Gravel Guide: Mount Lowe Railway (4K)

Gravel Bike California rides one of the most historic trails above Los Angeles, the 19th century Mount Lowe Railway. Article & route description at: gravelbikecali...
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[@Scohen415]

This is an epic ride. I did it on a MTB so the downhill was a little more fun. Last I heard the Mt wilson toll road was closed with trees down and the gate was locked at the bottom.

[@cozycastle]

It’s open now

[@burritoh1]

Great vids GBC. Love the 'California's Gold' vibe.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Oh my!

[@BPlus-oz7cm]

"Do you see that sweaty guy riding up that old road, Louie?! That's AMAZING!!!"

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

@@BPlus-oz7cm IDK. Off camera, my head was down trying to make it up!

[@uptown1_photography949]

Great video!!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Thanks. This is an all-timer!

[@compaticher7932]

thanks for doing this

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

One of my favorite roads!

[@debbied7035]

We hiked that whole system of trails and service roads as a kid. My brother was actually still hiking a bit until a few years ago. So many memories. We would hike from back of the meadows to Chaney trail, then on to Sierra Madre canyon to hang out with our friends. My brothers knew where all the springs, falls and mines were. In the summer we'd hike up Rubio canyon to the falls to swim in the icy cold pools. That was a tough hike, but worth it.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I actually came across it first as a trail runner starting at the top of Lake. I've bike that section once to Echo Mountain and no need to repeat...

[@kerylorbsmultidimensional4214]

In ' 82-83, my bf at the time, Craig Randolph took me & my brother on a midnight hike up thru one of the Canyons on the way up to Mount Lowe. We got ran out by a Sasquatch. And I'm not kidding

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Rumor has it the Sasquatch moved to New Mexico.

[@Planetone.]

A lot of history up in those mountains, amazing what they built in those days! Fyi after the tunnel you can go left on Mt Wilson rd. up to Mt. Disappointment for some extra credit, and also Red Box trail up to Strawberry saddle both will be out and back trails.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I've been up to Mt Disappointment many times. Even helped a photo shoot up there: instagram.com/p/BhND13clpo2/

[@boy31]

Incredibly well done film! Informative fun and encouraging! Thank you

[@tongpocalypse151]

The one and only time I did this route was more than 10 years ago, on a road bike with 25mm tires. I lived in DTLA at the time and made my way to Cheney trail by way of the Arroyo and Rose Bowl. Then I did the exact same loop as shown in this video. I'm fuzzy on the details from here onward but I want to say I finished the ride in San Gabriel where I grabbed dinner before riding back to DTLA. That was one of the most epic days in the saddle for me. This video helped me relive it. Thanks!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I think the ride has changed its shape over the years. I remember going up Wilson Toll Road and down Lowe being the better choice before. Not now...

[@Yuzu_1205]

I just hiked to the Inspiration Point via Echo Mountain. I'm going to try Mount Lowe trail to the Inspiration Point next time! Great video! I love it!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I used to run up there before I realized biking it was easier....

[@not8p]

Hey GBC! Thanks for this video. FYI it’s Loma Alta that connects to Chaney Trail. 👍🏽

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

Hello! My new friend. Wow! It's a bicycle trip video that gives me a lot of healing, the most touching, and surprise. Especially, the nature of the riding course is fantastic. I watch your video until the end. I hope everything you do will be successful in 2022. 👍👍👍

[@dangerouslyunnamed]

Looks like an amazing ride. Always love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

It's one of my LA favorites.

[@aprillowe2890]

Thank you! ♥️🇺🇲🙏 can't wait to do my great uncle trail!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Not only is this the best comment ever, I just so happened to ride it today!

[@aprillowe2890]

@@GravelBikeCalifornia ❤️🤗👍 Happy and safe travels for a new year!

[@driverdick2]

Back in the 60's I lived near Chaney trail as a kid. I used to ride my Honda 90 up Mt Lowe rd. which was ungated and I could go all the way to Mt Lowe. Later I would drive my car as far as a wide spot that looked almost straight down Lake Ave. That was a pretty popular make out spot. haven't been up that road in decades, Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories. Wondering if I could make it on my electric trail bike.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I still have to keep an eye out for the occasional USFS truck out there, but nice and tranquil.

[@driverdick2]

@@GravelBikeCalifornia So do you think a good electric bike could make it up Mt Lowe Rd from the Millard canyon parking lot. Im in my late 60's now and havent been up that rd since the early 80's

[@clausherther]

This is a brutal climb, good job!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I think the paved part is a tougher climb than the dirt!

[@Bluez2moveU]

Thanx for this video, this ride has been on my list for awhile. Good to know what to expect ;)

[@Runhikeandbike]

Always a great ride! We ride it on MTBs. Did ya know? If you have a small filter, there's water available just above the Tavern wall in an old water tank that still holds water! Thanks for all the great old photos' Would've loved to have experienced this, while it was in operation!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I used to run up there before I got into cycling. I still have to make it down to Dawn Mine.

