Mt Lukens Road Saddle Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

This out and back starts at the trailhead for Dark Canyon Trail, which is mile marker 30 when heading north on Angeles Crest Road. Park in the small turnout area on the west side of the road (Angeles Forest permit required).

Angeles Forest Parking Permit required

The first portion of the trail is a quite steep, narrow singletrack. There's a fair amount of shade, which is nice because you are definitely climbing. In spring, you are likely to enjoy beautiful bright yellow and purple wildflowers.

After a little over 1/2 mile of climbing, you'll reach Clemens Junction, where the trail connects with Grizzly Flat Road (to the right or also straight ahead) and Grizzly Lukens Road (to the left). Turn left on to Grizzly Lukens Road, a wide fire road. Here you'll continue to climb, but at a much gentler grade. Along the while you have alternating views of Big Tujunga Canyon, the San Gabriels, and, finally, when you reach the junction with Mt. Lukens Rd (another fire road) after 2.7 mi, the La Crescenta Valley with the Verdugo Mountains just behind it.

There's opportunity to carry on in either direction along Mt Lukens Rd. to extend your hike.