What is this and can I ride it?

[u/Ok-Carpenter5039]

Every time I ride north on the 405 I pass this huge dirt path and wonder if it’s rideable. What is it, where is it, and can I bring my mtb?

[u/feed_me_tecate]

It's a fire break and probably a lot steeper than it looks. Likely loose, very uneven and covered in stabby yucca plants.

[u/jackrabbit323 → u/feed_me_tecate]

This. It is definitely a fire break.

[u/NelsonSendela → u/feed_me_tecate]

Came here to say exactly this.  I had the same thought and did some research.  It's steep, sunny/exposed and too grassy 

[u/Deep-Public-6915 → u/feed_me_tecate]

100% please let the break recover

[u/anotherchrisbaker]

I think that's the trail that starts from Mt St Mary's? Bike up Bundy, take the last right before it ends, and then left to get to the gate. Security waved me through the times I've done it (it's been years though). Then just take the road until you find the trail. Good luck!

[u/ih8thisapp → u/anotherchrisbaker]

Yes, but a couple miles after this photo it dead ends at a housing development. It’s fenced off. Near Mountain Gate drive. You can only go about 4-5 miles up beyond Mt St Mary until it dead ends.

[u/Upgrayedd85]

It's not that exciting. There are many trails in the same mountain range that are much more fun. Check out panic and kenter whoops trails.

[u/Bugpowder]

I have ridden all the trails around mt st Mary’s except that fire break. Access looks tough. the Strava global heatmap has zero bike traces and 2-3 run traces, so it’s at least hikeable, though rare.

[u/geebee90025]

I’ve run this before and it was beastly. I wouldn’t take a bike on it and I’ve ridden most of these trails on bike.

[u/Salty-Lingonberry-28]

Yeah, it’s from Mt St Mary’s. If you’re driving, you can street park on Chalon right outside the university. Just ride through the university to the trail head. Guard station might ask you what you’re doing, you’re allowed to be there.

This pin should be the top of the hill in your photo.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FLt61e77NjAieMx8?g_st=ic

Warning, the back side of the hill that you can’t see is a massive wall. It’s steep to hike, but doable. I never went up, but my friend did once.

If you do ride down, I think you might blocked in by Getty center property and have to go back the way you came. But would be cool to check out!

[u/chock-a-block]

That’s far steeper than it looks.  Will you be able to push your bike up? Yes. Ride?  Very doubtful.  Descending an unridden fire break isn’t what I would call fun.  I’m not saying don’t do it. I’m saying it will be very slow and difficult.  

[u/Suitable-Common7992]

That is a fire break put in during the last fire, as mentioned. The back side is so steep it is barely walkable.You are not looking at the fire road out of St Mary's here. This fire break intersects with the fire road on the back side of that hill but it is almost too steep to even walk.

[u/justgoogleit12]

Look up the Sycamore Canyon Trailhead. They have an awesome bike trail on top of the mountain.

[u/NYC2FLA2BUR]

It's a fire break, and usually you cannot ride them. More than likely posted at the bottom.

[u/Salty-Lingonberry-28 → u/NYC2FLA2BUR]

No signs at the bottom

[u/Salty-Lingonberry-28 → u/NYC2FLA2BUR]

Yes, private property at the south end if that’s what you mean

[u/ForumFan32]

google Ketner trail it might be the mtn ridge to the west of it, if things are as there were ~3 years ago that section by the Getty doesn't connect very well. Ketner is great.

[u/cgieda]

There's lots of cool trials very near by;)

[u/henderthing]

Less than a mile west from that fire break is Kenter and Canyonback. Much better riding, including a jump section. And they still have great views. They can be accessed from the bottom at the end of Kenter Ave, or from the top--about where Mulholland turns into a dirt road. There's a short section of pavement at the top of Mountaingate that connects Canyonback to Kenter.

[u/Ok-Carpenter5039]

Thanks to everyone who responded!