The San Gabriel Mountains

LOCATION: In the front range of the San Gabriel mountains, near Mount Wilson, in the Angeles Nat'L Forest northeast of La Canada, Los Angeles County.

DESCRIPTION    The hike to the top of San Gabriel Peak, the highest summit in the Front Range of the San Gabriel Mountains, combines outstanding views with a great aerobic workout. You'll follow the beautifully engineered JPL trail up the steep north slopes of Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak. As you climb, broad views of the heavily forested West fork of the San Gabriel River and a large portion of the wild San Gabriel Wilderness spread out to the east.   Shaded beautifully by canyon live oak, jumbo manzanita and big-cone Douglass fir, this outstanding trail provides a quick and easy escape from the hectic pace of life in Southern California. When you reach the summit of San Gabriel Peak, elev. 6,161 ft., your brief yet strenuous climb will be rewarded with a lovely 360 degree panoramic view that encompasses the entire L.A. basin, Catalina Island, the Santa Ana and San Jacinto mountains as well as a majority of the Angeles Nat'L Forest, including 10,064 foot Mount Baldy.   Just to the west is the not- so-wild summit of Mount Disappointment. A short walk on the fire road will lead you to the top of the infrastructure crowned summit where you'll gain outstanding views, especially of San Gabriel Peak. Beautiful vistas, an excellent workout and quick access from the 210 FWY in La Canada combine to make this a hike you're liable to do again and again. SPECIAL NOTE: The best conditions to undertake this hike is when good air quality prevails and temperatures are moderate. Don't attempt this hike when the basin is filled with haze and smog!

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