Revisiting Condor Peak

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Way back in 2021 I visited the Lowelifes RCC to help with their massive restoration effort on the Condor Peak Trail. This trail had been all but forgotten in the wake of the deadly 2009 Station Fire, and had succumbed to its new thorny guardians—whitethorn and century plants.

This trail is an important connection over the San Gabriels, and a scenic and looong descent. But that descent is also the climb—the simplest way to ride Condor is an out-and-back. Kyle Kelly from the Allez LA bike shop and I made plans to tackle the trail early to avoid (ha!) the heat, and met in the already sweltering parking lot. The grueling 10 mile climb was made easier with abundant wildflowers and gushing waterfall shower halfway up. And of course the exposure and thrill of this trail on the way down will make you instantly forget your arduous ascent.

Check out the photo gallery from 2021 to meet the crew that restored this instant classic.

Home of the Tongva people.

Condor Peak Trail on Trailforks.

Devil’s Punching Bag

Exploring the Ehmuu Tier

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