This climb is one of the best sustained climbs in southern California. Starting from 1600 feet elevation, 39 climbs continuously to its high point where it intersects with Angeles Crest Highway at an elevation of 6800 feet. From here, the climb continues up Angeles Crest to its high point at Dawson Saddle – elevation 7901 feet! Yes, that’s right – about 6300 feet of climbing without a single descent. In southern California, no less.

Actually, in the interest of technical accuracy, there are a couple of descents tilting just barely down that do last for a couple dozen feet. For all intents and purposes though, there are no descents for this 22.5 mile long climb. The whole climb averages just over 5.3%, with the majority section along 39 averaging about 5.6%. There is nothing here that is tough with respect to grade – it is only tough because of the rather large amount of climbing involved.

This alone should be enough to entice those riders who enjoy long, sustained climbs. If not though, there are two other good reasons to try this out. First, it is very scenic – especially late spring/early summer when the mountains are nice and green (this year was probably particularly good since we had a fair amount of precipitation). Second, most of this climb is free from traffic. Yes, all traffic. Due to road damage higher up, most of the road is completely closed to vehicles. Of course, this means, for most of the climb, you are entirely isolated from civilization. Bring more water/nutrition than usual to be safe (a camelback is not a bad idea for this ride). A riding partner would also be a good idea. This situation may change relatively soon though. Word is the road to Crystal Lake, at the very least, is hoped to be opened sometime later this summer. When that happens, there will likely be a snack bar open at Crystal Lake itself, so you will have access to water and food there. For now though, err on the side of caution and pack extras.

This time, I parked just above the OHV area along 39 – about 10 miles north of Azusa. You can also park in Azusa and add those 10 miles to your ride. The 10 mile stretch is scenic, rolling hills that gradually climb upwards (starting elevation ~800ft, finishing elevation ~1600ft). You get nice views of Morris Reservoir and San Gabriel Reservoir along the way, including ~1 mile long descents next to each one. However, traffic is heavy (especially on weekends) along these sections and the shoulder is often narrow, so I find it to be not so pleasant. I rode this section the first time I did this climb, and would still semi-recommend it as the scenery is pretty cool. However, if you want to skip this warm-up and start right at the point that the traffic dies down and the climb actually starts in earnest, park where I parked. There are a couple of large parking areas right after the OHV area. They are easy to spot – right after the OHV area and the first true parking lots that you see. There are a few lots – all right below and above West Fork (West Fork, by the way, is a paved road that is also closed to vehicles and is a popular hiking and cycling road…about 15 miles round trip for that section…I haven’t tried it but plan on adding it in next time). On this Sunday, there were probably a hundred or so cars parked around this area – quite popular! Note that you will need a Forest Service Adventure Pass to park anywhere around here – $5 for a day pass and $30 for an annual pass. Worth the money, in my opinion, to support areas like this.

Starting from this parking area, the scenery is immediately beautiful:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Cloud cover provided shade for much of the first part of the climb (nice to have given an 80 degree starting temperature):

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

There are a few stretches that stay straight as an arrow for longer than expected given the ruggedness of the mountains:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Looking up the canyon:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Beautiful pavement here:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Truly a beautiful valley:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Right after the last shot:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Talk about a scenic backdrop for this road! Even better, the permanent closure for cars is just slightly ahead. The previous section is also often closed to cars – but, at least on this June Sunday, was open to cars (although the traffic level was very light). Just after the gate that closes the road to vehicles (duck under or around with your bike):

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Amazing. A road like this, in scenery like this, all to your self.

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

What a road!

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Oh, I should mention my rattlesnake encounter. Just a bit before the above shot, I was merrily enjoying the scenery while slowly climbing when, somehow, I entirely missed noticing a snake on the side of the road. I’d like to note that, normally, I have a good eye for noticing most anything on a road. Distraction? Blending into the side of the road? Probably a combination of the two. Anyway, I finally did notice the snake. A scary hissing sound right next to you will make you notice a snake really, really quickly. In this next second, I realized three things. One, this snake was no more than two feet from me. Two, this snake had raised its head about 6 inches above the ground while hissing (apparently getting ready for an offensive attack to defend itself). Three, this snake was a rattlesnake (!). This combination is a really effective way to get your adrenaline pumping. From reading about 39 some more, it would seem that rattlesnakes are pretty common to the area. Keep your eyes open. Also, if near Crystal Lake, watch out for bears. Bears, apparently, like the Crystal Lake area and a few cyclists have spotted them around there. The bears are timid, generally speaking, and run away. However, you should still keep an eye out and keep your distance if you happen to spot one (and, of the couple times I have been up, I have not seen any).

