The trail is all incline with a plethora of switchbacks. So, be prepared by bringing plenty of…read morewater to drink, especially in the summer. The trail is about two-people wide, and the other hikers were all respectful and said "hello." Not much trash on the trail, aside from one can of tuna discarded literally on the trail. The trail is about 4+ miles in, and 4+ out, so for an out-of-shape guy like me hiking with a fellow out-of-shape person, it took just about four hours to reach the top, and about just over two to get down. But, more advanced hikers should be able to do it in less time. The views along the trail are great, especially as the switchbacks take you in and out of view of the vast landscape. But, the view up top is totally worth it for this difficult hike. So, come prepared to use either a camera or use your cell phone a lot (External Charger/extra batteries are an absolute necessity). If getting a late start, a jacket would be necessary, as the high elevation brings gusts of wind with it.

They closed the road just past mountain high, which is 5 miles from the trailhead. You can park…read moreoutside and the hike will add an extra 10 miles to the already challenging 9.5 mile hike up the mountain. There is an elevation gain of 4000ft. Views totally worth it!

Old Mt. Baldy Trail is a wide road trail for most of the way from Manker Flat to Top of the Notch…read more You pass waterfalls and can see people coming up on the gondolas. There is one area near the top that was recently washed out, so it's rocky, but still there is plenty of room to pass others and it doesn't feel unsafe at all. You can also go past this area and go a little future around the rocky path if you want to stay on flatter ground. It's a nice incline, so a good workout. On a clear day, the views are amazing. And you can have a great lunch at Top of the Notch as a reward. Their grilled Turkey Sandwich is yummy. They also have beer, hot cocoa, and other snacks. Then it's a relaxing hike back down. It's the perfect time of year right now, because it's cold and sunny, but no snow on this trail (currently--always check the weather before you hike!). And oh how good you feel after a hike in the hills! :)

Old installations, and overpriced services. Even going to enjoy nature is WAY OVERPRICED. once…read morevisiting this place was enough of experience. You are not missing anything you can see in other areas.

Sunset Peak Trail was a 7.2 mile round trip hike that took 3 hours or so to complete. Limited…read moreparking on the side of the road. Gradual inclines to the peak with plenty of shades. Trail was sort of rocky in some areas. Overall, not too difficult with some nice views. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba1OUC3LKKg

Hiking super early in the morning to catch a sunrise at Sunset Peak, is a heart and soul-filling…read moreadventure in my book. Totally worth the experience, at least once in your lifetime :) Sunset Peak Trail is an absolutely gorgeous hike in the San Gabriel Mountains all year long. Gate is closed at Glendora Ridge Road, during snow/winter season. I parked along Mount Baldy Road and hiked 1/2 mile along Glendora Ridge Road to the trailhead. There are two ways of hiking to the peak. You could hike on the fire road or take the steeper trail. Steeper route starts to the left of the fire road and is definitely more scenic with a tiny, tiny bit of rock scrambling. I prefer hiking the steeper trail. AllTrails rates this hike as "moderate" and estimates: 7.3 miles with a 1,272 ft elevation gain via the fire road. My first time here, I hiked up the steep ridge line, did some "extra exploring/wandering" then down the fire road. I clocked in 10 miles with about the same elevation gain. Bring your hiking 10 essentials always (REI has a good 10 essential list). Check weather reports, to bring microspikes and hiking poles, during winter/snow seasons. Sounds like a heavy load to bring, but guaranteed you'll leave feeling lighter at the end of the hike. May your 2021 be filled with heart-filling adventures that'll nurture your beautiful soul! Stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) Yelping out there :)

We did the loop on 12/30/22. There were patches of ice and snow. I wore microspikes for about a 1/3…read moreof the hike. We did the loop and the total mileage was 7 miles. The 2 people I did the hike with didn't have microspikes and they were fine. A lot of this area has been affected by the fires over the previous couple years. Since it is such a long, winding drive along Hwy 2 this trail is not very busy. Make sure to display your Adventure Pass parking permit. Because of the recent storms the waterfall had a good amount of water.

This is a 3 mile (roundtrip) trail that takes you to a really cool waterfall that's located deep…read morewithin the San Gabriel Mountains. Tall trees provide shade throughout most of the trail. There are just the right amount of people on the trail where it is not too crowded and it's also not too secluded. What I wish I would have known before I went was that you can park right next to the trailhead. If you enter into Buckhorn Campgrounds you can drive right up to the trailhead parking lot. I didn't know this so I parked at the outer parking lot and had to walk a half a mile down the hill. The parking lot nearest the trailhead actually had less cars then the outer parking lot. The other thing is that the majority of the trail is really easy to follow. You just have to remember that when you get to the signage and junction that lists both Cooper Canyon Trail and Burkhart Trail be sure to keep going straight along the Burkhart Trail. The falls will be a little further down on your left. You will have to descend down to the canyon bottom, with the assistance of a rope, to reach the base of the falls. Kids can do it no problem. The waterfall empties into a pool of water that's about a foot deep. It's really cold and refreshing. The waterfall was really wide with a nice and strong flow. Be sure to bring your Adventure Pass. There's no cell service. There are bathroom but they were all locked probably due to Covid-related precautions.

