![]() At over 5074ft, the radio towers at Lukens mark the highest point within the city proper. More grand views await in the form of the climb up to Mount Lukens, via Redbox ranger station. With a 5000ft climb under your belt, the views from Mount Wilson Observatory come as welcome reward for such toils, preceding a wonderful ribbon of singletrack – Switzers Gabrieleno Trail – that makes quick work of funnelling riders back down into steep-sided canyons again. The late 19th Century introduced a booming hiking economy within the growing city Los Angeles a string of resorts built along San Gabriel’s front range made popular excursions for hikers and horse riders, reached by both a funicular and the old narrow gauge railway that once wended up into the hills. ![]() En route, it passes by the vestiges of the Alpine Tavern. Given the relatively youthful age of the San Gabriels, the ride up Chaney Trail – initially an old and unkept paved road – is as steep as anything you’ve likely tackled, especially on legs that are barely warmed up. Turn to the other and crane your neck towards a wall of near vertical peaks, presided over by 10,069ft Mount Baldy, snowy capped in the winter months. Look to one side and the sprawl of the city looks strangely alluring from such lofty heights. In doing so, it shares an unexpectedly wild and beautiful side to Los Angeles. In terms of terrain, the LA Observer includes miles of quality dirt, chunky, semi-abandoned two-track, and a fun bout of flowing singletrack to enjoy. En route, it reveals far-reaching views across this vast metropolis, a sprawling mass of humanity that stops only at the shores of the Pacific itself. ![]() Rideable straight out of the city, the LA Observer connects Mount Wilson Observatory to Mount Lukens the latter’s radio towers mark the highest point in LA city. ![]()
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