oaks and cotton woods there is plenty of decomposed granite on old trail cut into the side of the mountain. When you get down to the bridge after the cabins the only way out though is by climbing a paved, closed, access road out to Chantrey Flats. There are lots of hikers that use this trail to summit Mt. Wilson, especially on the weekends. Best time to ride this trail is early mornings or weekdays and please always wear a bell to allow hikers to know of your approach and ride within a reasonable speed.
Access Info
This Trail is accessible best by Shuttle to the top of Mt. Wilson.
There Is a local shuttle company, SCOAoutdoors.net , that will service this ride from Altadena to Mt. Wilson as there is also service for the more popular "Frontside" trails as well.
Trail Supporters
USFSLand Manager
Local Trail Association
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-
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 1 rides
- 13 miles average
6 Months
- 5 rides
- 23 miles avg distance
All
- 25 rides
- Last: Oct 10, 2026
Sturtevant Trail Reports
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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
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
Trail Last Used
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- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
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- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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Trail Popularity ?
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Directions to sturtevant trailhead
(34.225250, -118.056550)
Photos
49 more »
Videos
3 more »
mtb
10:42 |
191 |
Dec 3, 2025 , My City
mtb
42:10 |
274 |
Apr 16, 2022 , My City
Routes with this trail
28 miles • 3,933 ft • 5 • Shuttled •
This Route Takes you from Christian Camp to Arcadia via the Silver Moccasin, Gabrielino and Sturtevant Trails.
20 miles • 2,328 ft • 3 • Shuttled •
This Route takes you from Eaton Saddle down Valley Forge over to the Gabrielino and finally via Sturtevant...
28 miles • 7,589 ft • 10 • Loop •
Leave a car at either start or finish and ride as a loop.
3 Reviews & Comments
highway395
trail is back babbyyyyyyyy lets gooooooooo such a good trail probably bets in ca
therealslimshaky
currently in excellent condition, with only a few trees to duck under. big thanks to lowelifes respectable citizens club for all of the hard work. this is a really, really cool trail. great variety, and some nice rock gardens. not nearly as hairy as i thought it would be (other than a few dicey/exposed switchbacks). a blue rider with good judgement could easily have a really good time on this trail. just make sure your brakes are in good shape.
Potatosachs
The start has “closed” tape across the entrance
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