Worked on this trail recently with Bear Canyon Trail Crew and had a blast…read more The trail isn't that difficult with a few stream crossings with shallow water lines in February 2026. The trail has some decent shade in some areas, but a lot of exposed areas as well. This trail is secluded from the outside world compared to Chantry Flats and is a perfect day hike to get away from people. Highly recommend coming early to beat the heat and find parking. A day pass or an adventure pass is needed for parking. Beware of poison oak. There's a lot in this area. Would come back!

During a recent weekend backpacking trip with my son and his Boy Scout troop, I enjoyed our first…read morenight of camping at Hoegee's Camp on the Loop Trail. As posted in my other Chantry-esque reviews, I've hiked this area hundreds of times, but always with young kids or inexperienced hikers... thus, we end up at Sturtevant Falls instead of venturing into connected trails. This time, we arrived at the Chantry lot around 6 P.M., hung our Forest Adventure Passes on the rearview mirrors, and backpacked with headlamps into the local hills. At the bottom of the asphalt-paved trail from the parking lot-- just as soon as you cross the footbridge, the trail to Hoegee's branches off to your left. A slow but steady uphill climb saw us arrive at Hoegee's camp in the dark of night. Just a few other folks were availing themselves of campsites, so our group of about 15 made camp, and enjoyed a sack dinner. All trash and food was secured in bear cans (which we brought) and a bear box that was found in the middle of camp near the trail. Plenty of bears in the area at all times, so be bear aware. No, actually, you probably aren't very good at creating a bear hang, and you're doing it wrong. Use the bear box! Plenty of water rushing over the nearby spillway for late winter/early spring was a delightful sound as I fell asleep on my not-entirely flat camp spot selected in the dark. In the morning, we awoke with the morning light to a beautiful canopy of oak trees. After breakfast, we tore down camp quickly, and continued up the loop for Spruce Grove. This hike can be completed in a single day, to be sure... but if you want to stretch it into an overnighter, camping here is free for first-come, first-served folks. Do note that there are no restroom facilities at Hoegee's camp-- so you're going nature potty and/or digging a latrine. Please be sure to move far away from Winter Creek before digging your little hole... everyone downstream thanks you :) If you're doing the day loop, there is a restroom at Spruce Grove, but no running water.

Nice hike to where you can view a waterfall - have to climb through rocks to get to the base of it…read morebut other than that it's a wide paved road. You can even bring a stroller. Great place for a hike, remember pay for parking.

This is a pretty difficult hike of about 11 miles up and back and 4,100' elevation gain…read more The start of the hike is San Antonio Falls trail at Manker Flats. About 1/2 mile in, you will see the very steep turn off to the right to start your Register Ridge climb. The incline is very steep from the get-go and it continues on a pretty steady uphill incline throughout. There are parts that are pretty tough. The trail is single file with loose rocks under foot. You will also have to maneuver over and around some big rocks on occasion. It can be difficult to get your footing, so hiking poles would be helpful. Once you reach Devil's Backbone, you have the opportunity to add a bit of elevation and mileage by summitting Harwood Peak before reaching Baldy, which is right off of Devil's Backbone. The 360 degree views are pretty spectacular on Mt Baldy. It can be very windy and cool on top at any given time of year, so bring a jacket/windbreaker. There are several trail options to take for the return trip, inluding Devil's Backbone or the Ski Hut Trail. Both have steep areas of descent, but the Ski Hut Trail is shorter. parking - lot located at the start of the trail that requires an adventure pass

This is challenging hike, it's only 2 miles. Most of the way up is an incline. It's definitely…read moretough on the knees and going uphill even more so with the sun bearing down. Pros: - plenty of parking at the bottom of the trail. Parking is free. - Nice view at the top, with a poop sign. - Not too crowded. Cons: - plenty of poison oak along the trail, but the city does a great job of maintaining the path. - there is little to no shade. Come early or later in the afternoon. Tips + bring a trekking pole! It helps.

It was challenging and fun! I did not finish the whole trail today for safety concern because it…read morestarted to rain and I did not see anyone else. Will come again when the weather is good.

Had so much fun hiking here. We climbed to the peak of a couple mountains, made it to two stone…read morepiles. Our starting point was at the opposite way of the loop, the trail wasn't very clear but we kept moving forward. We began hiking around 9 AM made 4 or 5 stops and finished at 5:40PM, I started tracking the distance roughly by the 3rd hour of our hike and it marked 14.7 miles. Most of the signs up were all rusty and unreadable. The combination of strong and cold winds, the rocky trail, a loose sandy ground on the steep areas were to die for- literally. Some parts were incredibly challenging but it was an exhilarating experience.

Will never give nature less than 5 stars but this was a CHALLENGING hike. So beautiful and plenty…read moreof rest points to break up the hike but man was I feeling it afterwards. We packed plenty of water and snacks and followed the trail etiquette(downhill hikers mover over to uphill hikers, ect) Our figure 8 route included: 2.5 miles to echo Another 2 to inspiration point where we sat and ate a quick lunch- love the telescopes all over!! Another 1.5 to Mt Lowe! This part was definitely the hardest for me, quite a bit of elevation gain in a small space but I did it! The swing wasn't at the top but still a gorgeous view. 10/10 would hike again and a great conditioning hike for Mt Wilson!