Winter Creek Loop

Overview

Enjoyable singletrack clockwise loop with several narrow areas with significant exposure. Starting at the Chantry Flat parking area ascend the paved San Olene fire road above the picnic area until you reach the Upper Winter Creek Trail trailhead on your right. Jump onto the singletrack here and follow the trail as it contours along the mountain side gradually climbing up the canyon before descending toward Hoegee's Camp. The trail is largely under the tree canopy at this point and becomes more technical with lots of buried rocks and other obstacles. <br><br>You'll pass a trail junction to Mt. Wilson on your left. Stay on the main trail and you'll find yourself in the canyon bottom with periodic stream crossings (may be dry). Pass the Mt. Zion Trail junction sign on your left. Stay right and descend through Hoegee's Camp along the Lower Winter Creek Trail drainage continuing to make periodic stream crossings and switchback descents around the various check dams in the canyon. Along the way, you'll pass a large number of vacation cabins only accessible by trail. The Lower Winter Creek Trail exits at Robert's Camp where you cross the stream and ascend the paved fire road (2N40) up the aptly nicknamed Cardiac Hill back to Chantry Flat. <br><br>This is a great ride with a variety of technical challenges most of which can be ridden depending on skill level. Several areas may require HAB. There is significant exposure in several areas. Significant portions of the ride are shaded although the ride up Cardiac Hill can be scorching. The area is heavily traveled by hikers on the weekend and proper trail etiquette is mandatory. Stop in at the Adam's Pack Station for a cold drink and food. They sometimes feature live music on the weekends. Come early to beat the crowds and find parking!

Trail Stats

Photos

View off the trail looking north towards Mt. Wilson. The domes from the telescopes are barely visible on the ridge if you look closely.

View off the trail looking north towards Mt. Wilson. The domes from the telescopes are barely visible on the ridge if you look closely.

Starting onto the singletrack off the San Olene Fireroad.

Starting onto the singletrack off the San Olene Fireroad.

Foot bridge at Robert's Camp. Cross the bridge or ride through the creek and start the climb up the paved fireroad to the Chantry Flat parking lot.

Foot bridge at Robert's Camp. Cross the bridge or ride through the creek and start the climb up the paved fireroad to the Chantry Flat parking lot.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Smooth section of trail along the Lower Winter Creek Trail section of the ride below Hoegee's Camp. More extensive technical sections are found in the canyon bottom due to the rocks, creek crossings, and switchbacks.

Smooth section of trail along the Lower Winter Creek Trail section of the ride below Hoegee's Camp. More extensive technical sections are found in the canyon bottom due to the rocks, creek crossings, and switchbacks.

Typical trail conditions along Upper Winter Creek Trail section. Periodic technical sections keep things interesting.

Typical trail conditions along Upper Winter Creek Trail section. Periodic technical sections keep things interesting.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Santa Anita Canyon

Santa Anita Canyon

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Winter Creek Loop.

Just go with the flow.

Just go with the flow.

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