more stats
2.3 miles
Distance
54 ft
Climb
-1,113 ft
Descent
00:23:47
Avg time
-1,059 ft
Altitude change
1,861 ft
Altitude min
2,952 ft
Altitude max
2,922 ft
Altitude start
1,864 ft
Altitude end
-8.7%
Grade
-82.9%
Grade max
18.5%
Grade min
1,617 ft
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
656 ft
Distance flat
00:23:47
Avg time

Ken Burton Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Brown Mountain
    Altadena, California
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (3 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    85 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 75 in Trail Running
    • 70 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #58849 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #48771 in Trail Running
    • #61873 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • TTFs on Trail
    Skinny
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Year Opened
    1991

The Ken Burton trail in the Angeles National Forest is a milestone in Southern California mountain bike history. It represents the success of the local group Mount Wilson Bicycling Association (MWBA) and their strong, positive relationship with the USFS land managers in the 1990s. MWBA worked together with the USFS to build the trail as a memorial to Ken Burton, a loved Forestry Firefighter who left his friends and family much too soon.

The trail descends into the Arroyo Seco canyon from the top of Brown Mountain and connects to the Gabrielino trail. Rugged and exposed in many sections, the Ken Burton trail has over 20 steep switchbacks that challenge riders and keep you on your toes. The Ken Burton Monument is on your right side before the switchbacks start. The first three switchbacks will give you a good taste of what is coming ahead. As you near the bottom, be aware of the poison oak as it tends to flourish as you near the bottom of the canyon. Once you get to the Gabrielino, turn left and continue over the dam on your way back to the JPL area.

In 2009, the Station Fire destroyed the trail and it was closed for many years. In 2015, MWBA and CORBA volunteers joined forces and worked solidly for over 6 months on rebuilding the trail. On May 1st, 2016, the Ken Burton trail was officially re-opened at the MWBA Pancake Breakfast.

source: https://mwba.org/news/ken-burton-trail/
Access Info

Ken Burton is accessed by climbing 6 miles up Brown Mtn / Fern Truck trail from the JPL Windsor trailhead area

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 11 rides
  • 18 miles avg distance
All
  • 78 rides
  • Last: May 30, 2026
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Ken Burton Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 26, 2025 @ 8:30am
Jul 26, 2025
 The crew maintaining the trails are doing a solid job. It is in great shape for middle of July. Long sleeves are recommended as the brush is a...
May 3, 2025 @ 2:04pm
May 3, 2025
 A tad overgrown, but rideable top to bottom. The switchbacks are in better shape, and more rideable, than I remember. Lots of Poison Oak toward...
Apr 30, 2025 @ 7:05pm
Apr 30, 2025
 It’s very over grown; like a green tunnel, but other wise fine. There is a sketchy bit right when you get to the stream, but not a problem....
Mar 5, 2025 @ 9:00am
Mar 5, 2025
 "Closed" area, because of fires. A friend who rode up to Brown Mt. and back down to El Prieto a couple of days ago said they have bulldozed a...
Mar 18, 2024 @ 4:41pm
Mar 18, 2024
 a couple trees down that make you climb over. somewhat deep water crossings at the bottom at gabrielino.
more »
Status:
on Jul 26, 2025
Ideal
Avg: 3.77 (12 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Groomed
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  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
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        Directions to ken-burton trailhead (34.241880, -118.167420)

        Photos

        66 more »
        509 |
        Apr 18, 2016 @ 10:20am
        Apr 18, 2016
        535 |
        Apr 18, 2016 @ 10:21am
        Apr 18, 2016
        81 |
        Dec 31, 2023 @ 8:41am
        Dec 31, 2023
        80 |
        Dec 31, 2023 @ 8:40am
        Dec 31, 2023

        Videos

        6 more »
        Ken Burton - 08.29.21
        11:49 | 612 | Aug 29, 2021 , Altadena
        El Prieto
        3:44 | 287 | Apr 8, 2020 , Altadena
        Ken Burton Loop Angeles Crest Mountains (((MTB)))
        15:31 | 763 | Jun 11, 2019 , Altadena
        Ken Burton Trail with Martin - XC Mountain...
        27:50 | 634 | Apr 27, 2018 , Altadena

        Routes with this trail

        79
        Fern Truck, Brown Mtn, Gabrielino
        13 miles • 2,362 ft • 2 • Loop •
        Loop up and then keep climbing up brown mountain. Then loop around on the .
        79
        JPL to Brown Mtn - Ken Burton
        8 miles • 2,177 ft • 2 • Out & Back •
        This is a trail in Alta Dena. Free parking is available on the street and the lower level of the JPL site....
        222
        California to Canada Section 11- Pasadena Mountains
        91 miles • 20,077 ft • 16 •
        Section 11 of the California to Canada trail, a long distance bikepacking route which connects trails from...

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        10 Reviews & Comments


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        Nearby Trails

        Brown Mountain

        Frequently Asked Questions About Ken Burton

        ▼ Where is Ken Burton located?
        Ken Burton is located in Brown Mountain, Altadena, California, United States. It is part of the Brown Mountain trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 34.24188, -118.16742.
        ▼ How hard is Ken Burton?
        Ken Burton is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 8.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Ken Burton?
        Ken Burton has 54 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,113 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,861 ft to 2,952 ft.
        ▼ Is Ken Burton a point to point trail?
        Ken Burton is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.

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