Hiking to San Gabriel Peak from Mount Disappointment Fire Road

Ideally, a trail starts out level and gradually works up to its climb. This is not one of those hikes. This trail starts out with several steep switchbacks. Your heart rate will go up quickly, and then the trail keeps climbing. Spruce, Oak and brush shade the trail. There are several points where the trees part, exposing great views toward Mount Baldy. You will need to catch your breath anyway, so pause and enjoy.

Check out this slideshow of photos from this hike

The snow-caped Mount Baldy is visible from the trail

Continue uphill through the forest

The switches level out and the trail joins Mount Disappointment Fire Road (the longer paved route for bikers) toward the top of the mountain. The road reaches a small clearing filled with old cement slabs. Here the road turns sharply to the right and finishes the climb to the summit of Mount Disappointment.

Continuing up to the top of the mount will add another ½ mile to your hike, but you will get to see some old military installations and views of San Gabriel Peak and more. These two peaks are so close together that it is very easy to see both in one hike.

To get up to the top of San Gabriel Peak, take the unmarked trail across the saddle from the clearing beneath Mount Disappointment. As you pass along the saddle, you will cross another trail leading up San Gabriel Peak from Mount Lowe Fire Road. Continue straight ahead and start the final climb to the summit. This is another fairly steep well-maintained trail of about half a mile in length. The summit lies at 6,161 feet where you will be treated to views of Mount Baldy, Mount Wilson, Mount Lowe, Mount Disappointment, Strawberry Peak and many more. Legend has it, you can see Catalina Island on a clear day, but you probably won’t see much beyond Pasadena.

Mount Wilson from San Gabriel Peak

Take in the view before returning the way you came. The round-trip distance of this hike to San Gabriel Peak is 4 miles (4.5 if you visit Mount Disappointment). The alternate route to the Summit is from Mount Lowe Fire Road. This route is 0.8 miles shorter. It is somewhat easier and more scenic. Unfortunately, this route is "closed" because of a rock slide that has crossed the trail.

Looking south on the trail up Mt. Disappointment

To get to the trailhead: From the 210 Freeway in Altadena, take the Angeles Crest Highway (CA 2) northwest for 14 miles (4 miles past the turnoff for Switzer Picnic Area). Turn Right on to Mt Wilson Road Box Road (After mile marker 38). Drive 1/3 of a mile and make th first right on the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road. The roads leads up to a small parking lot. Display your adventure pass and start hiking. The trail is unmarked but easy to locate.

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