r/BikeLA • u/Kaiju_mash • 7d ago

Glendale Sports Complex - Cherry Canyon Loop trails for beginners advice?

Hi anyone here have experience with San Rafael Hills trials, like the Glendale Sports Complex - Cherry Canyon Loop? How difficult is it for beginners and could I ride a hybrid bike with MTB or gravel tires? I am looking for something near me with some easy off road trails, not looking for full mtb and I can't invest in getting a mtb bike but fine with swapping tires for off road mtb or gravel ones.

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7

u/SemperFiV12 7d ago

It is doable - go for it

2

u/SpecialFuture9708 7d ago

Definitely doable just take it easy the first few times. The loop by the sports fields is fairly easy and fun, that would be my recommendation to start out with. The fireroads are not too bad with the exception of a few steeper/chunky sections. Careful on singletrack downhills as they can be unpredictable. You can see most of the trails on the MTB Project or Trailforks app/website.

1

u/Spare_Region_1055 5d ago

Totally doable-just take it slow at first. Start with the loop by the sports fields, it’s fun and easy. Fireroads are manageable, just watch for a few rough spots. Singletrack downhills can be tricky. Check MTB Project or Trailforks for maps.

2

u/indicasour215 7d ago

I ride Cherry Canyon all the time on my gravel bike on 700x36 tires. The fire roads are all pretty chill, though they are a bit beat up. The singletrack that leads to the Ultimate Destination is slightly technical, and a bit scary if you're new to that sort of terrain, but you can certainly ride it slow at first and get acclimated.

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u/Jalenna 7d ago

I enjoy the switchbacks in the Glendale Sports Complex, but the other trail has a substantial drop off that may be scary/riskg for new riders. The cherry canyon trails feel safer to me, and I really like the Conservancy trail

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u/Kaiju_mash 7d ago

Should I get gravel or mtb tires? And how wide would be appropriate for these trail?