San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum

brian90620 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 123 Location: Buena Park

Is it possible to bike down Highway 39 from Islip Saddle to the gate near the West Fork. Very Happy

I mean is the road in good enough condition or is there major damage somewhere that would make this impossible? Also... what is enforcement like in the closed area, am I likely to get in somesort of trouble for doing this since the road is closed. Rolling Eyes

I have been thinking about doing this for a while, so I would apperciate any comments anyone may have......Thanks

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Richard N. · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 6:06 am Post subject:

Yes you can ride a bike from Highway 2 to the gate near west Fork.
The washout is bad but the whole road is not gone. Emergency vehicles still are able to drive down there so if they can make it,you can too. I've biked up to Crystal lake and have seen bikes that have come down from the 2.

Have a fun ride. Nice meeting you yesterday.
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brian90620 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 123 Location: Buena Park

I finally biked highway 39, up insted of down. Very Happy

My gf and I rode from the lower gate up to Crystal Lake on Sunday. It was extremely hot the whole time and there is virtually no shade, we started at 10:30 in the morning. It took us about 4 hours to get to the lake. On the way up we ran out of water and had to filter from the North Fork SG river. We each brought 3 liters but because of the heat and very strenuous nature of the ride on heavy ass mountian bikes it proved to not be enough. We saw a lot of bikers on rode bikes easily climbing up the road and coming down, while we were struggling, I didnt think it was actually that difficult but my gf on her walmart bike was ready to quit not that far into the ride and I had to constantly motivate her not to give up. Once we made it to the intersection for Crystal Lake the gate was open, as we made our way to the lake we saw 5 deer in West Pine Flat, they seemed to be everywhere. And we saw 2 more near the lake itself. After leaving the lake I told my gf that we should look for bears, but her legs hurt way too bad for any additional uphill riding so we decided to ride down. It only took about 25 minutes to get down to the lower gate which was almost completely downhill the whole way. Overall this ride was alot of fun but difficult. Next time after some more physical training I want to go all the way to Islip Saddle..... Wink

Here are some pics if anyones interested:
http://picasaweb.google.com/brian...ake#slideshow/5356149428090345730
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Zé · <3 <3 <3 Snow Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 567

ooh nice job! that seems like a great idea...

so at what point is the road closed off to cars? how many cars passed you on the way up/down?

I'd like to try, I'll just have to make sure Taco isn't cruising around in his Subaru at the same time Razz

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TacoDelRio · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject:

TacoDelRio · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

On another note... wow, the lake sure looks dry. Sad

Gotta head up this weekend or something to do some stuff at Crystal Lake Crag... I'm sure the mattress-tag police will be waiting for me. Laughing

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edenooch · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 291 Location: Eagle rock

there is a sign on the trail to islip Mt saying Crystal Lake Rec area Closed.
Is no hiker allowed to go? I have seen bikers cruising down that old road before.

TacoDelRio · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject:

brian90620 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 123 Location: Buena Park

Zé · <3 <3 <3 Snow Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 567

no worries, that sounds perfect. i'm gonna def do that

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