Mr. swimbikerun, You might call me tri wannabe. I have ran in thousands of 5k + 10k races. Then when I started to train to do a triathelon. The doctors said if I kept running my leggaments would snap. That was why my knees hurt all the time and as you probably know. Old habits are hard to stop. That was 1994. After the fire of 1999. I used the Bradford ridge trail to start jogging again. This was ideal as I was living in Arrowhead Estates, a local neighborhood. To get to the trailhead from Lake Arrowhead : follow Hwy. 173 past the lake and away from the big city. Once the road turns to dirt go @ 1.5-2 miles. You can park just past the bridge on the left and be in some shade, provided by the trees. As far as I can tell I never had my car messed with there. Cross the road and look for the most foot prints. After going over a little hill you may notice the trail goes to the right. Do not go right here as this is an 4 + mile route. More on that later. Go left and follow the canyon. After some trees you can easily follow the easy to see trail. This trail is 3 + miles from the dirt road to the Pacific crest trail. My best time on this trail was 22:50. But it is more fun in 25-28 range. Warning the 1st time I ran this trail (you know the differance between running and jogging I assume) I stepped in a hole and twisted my ankle. As I filled this hole I meet an unusual fellow. He is the care taker of this trail. He wants to remain unknown. He does not talk to strangers. He is what I call a trail angle. On another time I almost stepped on a rattle snake, so be careful. After you cross the fence take it easy as there is a steep drop off here. After that you round a hill. This is the Bradford ridge, This is about a 45 degree slant down to the PC trail. Go slow here as it is more like a controlled fall. Once on the PC trail, I like to walk the 100+ yards to the hot springs. I suggest you hike this trail before you try jogging. You may get lucky and find the Bradford spring. If you are really adventurous go to the right after the 1st little hill. This trail is almost gone now, but you end up @ 3/4 mile up stream from the hot springs. So you must back track down stream to get to the hot springs. This is the trail I would have used to extend my mileage. Also don't forget to purchase an forest adventure pass. Other wise the nazi rangers will hassle you. I like what you said and will remember: a penny saved is a government oversight. :~) Happy training.
