Ken Burton Trail

staarkhand · Post by **staarkhand** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 8:43 am

That's outstanding, thanks for the update.

Ken Burton is literally the first longer loop I ever tried to do in the San Gabes dating back to when I first visited here and didn't realize the maps I was looking at (http://www.foothillflyers.org/reviews/brownmtn.html) were showing trails that hadn't existed or at least been fully open since the station fire. I literally ran up to the dam, missing the (closed) turn off near Paul Little, looking for Oakwilde about 4 times wondering what was going on. I also tried from the topside of Ken Burton thinking that way might go through. I can't wait to finally make it happen, and then I will also set my sights on going through to Switzer.

Post by **Sean** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:25 am

staarkhand wrote: I can't wait to finally make it happen, and then I will also set my sights on going through to Switzer.

I'd focus on going through to Switzer's. Oakwilde is gone.

staarkhand · Post by **staarkhand** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:27 am

Sean wrote:
staarkhand wrote: I can't wait to finally make it happen, and then I will also set my sights on going through to Switzer.
I'd focus on going through to Switzer's. Oakwilde is gone.

So I've heard. I really just meant finally do that one loop.

Is anyone working on the trail from Oakwilde to Switzer?

Post by **Sean** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:35 am

staarkhand wrote: I really just meant finally do that one loop.

Is anyone working on the trail from Oakwilde to Switzer?

Ah, it's a nice loop. And I recently saw the upper portions of Ken Burton from the highway. It looks well-worked.

I believe a mountain biking crew is working on the Gabrieleno to Switzer's. I did the stretch from Oakwilde to Long Canyon recently. It's coming along nicely.

walker · Post by **walker** » Sun May 01, 2016 11:10 pm

Rode my bike to the end of Brown Mt. Road this weekend and was told by a Ranger that the Ken Burton Trail is now open. He was out near the saddle to remove the "off limits" sign, but somebody had already taken it down. Looks like some mtn bikers are already starting to explore the loop. The few I talked to agreed that the KB trail is pretty loose right now and could use a bit more work on the switchbacks, but it's open for travel.

Herping Hiker · Post by **Herping Hiker** » Sun May 15, 2016 6:43 pm

I just did it today on foot dang the steepness of that trail wears your legs and feet out after the long trek up Brown Mountain road.

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Mon Jun 09, 2025 7:47 am

Just an update on conditions on Ken Burton. I was on that trail Saturday. For the most part, it is in good shape. On the top half or so, the brush is getting thick and starting to encroach. There's a fair amount of poison oak on the shaded, north-facing slopes, but it is avoidable. The bottom portion is mostly clear and is being brushed out by the Mt. Wilson Mountain Biking Association (or Club or something). I ran into 3 guys using power trimmers as I descended. They rode in as I found their bikes lower on the trail along with their cache of tools. Really appreciate their efforts. It's hard, thankless work. I'm guessing their objective is to go all the way to the divide. The tread was decent.

Girl Hiker · Post by **Girl Hiker** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:24 am

Thanks for the info on the trail. I have been wanting to do this again! Maybe it was the Lowelifes bike club fixing the trail.