Mt. Lukens Truck Trail #3N27

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From the Angeles Crest Fire Station, head straight back along the driveway and around the locked gate.

The Mt. Lukens Truck Trail #3N27 is a steep, rutted, often sandy access road that goes all the way to the top of Mt. Lukens. It begins with a quiet series of switchbacks up to where the power lines cross the ridge. The climbing has just begun, but the bench here is a great place to stop, catch your breath, and take in the spectacular views of Los Angeles, the Arroyo Seco, and the entire front range of the San Gabriel Mountains.

If you've ever wondered about the switchbacks on the remote Ken Burton Trail, you can see most of them zig-zagging down the other side of the Arroyo Seco. They are close as the crow flies, but distant as the bike rolls. The next three miles continue to climb along the ridge, passing the tepee at Bee Flats and the top of the Earl Canyon Motorway.

At mile 4.2, the road forks. To the left, Lukens Truck Trail continues another three miles to the peak, and if what you just rode wasn't enough climbing for you, it's a nice way to tack on some more miles and elevation. Peak-baggers will be interested to know that Mt. Lukens is the highest point within Los Angeles city limits. To the right is Grizzly Flat Road, and whether or not you grab the peak it's a great option to return to the fire station via Angeles Crest Highway.