About

MWBA History

1986 - MWBA Founded

Alan Armstrong forms the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association to promote trail courtesy and preserve mountain bike access in the Angeles National Forest.

Late 1980s - Trail Work Begins

MWBA volunteers begin assisting the USFS with trail maintenance, developing trail work as a core part of MWBA’s mission.

1991–1995 – Ken Burton Trail Constructed

MWBA begins building the Ken Burton Trail—the first official trail built by mountain bikers in the Angeles National Forest. The trail is completed and officially dedicated in April 1995.

MWBA team in the early 90s on the beginning stages of the Ken Burton Trail

1991 – USFS Recognizes MWBA Acheivements

At the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, USFS Ranger Terry Ellis announces that MWBA logged the most volunteer hours in the entire U.S. Forest Service for the year.

Group photo of MWBA team in 1991 at the pancake breakfast

1999–2001 – Trail Work Paused

A change in USFS administration leads to a two-year halt on volunteer work due to a forest-wide trail condition assessment. MWBA activity declines.

2010 – MWBA Reboots

A new wave of volunteers revives MWBA, bringing renewed energy to trail work and outreach.

2009 – Station Fire Destroys Trails

The Station Fire heavily damages a wide swath of the Angeles National Forest. Ken Burton, Gabrielino, Strawberry Peak, and other trails are rendered impassable.

2016 – Ken Burton Restoration

MWBA and CORBA volunteers restore the Ken Burton Trail after years of closure following the Station Fire. This major effort involved brush clearance, tread restoration, and structural repairs deep in the Angeles National Forest.

MWBA team members posing on a structural repair project on the Ken Burton trail in 2016

2016 – Gabrielino Trail Assessment

USFS, CORBA, and partners conduct a hike-through assessment of the fire-damaged Gabrielino Trail between Switzers picnic area and Altadena. Restoration planning begins.

USFS, CORBA, and MWBA team members pose on the Gabrielino Trail

2018 – Gabrielino Trail Fully Restored

MWBA leads monthly workdays to reopen all 26 miles of the Gabrielino Trail. With the help of 102 volunteers, 1,900+ hours of labor are logged. The trail officially reopens in August 2018.

MWBA team and support volunteers pose on the restored Gabrielino Trail

2020 - Bobcat Fire burns trails in West Fork and Big Santa Anita Canyon

The Bobcat Fire sweeps 115 thousand acres of heavy fuels in the Angeles, burning the eastern half of the Gabrielino, Valley Forge, and all the trails in Big Santa Anita Canyon.

2025 - MWBA Finishes Valley Forge Restoration

After 2 years of work, MWBA volunteers finish top-to-bottom restoration of Valley Forge after it was made impassible by the Bobcat Fire.

MWBA team members clearing brush from a trail

Today – MWBA Active and Growing

With monthly public trail stewardship days, the semi-annual Pancake Breakfast, and a strong partnership with the USFS, MWBA continues to maintain multi-use trails and advocate for responsible recreation.