5.8 miles
Distance
59 ft
Climb
-3,963 ft
Descent
01:49:33
Avg time
Supporters, Builders, Maintainers & Land Managers of Sturtevant Trail

  • USFS
    Land Manager

Sturtevant Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Los Angeles County
    California
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond rate
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular direction shown
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Global Ranking
    #40678 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #11293 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    20 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking

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.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Sturtevant multi-use trail trail
  • Altitude change
    -3,906 ft
  • Altitude min
    1,781 ft
  • Altitude max
    5,688 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,688 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,781 ft
  • Grade
    -12.8%
  • Grade max
    -68.8%
  • Grade min
    14.2%
  • Distance climb
    1,647 ft
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    604 ft
  • Avg time
    01:49:33
  • Avg reverse time
    04:27:35
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Sep 27, 2024
Dry
Avg: 4.24 (6 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 sturtevant trailhead (34.225250, -118.056550)
      update trails status or condition

      Sturtevant Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Sep 27, 2024 @ 3:22pm
      Sep 27, 2024
      		 opens on 10/2 up to the Sturtevant trail camp, trail conditions unknown at this time but probably rough considering the length of time it's been...
      May 15, 2022 @ 8:50pm
      May 15, 2022
      		 Dropping in from the observatory does not indicate closed. It should. There is major erosion. Dry loose loam covered in leaves and pine cones...
      May 6, 2021 @ 2:51pm
      May 6, 2021
      		 Closed. Major erosion and tons of downed trees littering the trail.
      May 6, 2021 @ 2:49pm
      May 6, 2021
      		 Major erosion and tons of downed trees littering the trail.
      Apr 3, 2021 @ 3:54pm
      Apr 3, 2021
      		 trail closed ,a lot of downed trees , required digout and cleaning
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 0 rides
      •  
      6 Months
      • 0 rides
      •  
      All
      • 115 rides
      • Last: Jul 30, 2020

      Photos

      more »
      64 |
      Jul 4, 2020 @ 7:16pm
      Jul 4, 2020
      68 |
      Jul 4, 2020 @ 7:16pm
      Jul 4, 2020
      58 |
      Jul 4, 2020 @ 7:16pm
      Jul 4, 2020
      73 |
      Jul 4, 2020 @ 7:16pm
      Jul 4, 2020

      Routes with this trail

      titledistance
      Christian Camp to Arcadia28 miles
      Long Angeles Loop28 miles
      Valley Forge/Gabrielino/Sturtevant20 miles

      1 Review & Comments


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      Videos

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      youtuber Sturtevant Trail - Mt. Wilson - Altadena, CA
      28:55 | 1045 | Oct 7, 2018 , My City
      STURTEVANT : MTB
      42:10 | 150 | Apr 16, 2022 , My City

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