Little Tujunga Canyon may not be on my most essential list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t special.

For me, it’s one of my most favorite because it checks a lot of boxes for difficulty, epicness and beauty.

It will probably make its way up the list for one reason that I’m fine with: popularity.

Cyclists in the know recognize how great it is, but somehow it is a relatively vacant road for all users.

On a number of weekend rides, I normally count a handful or riders which a majority of times outnumber the drivers.

Once a week, a number of my friends do a ride out of Sweetsalt in Toluca Lake which indiscriminately alters between a number of routes.

Riding out to Little Tujunga (“Little T” to the locals) is one of the favorites even though it’s a haul to get out there.

Still, there’s a big payoff riding around Hansen Dam and making our way up to the Wildlife Waystation before hammering our way back to make brunch.

If you’ve got more time, you can continue up to Camp 9 where you’ll still see the area recovering from the Sand Fire.

Here’s a little recap which covered 39 miles with about 2k feet of climbing:

Climbing Little Tujunga