Foothill Flyers Mountain Trail Runs
Last update June 29, 2020
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Monrovia Canyon, Deer Park - Ben Overturff Trail

Besides the 5.4 mile Monrovia Falls run we do on one last Wednesday night of the month club run from Grand Ave. Park, running up to the Deer Park for 9.5 miles round trip on the weekend is a good trail training alternative. You could cut off 1.3 miles each way if you want to park in the Monrovia Canyon Park lot and pay the $5. If you want more mileage, add 3 more miles round trip by continuing up the road to White Saddle (12.7 miles round trip) and/or another loop of the single track from Twin Springs.

After passing the park entrance toll booth (and bathroom), continue on the paved road and turn right at the first turn and cross over the stream on the bridge. Going up the dirt road to the Deer Park Trail Head and coming back down the single track Ben Overturff Trail is a little easier loop with less and more consistent uphill sections.

Deer Park trail loop map
Click on the map to download the complete Monrovia Canyon Park Trail & Picnic Guide.
See Robert and Maria's photo slideshows from Weekend Warrior walk/jogs in December 2012 and a longer run up to White Saddle in September 2013.

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From Grand Park take the Sawpit trail from Norumbega to the Park entrance.

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At the entrance to the Trask Scout Camp, take the dirt road to the right. This is 2.4 miles from Grand Ave Park in Monrovia and a mile up from the park entrance.

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Wonder what merit badge this Bear Cub Scout is working on? Bear sightings are common in Monrovia Canyon. Robert Vangilder has seen them 78 times so bring your camera.

trail photo
If you don't want to go to the Deer Park - 4.3 miles, you can short cut the loop by turning off at the Twin Springs Trail Head and come back down the Ben Overturff Trail, or make some one mile loops between this trail head and up around the Deer Park.

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All that is left of the Overturff's Deer Lodge are the foundations and none of Bertha's lemon meringue pie.

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Most of the loop above the dam has lots of shaded areas and a few rocks to sit on to adjust your shoes.

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The climb up the paved road to the top of the dam is very steep.

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The lower Ben Overturff trail head - 2,66 miles - on the left is where you will come back out if you take the on the dirt road on the right.

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Every time Robert Vangilder runs Monrovia Canyon he adds another rock to the pile - .56 mi up from the Ben Overturff Trail Head.

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There is a bathroom that is kept in fair shape at the Deer Park Trail Head - 4.8 miles - at the end of the pipe railing to the left. To continue on to White Saddle and some great views, stay on the dirt road to the right.

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Great view on the Ben Overturff Trail looking down in the valley toward Twin Springs and the Meadow.

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The trail up from the foot bridge across the stream at the bottom of the meadow will take you back up to the dirt road.


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