Rowher Flats to Upper Big Tujunga — Angeles National Forest Desert Ridge Run
San Gabriel ridge above the desert edge.
Santa Clara Divide Road — Forest Road 3N17 — cuts across the dry northern flank of the San Gabriel Mountains above the Mojave Desert transition zone. You start near Agua Dulce off Sierra Highway, climb through chaparral and exposed granite ridgelines, and run the divide between the Santa Clara River drainage and the Big Tujunga Canyon system. The Mill Creek Summit area offers sweeping views north into the Antelope Valley and south into the Angeles National Forest interior. The road surface shifts between decomposed granite, embedded rock, and loose shale — nothing that’ll rip your axles out, but enough to keep stock trucks honest on the off-camber sections near Coldwater Canyon junction.
This is a high-clearance two-wheel-drive road in dry conditions, but rain turns sections into a greasy mess that’ll have you sideways. Stock 4WD handles it fine when dry; after any precip, engage the lockers. Best run May through November — summer weekdays are quiet, weekends see trail bikes and the occasional Jeeper. No permit needed for vehicles. Bring your own water — nothing reliable on route. The Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking at trailheads. Cell service is spotty to none across most of the divide. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated pull-outs along the ridge.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5740 ft |
| Best season | May-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD dry / 4WD recommended wet |
| Nearest town | Agua Dulce, CA |
| Land manager | Angeles National Forest — San Gabriel Mountains National Monument |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
Yes, stock high-clearance trucks do fine in dry conditions. The rocky sections and loose gravel don't require a lift, but low-range is useful on the steeper pitches and you'll want decent all-terrain tires rather than street rubber.
When does the trail become impassable or sketchy?
December through April is hit or miss — snow and ice can shut down the upper ridge sections and wet conditions turn the dirt into a greasy mess that'll catch 2WD rigs off guard. May through November is the reliable window, with summer afternoons occasionally bringing fast-moving thunderstorms.
Do I need a permit or pass to run this trail?
You need an Adventure Pass ($5 daily, $30 annual) to park anywhere in Angeles National Forest. No trail-specific permit is required, but check current fire restrictions and road closures on the USFS Angeles website before you go — the San Gabriel Mountains see frequent closures after fire and storm events.
What's the hardest section and what should I be ready for?
The roughest terrain comes as you climb toward the Santa Clara Divide — loose embedded rock, off-camber shelf road with exposure, and rutted descents toward Big Tujunga Canyon. Nothing technical enough to require a locker in dry conditions, but one bad line on a wet shelf section can put you in a bad spot fast.
Is there water available on the trail, and where should I plan to fuel up?
Water crossings exist but don't count on them as a drinking source without treatment. Fill up before you leave — Agua Dulce and Santa Clarita are your last reliable stops for fuel and resupply. Cell service is spotty at best across the ridge, so download offline maps and don't rely on data for navigation.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.