Anyway, a bit farther:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Love the green on the mountains:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Just above 3600 ft elevation, some road construction to fix washed out sections:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

This is the point at which the road really starts getting incredible as it starts cutting directly into the rocky hillside:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

One beautifully green section:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Why so green? A stream flows through here. Lots of wildlife as well, including this squirrel:

And this awesome, long, fat snake:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Click for a larger version of that already large snake.

A little bit farther and the views back down the canyon open up:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

There are even a few houses along this road (they get a key that unlocks the gate lower down the road):

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

That would be quite a different place to live. Just up from that house, you get an incredible view of the road you just climbed:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

The shot above deserves a full-size view. Click it on it for said full-size view.

Nice greenery and color along the road:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

And a spectacular view of much of what you just climbed:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

That one is worthy of clicking on for a larger view.

Continuing on up (and up, up and up…), the mountains are still rather green:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Again, lots of wildlife along the ride:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Look down in that shot for the deer. That cute deer followed my route for a little while. Cool to have for climbing. Scary for descending.

Some larger trees start presenting themselves:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Another incredible view back along 39:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Seriously?

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Southern California, not a single car and scenery like that? Wow.

Yay, 5000 feet!

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

And right after, the turnoff for Crystal Lake itself:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

You can add to your climbing and climb to Crystal Lake itself. It appears to be about 1 mile of riding to the lake from the junction at 39 at just under a 7% grade. This road that takes you to the lake also appears to continue on for almost 2 miles beyond the lake – at a similar grade. I’ve yet to do this offshoot climb, but plan on trying it next time out. And, of course, if the state opens the road to Crystal Lake later this summer..and if the snack shop opens at Crystal Lake.. this would be a highly recommended add-on for the simple fact that you will be able refuel and rehydrate at this point. Anyway, we’ll see if these plans actually come to fruition. In the meantime, this is a nice way to add a bit of climbing to your ride.

A little farther on, looking back on the great climbing:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Some beautiful color on the hills:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Click for a larger image to appreciate the color.

And…(drum-roll please)…the start of the truly sucky section:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

And by sucky, I am referring to the road quality. The grade is no worse (and actually lessens up near the end), but the asphalt from here to the intersection with Angeles Crest Hwy (CA State Route 2) is riddled with rough tarmac thanks to the constantly eroding hillside. Despite the valiant efforts of CalTrans and contractors, the sheer hillsides along the road keep dropping rocks and boulders onto this incredible stretch of roadway. As a result, you can expect lots of small rocks and gravel to be present on the road itself, along with some larger rocks and some impressive divots from massive boulders. Ascending, this is not too much of a problem. Descending, however, requires that you pay a lot of attention to the road.

Despite the road conditions, the beauty is still hard to beat:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Flowers sprouting from the boulders:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

As though this would stop me (especially this far up!):

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Of course, with scenery like this:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Can you blame me?

This next section is even more rugged. The rock walls you pass are breathtaking and intimidating:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Yes, that is a massive boulder that ended up to the left of the road. So yeah, don’t climb this road during or right after storms. Thanks.

There is some serious construction going on to shore up this section of the road (many sections were washed out by storms in the last few years). As such, you will see some heavy equipment along here:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Seems to be a piece of the road missing…

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Looking up right at this point:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Ok, I can see how water draining down here during storms might just undermine the road. Anyway, yes, you can still go beyond here. It is dirt for about 20 feet, but it is actually ridable..and absolutely passable if you decide to walk it.

After this questionable segment, you are greeted with a most impressive view back:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Nice.

Again, what a seriously impressive road..