[@MatthewReiser123]

Did this ride... 1) on a ten-speed bicycle with thin tires in 1988. 2) on Honda 250cc motorcycle in 1985. #2 was definitely more fun (but illegal). Doesn't feel like 38 years ago.

[@RyanWBL]

Did the climb up yesterday (end of July). Go early if in the summer, the last leg has little shade. Right now Mt Wilson and the connecting toll road is fenced off indefinitely due to covid-19 for anyone planning on that decent. It's a great MTB route going back down the single track with basically all black diamond trail on the way down.

[@Balksa]

Im literally obsessed with your videos aha

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Thanks. Im obsessed making them!

[@mchacon01]

Great video! Really enjoyed it. Next time come down the Mt Wilson Toll Road. That's another adventure to explore. Just my two cents. ;)

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

It's funny how I would have chosen to go up Wilson and down Lowe, but conditions seemed to have flipped a few years ago and am on board with that. We had a Send it ride that way a year ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIW2gZSIicqBoJY

[@kennyf6518]

Sweet! Always hiked it never biked it haha. It’s a must Forsure 🤙🏽

[@kathythompson9931]

Amazing ride and I’m amazed at “what we’re these people thinking…..to build all these structures??? And more so “how did they haul up all the materials???” What a job! Thank you for your tour!

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Thanks. It boggles my mind Everytime I go up there.

[@JaxRwld]

“how did they haul up all the materials???” - I believe it was mostly horses that did all the hauling.

[@electricar9]

They used the funicular to bring up supplies & building materials up to their base on Echo Mountain and then then horses built the trolley tracks and after that used the trolleys to take supplies to the Alpine Tavern.

[@jefftse123]

Great video, amazing history and along with cool graphics and vintage photos.

[@tacconelli]

Thanks for the vid!

[@christiansoleta7556]

The peace and seclusion of Mt.Lowe really allows your imagination to take in the history

[@jefftse123]

My friends and I are thinking of trying it.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

It's a must do...even if you hike it.

[@JaxRwld]

Great video log of this ride. I came across Mueller Tunnel by accident one time and couldn't believe the story of Professor Lowe and the railway up the mountain. Really fascinating.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

My daughter loves hiking up there.

[@ThisIndio]

This is awesome

[@doubleAA760]

I did this trek in April, easily the roughest ride I’ve done. It kicked my ass! Haha I did detour up to Mt Wilson as well, hit up the secret swing

[@joeya8721]

1:08 "...look for the flashing beacon off of Loma Vista...". The sign clearly shows Loma Alta Dr. Details are important.

[@C.Medina]

From what I see in your videos if I ever go to cali it will take a month + to do all those cool rides.

[@RickPiper1]

Cool video.

[@AdamJStoryDC]

Great videos. How do you make those maps showing the gravel roads? Is it google maps pro or do you do something else?

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

A combination of google earth, screen capture and editing in premiere.

[@MrCroixone]

Enjoy the narrative.

[@SawOne729]

You’re like the Huell Howser of gravel biking.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Oh my!!!

[@eddieestrada112]

What's your strava? Would love to see these routes on there to copy them. Thanks!

[@isaragusti]

Yes. Want to see this route! Thank you

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

@@isaragusti There should be a link in the description.

[@rotciv319]

coolness

[@Hobomountainwander]

Can you camp at the San Gabriel Camp and make it an overnight backpacking trip?

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

I know people camp at the Alpine Tavern site. Henniger Flats too on the way down.

[@Hobomountainwander]

@@GravelBikeCalifornia Thanks so much for the information

[@bobkellogg2754]

After seeing the video of you and your daughter, I was thinking of doing a loop like this, but going the other direction. But I take it you think this way is better? Is it because of the rocky trail at the top?

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

Yes. I'd say about four years ago you'd go up Mt Wilson Toll road and down Mt Lowe, but conditions have really flipped. I'd be afraid of tearing a tire coming down.

[@bobkellogg2754]

@@GravelBikeCalifornia Got it! I'll have to bump this ride up on my long to do list!

[@mellissanash7517]

Isn't there two downhills that mtb riders take, one black & one blue? What's the min tire size you recommend for the gravely bits. I wondering if I should take my gravel bike with burly 700x2.1 tires or my lighter CX bike with GK SS+ in 38mm(41mm is max clearance) which I just got. Gravel bike has better gearing but CX bike is 4lbs lighter.

[@GravelBikeCalifornia]

They were taking the single track down the Sunset Ridge Trail. You can be fine with 35s going up, but the top two miles would be very rocky heading down.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@GravelBikeCalifornia Good to know, I am on 38 SS with the plus protection.