San Gabriel Mountains 2025

December 10th, 2025
A journey into the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel River is one of the most historically rich and recreation packed areas in the Angeles National Forest. An overview of the location: Highway 39 (CA--39). Runs North and South from Azusa into the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel Mountains offers access route for hiking, fishing, OHV 4x4, road riding, and mountain biking areas. A sixteen mile road that leads to Crystal Lake Recreation Area open year round. I my journey across from Ring con fire station. On the sixteen miles South side of West Fork known also as Red Box trail all the way to the top, elevation 4,500 feet above sea level. Red Box is at elevation 4,600 ft a major trail junction and parking area located on Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) where it meets Mt. Wilson Road. It serves as the gateway to several of the most historic and heavily used trails in the San Gabriels. It is not directly connected to the West Fork recreation area by road, but many trails for Red Box Descend into the West Fork drainage. Competing a loop back to Highway 39 by taking Bear Creek Road. A rugged Forest Service road that branches near the West Fork. It is historically linked the West Fork watershed with Mount Baldy and te high ridge of the San Gabriel. It is mostly closed to the public vehicle traffic and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and Forest Service staff. The Bear Creek Trail begins at the road junction. Bear Creek Canyon is a deep remote canyon with wildlife corridor for deer, black bear, mountain lion, Bob cat, rattlesnakes and bighorn sheep. Seasonal water, small waterfalls, boulder strewn stream beds. Beautiful back country ideal for hiking, and mountain biking with strong route finding skills. To traverses these trails you must be prepared mentally and physically. This is not recommend for beginner mountain bikers. This trail can be extremely dangerous. The West Fork is one of the cleanest, coldest sections of the San Gabriel River. Native rainbow trout habitat. Fish and game will check for fishing licenses. Cogswell Dam was built in 1930's for flood control and water conservation. It is still in service, the area around it is patrolled and regulated. I have been riding these trails for over thirty years, I am well experienced with all the floral, fanna, wild life, trails, and have the endurance to traverse this rugged train. If you plan venture Red Box it is best that you are well prepared and do not ride alone. Be considerate and help keep the forest clean. This West Fork, Red Box, to Bear Creek Road is one of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Special thanks to Globe Trekker for providing audio music to my video Mountain Biking the San Gabriel Mountains.