I used to be excited to hike Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak. It sort of got here on a whim when a buddy and I have been each going to be within the Pasadena space however didn’t need to simply drive to Pasadena then drive house. Why not hike Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak?
It’s been such a very long time since I’ve been mountaineering. Why? A full 12 months of marathon coaching, having enjoyable doing different issues, and much more swimming. There may be solely a lot understanding one can do, though I’m trying ahead to getting again into mountaineering someday quickly.
My expertise at Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak:
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Acquire: 1600 ft
Path sort: out and again
Strava
Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak Trailhead Tackle:
Mount Wilson Crimson Field Street & Mount Disappointment Street, Angeles Nationwide Forest, Altadena, CA 91001Trailhead coordinates: 34.25455, -118.1021 (34° 15′ 16.4″N 118° 06′ 07.55″W)
We arrived at Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak round 8:30 AM. There have been a couple of parking spots on the trailhead, however not many. There are various extra about 1/3 mile down the highway. We opted to park down the highway on the Crimson Field parking space and stroll the additional distance. That parking space does have room for about 20-30 vehicles, however even that fills out. It was almost full once we left round 11 am. The stroll up is on the facet of the highway, with no shoulder, which does really feel barely harmful, however there are minimal vehicles going up that route.
Gear Used:
We almost missed the beginning of the Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak trailhead, which is positioned simply earlier than the barrier on the highway. It’s a brilliant slim and steap begin, and also you assume: is that actually the beginning of this hike? You instantly begin climbing quite a bit. With 1600 ft of elevation achieve for two miles, you recognize it’s going to be steep, and it was. It felt prefer it was endless. Fortunately, there isn’t any scrambling. At about 1.3 miles, you’ll hit the highway once more, which is barely much less steep. There have been a number of factors we took fast stops to catch our breath. 1600 ft of achieve is just not simple, however fortunately there isn’t any scrambling like close by Strawberry Peak.
From there, you stroll up a few half-mile extra, and you then’ll see turnoffs for Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak. To be trustworthy, Mount Disappointment did really feel like a disappointment, with San Gabriel Peak being the “cooler” of the peaks.
On the high of San Gabriel Peak, you’ll get an attractive 360-degree view of Los Angeles in addition to the San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles Crest Forest, and even Mount Wilson. It was loopy to me that Mount Wilson was so shut, but that hike is 15 miles, and Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak are “solely” 4.4 miles. However hey, that’s what occurs whenever you begin larger up. Mount Disappointment Peak is definitely a facility for the US Military Corps of Engineers and in addition has a helicopter touchdown pad, however the view from San Gabriel Peak is barely higher (hey, I mentioned, what I mentioned). Severely, although, each have distinctive causes to go there.
The best way down is way simpler, as you’re principally going downhill all the time. It took us about 1 hour and quarter-hour to stand up from the decrease parking zone and 1 hour to get again down, which was good as a result of we have been working late. We noticed many extra individuals arising whereas we have been taking place, so it is likely to be higher to start out a bit earlier. We have been really in a rush to get down as a result of we had our appointment in Pasadena at midday, fortunately we simply made it. (Pasadena is about half-hour away from the Crimson Field parking zone).
So far as climate, once we went in January there was slightly little bit of snow and ice on the edges of the path. I heard the week earlier than the path was almost coated. So do your analysis about latest climate situations earlier than going on the market within the winter, the path might need snow. Regardless, with the steepness and occasional free rock I do suggest a superb pair of path or mountaineering footwear.
Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak Conclusion:
In case you are searching for a enjoyable pair of peaks to hike which might be difficult however not overly lengthy, Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak are an excellent selection. You get the views of Los Angeles with out the longer hikes. We didn’t see a single individual when mountaineering to every of the peaks. We did see much more individuals as we have been coming down, and once we received again to the parking zone round 11-11:30, the 30 automobile lot was almost full. So hold that in thoughts, it’s a widespread hike!
You may see all hikes right here.
Questions for you:
What’s your favourite hike in Los Angeles?
What’s your favourite hike general?
