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    Josephine Peak

    4.6 (17 reviews)

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    Jason R.

    I've done this hike 3 times now. Twice via Colby Canyon and once from Clear Creek. Both options are a little over 8 miles but Colby is a bit steeper.Make sure to display your Adventure Pass parking permit.The first 2 miles are pretty steep and then you reach a saddle and the path to the right is the mountaineering route to Strawberry Peak and to the left will take you to Josephine. The next 2 miles is mostly flat or slight incline and this part of the trail is wider. Nice 360 views at the top.

    Tony K.

    This is a nice 8 mile round trip hike with a 360 view at the summit. You can park near Clear Creek Fire Station or nearby Clear Creek Information Center, there are restrooms in the area. Display your adventure pass when parking here to avoid a ticket. NOTE: Restroom is closed due to Covid-19. You can find the start of the trail across from the Fire Station, walk past the yellow gate onto Josephine Peak Road. The hike up to Josephine Peak has a gradual incline, nothing steep so no trekking poles are needed unless you like using them. You can't get lost, stay on the Josephine Peak Road all the way to the top. At Josephine Saddle, there is a small trail going right towards Strawberry Peak, if you have time you can extend the adventure. Once you make it to the top, the views are awesome. There will be a small solar-powered building on the peak. Enjoy the view, then head back down the same way you hiked up. This is a popular location for trail runners and mountain biking. Alternative route, instead of starting at Clear Creek fire station area. You can start at Colby Canyon. If you want to hike a trail versus a service road. There is not a lot of shades, so be prepare to have sun block, hat and sunglasses if hiking mid afternoon. As always plan accordingly to the weather and have fun.i

    On the way to the peak
    Melanie D.

    This review is for Josephine Peak via Colby Canyon Trail . It is more interesting and scenic than only taking the fire road. It is an out and back hike of about 8.3 miles with ~2,100' elevation gain/loss. The hike is heavily wooded early on. There are streams and lush greenery along the way. The trail has minimal rock under foot and is single file most of the way, until the last 0.5-1 mile, where it becomes and joins with the fire road to the peak. Most of the hike is on an incline, but the ascension is not that steep. You will recognize the peak when you see a small building surrounded by towers and solar panels. Views at the top are 360 degrees. DTLA can be seen on a clear day. tip - adventure pass needed parking - free lot on the side of the road

    Stephanie P.

    PEEKING ON JOSEPHINE'S PEAK!!! BACKGROUND: Named for Josephine Lippencott, wife of USGS surveyor Joseph Barlow Lippencott who used this elevation for a triangulation station (1894). He would later insure the city of Santa Barbara with a steady source of water by planning the Gibraltar Dam on the Santa Inez River (1903, completed 1921), and was later the Hydraulic Engineer of the Owens Valley Aqueduct (1919). He was also involved in the planning of the Angeles Crest Highway. STATS: Distance: 8 miles Trail conditions: Fire Road & single track Route: Up and back Elevation gain: All uphill to the top (1900' gain) Restroom: Porta potty at the info center ESSENTIALS: At least 2 liters of water Know your limits Comfy hiking shoes with good lugs Layered Clothing High protein food/snacks Electrolytes Camera Hat (optional) Sunscreen Trek poles (optional) OUR ROUTE: On a warm and sunny morning, me and The Crew headed up Angeles Forest Highway for an uphill climb to Josephine Peak. Parking on the side of the road just across from Clear Creek Visitors Center, we threw on our packs, adjusted our straps, stretched our trekking poles, and headed up a fire road that seemed to never end. There's really not much to say about this hike, it is a straightforward hike on an easy to follow fire road to the top. On your way up, if you start going down, you are going the wrong way. The biggest challenges are, hike is fully exposed to the elements, so if you hike it in the warmer months dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and a hat, as well as bring lots of water and electrolytes. The views going up are amazing and from the top, the 360 degree view is breathtaking, DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. Review 100 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015 #HIKEITUP #HIKING #ANF

    Above the clouds
    Sean M.

    A well maintained access road up to radio masts at the top of the peak. The hike is just a little under 8 miles round trip. Once you pass the yellow vehicle gate at the bottom of the access road, then its just a case of following this road up. No chance to get lost or off trail. It can get a little chilly first thing in the morning, even if its warm down in LA. parking: there's only 15 mins parking at the ranger station at the junction, so instead park on the gravel area on the other side of the street. Theres a sign nearby the says that you need to display your adventure pass.

    Jim A.

    This is a pretty nice FIREWOOD hike up with amazing views all the way to the top. You get a 360 view of the entire angeles national forrest looking towards the city, strawberry peak and mt wilson. You can see everything. This is doable on a bike with climbing gears and definitely doable by foot. Its about 4 miles up and 4 miles down from clear creek ranger station where i recommend you park. Bring some water. It does get chilly in the shade. Im coming back!

    At the peak
    Nancy W.

    I completed this hike in December and I really enjoyed it. It was very cold in the morning at 8am, approximately 38 degrees fahrenheit. It's a moderate hike that follows a fire road, so nothing too complicated. I didn't need hiking poles either. Highly recommended!

    Views from the trail are amazing all the way up!

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    Do it! Worth the views and time and conversions you can have with a loved one on the way up. Not hard on the body.

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    Review Highlights - Josephine Peak

    Went up Colby Canyon which was somewhat steep but not too bad, no shade.

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