Saint Francis Dam National Monument is a region located in San Francisquito Canyon, within northern Los Angeles County, California. This area is nestled in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, characterized by diverse vegetation including riparian zones, chaparral, and stands of hardwoods and cottonwoods. The terrain features a canyon environment with elevations ranging from 1,760 to 2,000 feet, making it suitable for several outdoor sports like road cycling. The San Francisquito Creek, recognized for its geological value, flows through the monument.
19
Routes
5
(11)
Average rating
385
People visited

4
hikers
5.77km
01:39
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

16.2km
04:51
580m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

36.4km
11:00
1,280m
950m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
5
hikers
9.58km
02:49
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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40
riders
83.5km
04:00
970m
970m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

14
riders
96.7km
04:47
1,350m
1,350m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.8
(5)
137
riders
43.3km
02:21
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(3)
92
riders
51.8km
02:40
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
81.1km
05:12
1,000m
1,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
69.4km
04:50
790m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
96.8km
06:18
1,260m
1,260m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
18.3km
01:11
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Saint Francis Dam National Monument is located in San Francisquito Canyon, within northern Los Angeles County, California. It commemorates the catastrophic failure of the Saint Francis Dam in 1928 and preserves the historical site. The monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Angeles National Forest.
Saint Francis Dam National Monument offers opportunities for outdoor activities, primarily road cycling. The area features a canyon environment with diverse vegetation and historical points of interest. Visitors can explore various routes and experience the unique landscape.
The monument commemorates the 1928 Saint Francis Dam collapse, one of the worst civil engineering disasters in American history, which claimed over 400 lives. It also highlights a pivotal moment in Los Angeles's water supply history. Visible remnants of the dam, such as large concrete pieces, provide a tangible link to this past.
Yes, road cycling is a popular activity in Saint Francis Dam National Monument. The paved San Francisquito Canyon Road offers a notable route for cyclists. This road provides a steady climb through the canyon with scenic views and historical remnants.
The San Francisquito Canyon Road is a primary route for road cycling, offering a scenic experience through the canyon. Cyclists can find detailed information and route suggestions in the Road Cycling Routes in Saint Francis Dam National Monument guide. This guide provides options for various skill levels.
The main paved route for cycling in the monument is the San Francisquito Canyon Road. This road allows for road biking through the canyon, offering both climbs and scenic sections. It is suitable for cyclists looking for a paved surface.
Road bike trails in Saint Francis Dam National Monument, such as the San Francisquito Canyon Road, feature a steady climb through a narrow canyon. The terrain is generally paved, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,760 to 2,000 feet. Cyclists can expect varied gradients and scenic views.
While the San Francisquito Canyon Road involves a steady climb, routes can be adapted for different skill levels. Cyclists can explore shorter sections or less challenging segments of the main road. The Road Cycling Routes in Saint Francis Dam National Monument guide may offer options suitable for beginners.
Information on road cycling routes, including details on terrain and difficulty, is available in the dedicated komoot guide. The Road Cycling Routes in Saint Francis Dam National Monument guide provides comprehensive details for planning a cycling trip.
Saint Francis Dam National Monument has been visited by more than 130 komoot users. These visitors have shared their experiences and insights into the available activities, particularly road cycling. The community contributions help other users discover and plan their adventures.
Cyclists on the San Francisquito Canyon Road can encounter remnants of the Saint Francis Dam, such as large concrete pieces often referred to as 'marbles.' These historical artifacts are visible along the route, offering unique points of interest during a ride.
The elevation within Saint Francis Dam National Monument ranges from approximately 1,760 feet (536 meters) to 2,000 feet (610 meters). This elevation profile contributes to the steady climbs experienced on routes like the San Francisquito Canyon Road.
Yes, Saint Francis Dam National Monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It falls under the administration of the Angeles National Forest, which oversees a broader region of natural landscapes and recreational opportunities in Southern California.