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

A beautiful mini-waterfall along the way:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

The final stretch to the junction with Angeles Crest Highway:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Thankfully, you get a break in the last mile or so with a very gentle grade. With the horrible road surface of the last few miles, the climbing you have done already and the miles already ridden, this is a thankful break (despite the fact that, technically, you are still going uphill!).

One of the last curves:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Finally!! The last sprint to Angeles Crest!

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

It feels really good to get here. Really good. Last time I rode this (over a year ago), I was thwarted by this:

From 2009-03-11 – CA-39 (San Gabriel Canyon Rd) North of Azusa Bike Ride

Three months makes a lot of difference:

From 2009-03-11 – CA-39 (San Gabriel Canyon Rd) North of Azusa Bike Ride
From 2009-03-11 – CA-39 (San Gabriel Canyon Rd) North of Azusa Bike Ride

So yeah, don’t expect to make it Angeles Crest in March. June, however, and you should be fine.

Success! Looking back on the road just conquered:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

The junction with Angeles Crest:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

At this point, I am at about 6800 feet elevation. Starting from 1600 feet, that is not too shabby! However, this time, I was set on doing the full climb (being thwarted by snow and all last time!). Turning right onto Angeles Crest from 39 and I continue climbing immediately:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Thankfully, the scenery is still quite beautiful. Additionally, vehicle traffic is virtually nil. This is at least partially due to the fact that the bottom portion of Angeles Crest above La Cañada Flintridge is still closed due to damage from the last storm season. The minimal traffic that did exist (a number of motorcycles, a couple of performance cars and a few scenery-chasing cars) gave me tons and tons of room – thank you.

More full size trees along this last climb:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

And, finally, the first snow encounter!

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Just over 7000 feet in elevation. This is why I love southern California. I can start climbing in 80 degree weather in June, climb 5500 feet without a break, and still find patches of snow. Yeah, in the Sierras, I’m sure this would be a common sight as well. But, seriously, this is right outside of Los Angeles. Pretty cool, in my opinion.

Leading up to the last push to Dawson Saddle:

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

Success!!

From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle
From 2010-06-13 – San Gabriel Mountains Cycling – CA-39 to Dawson Saddle

I have to say, this ride is incredible. Glendora Mountain Road/Glendora Ridge Road/Mt. Baldy Rd is still my absolute favorite climbing ride in the LA area…but 39 is a close second. 39 is one beautiful ride. If you live around here and haven’t ridden it…go, ride it. Right now. It is an epic ride.

A few mapmyride maps/routes:

From the start of the true climb to Dawson Saddle:

From Azusa, proper:

And the climb from my parking spot to the intersection with Angeles Crest Highway:

Here is the GarminConnect data from the ride:

I will personally certify this as an incredible ride. This is one of the most scenic rides around and probably has the most sustained climbing of any ride in southern California. Glendora Mountain/Glendora Ridge is, in my opinion, a little more scenic. 39, however, is still very scenic – and is free from cars (for most of it) and hits higher elevations. Anyway, both are incredible rides – and both are absolutely worth doing.

Also, much of the descent is great. The stretch along Angeles Crest is smooth and fast. You will be doing 30-40mph here. The top of 39 will suck (lots of small rocks and scarred roadway) – you will have to slow down quite a bit for a number of sections. The middle section of 39 is mostly free of rock debris (but there are a couple of sections to keep your eye on) and is quite fast. Despite the constant creases in the pavement, it is not hard to hit 40 mph in this section. Watch out for a few tighter turns. Finally, the bottom section…perfect pavement. This last section has been recently repaved and is a dream to ride down. You will have no problem maintaining 35+ mph for basically this whole stretch. This stretch is fun. Very fun.

The only word of caution – watch out for wildlife. Deer are common in the area, and you do not want to run into one. Coming down Angeles Crest, sprinting to 40 mph on one section, a lone deer darted across the road ahead of me. While this deer happened to be a few seconds ahead of me, things could have worked out differently (and very damaging) given a slightly different timing. Anyway, watch for deer (and all other wildlife) on your descent. That said, much of this descent is fun, fast and excellent.

Na Zdravi!
-Ryan

Bookmark and Share