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| Western San Gabriel Driving Loop - Site # 212 | |||
| Background: | This driving tour winds from chaparral-covered foothills to the rugged, forested peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains, which tower above the Los Anageles Basin. In begins at Soledad Canyon along the Santa Clara River. The cottonwood and willow riparian habitat shelters a variety of birds and the river is home to a tiny, endangered fish, the unarmored threespine stickleback. The drive east through Soldedad Canyon leads to the desert and chaparral habitat of Aliso Canyon. Beyond the canyon, the road climbs into the oak woodlands and pine forests of the upper San Gabriel Mountains. Watch the forest openings for gray foxes, coyotes, or mule deer. Pines shelter California towhees, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and ten woodpecker species. The skies are scribed by red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and occasional endangered peregrine falcons. Enjoy ridgetop views of the Mojave Desert to the north and the deep rugged canyons surrounding the road. Watch for spring wildflowers along the ridgetop roads. The tour ends at Mount Gleason, where you should turn and enjoy the chance to see additional species as you return to Soledad Canyon. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Up to 60 bird species, including birds of prey, woodpeckers, and songbirds year-round. Watch for mule deer, foxes and coyote in early morning or evening. Spring wildflowers. ROAD CLOSED DURING WINTER AT UPPER ELEVATONS. THE RIDGE ROAD IS NOARROW, WINDING, AND REQUIRES CAUTION. MANY BLIND TURNS, SOUND HORN AS YOU APPROACH CURVES AND LISTEN FOR HORNS FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. | ||
| How to Get There: | From Los Angels, take Highway 14 north to Shadow Pines exit and turn right on Soledad Canyon Road. Drive 5 miles to Soledad Canyon. Continue 9.7 miles to Alison Canyon Road, turn right, and drive 7.2 miles to Angels Forest Highway 2. Turn right and drive 2.8 miles to Santa Clara Divide Road (FS RD. 3N17) and turn right toward Mount Gleason. This intermittently paved road reaches the summin in 9 miles. To return, enjoy the tour in reverse. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | USDA Forest Service | ||
| Agency Site URL: | |||
| Physical Address: | , CA |
Agency 2: | , CA |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | (818) 899-1900 | ||
| County: | |||
| Addition Website: | |||