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San Gabriel Peak

4.1 (10 reviews)

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Tony K.

This is a nice short hike. Roughly 3-4 miles round trip from Eaton Saddle trailhead. But you can extend the hike to other peaks like Mount Lowe, Mount Markham, Mount Disappointment or Mount Deception. If you want you can also start at Bill Reilly trailhead. This is a small parking lot past redbox picnic area. Due to the summer weather, I started at Eaton Saddle because the hike will be shorter to be done by noon time. You will first pass thru Mueller Tunnel. Once you arrive at Markham Saddle, you will want to go on the trail on the right. If you go straight, that takes you to the campground and to inspiration point. If you go left, you will see a rusted post sign to Mount Lowe. From here, the trail is pretty straightforward. You will reach a trail split. Go right, that will take you to San Gabriel Peak. The final push is steep but anyone can do it, just take breaks when needed. Eventually you will summit the top and you will see a bench and a register box. It's a nice view of the neighboring peaks. Just head back down, and once you get back to that trail split. If you went to the left trail. That would have taken you to Mount Disappointment. That's the radio tower, which is also what's left of the Nike Missile site. I would recommend knocking this out if your going to do San Gabriel Peak. It's so close by, it will not take much effort to complete this. Once all done, just head back the way you got here. Note, you will need an adventure pass, which you can pick up at REI or like Big 5 Sporting Goods. There is also Poodle Dog Bush on the trail, so be careful to avoid touching when hiking. Also, there were a lot of bugs, luckily I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants. But if you hate that, maybe wait till winter time. As always, pack accordingly to the weather and have fun.

Melanie D.

San Gabriel Peak has an elevation of 6,160'. It is easily accessible from the Red Box parking lot or Eaton Canyon Saddle lot. There are loose rocks under foot on the trail. The climb to the peak is not very steep from the fire road. Once on the top, there are nice 360 degree views. This climb can be easily combined with hiking to other peaks for a greater challenge.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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10 years ago

its a good place for hiking on weekend morning. Parking is always a problem. Car-pool recommended.

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Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

4.4(293 reviews)
3.1 mi

Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

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Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - Lower Switzer Fall

Lower Switzer Fall

Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service - The grand prize, Switzer falls.

The grand prize, Switzer falls.

Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

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Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

4.8(4 reviews)
46.0 mi

The Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road serves as a significant access point…read moreto the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Southern California. Situated at an elevation of 923 meters in the Mojave Desert region, this trailhead marks a unique intersection where the vast wilderness of the PCT meets the end of California Highway 173. It is a crucial gateway for exploring the diverse landscapes of the San Bernardino Mountains foothills and the unique desert environment. Visitors consistently highlight this trailhead as the most accessible starting point for reaching the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs, making it a favored destination for hikers. The opportunity to experience a distinctive desert section of the Pacific Crest Trail, with its scenic Deep Creek Canyon and lush riparian vegetation, is another major draw. The convenience of a wide parking area at the end of the paved road also contributes to its popularity among those looking for day hikes or shorter excursions on the PCT. Before setting out, hikers should be prepared for a creek crossing within about a mile of the trailhead, as Deep Creek must be forded. While often shallow or dry, especially during certain times of the year, water levels can rise significantly after rain or snowmelt, potentially requiring an alternative parallel track near the dam. The trailhead offers ample free parking at the dead-end of Highway 173, making it easily reachable by passenger vehicle. This trailhead is ideal for hiking and trail running, particularly for those aiming for the Deep Creek Hot Springs, which is typically a 12-mile out-and-back journey. The arid desert climate suggests that spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or potential high waters in winter. Its location also provides convenient access to nearby amenities at Mojave River Forks Regional Park, including camping and recreational opportunities at Silverwood Lake.

i love this trail, but do it on a cloudy day, wont recommend hiking this on a hot day because…read moretheres no shade the whole time. and pls. pick up after your pet. parking is kinda sketchy too. so take the risk. Other than that love the bridge at the end of the trail!

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Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail
Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail
Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

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Strawberry Peak

Strawberry Peak

4.6(20 reviews)
3.4 mi

We started the hike around 9am on 12/3. The first 2 miles are very easy, then it's all uphill. We…read moreused the All Trails Map and we got to the peak with no problem. On our way back gets very slippery it's all downhill, be cautious and wear proper shoes. We saw two ladies falling multiple times and we ended up helping them. Take your time and go slow. We did it in almost 4hrs. It was 7.44 miles complete. Enjoy the trails and please leave no trace.

Red box gap picnic area parking lot on Hwy 2 is right across from the start of Strawberry trail. A…read morefew things to note, around 1.2 miles into the trail there will be a split without a sign indicating where the trails lead. Continue heading north (or to the right) to stay on Strawberry. Again around 2.5 miles there will be another split, closer to the left side going up you'll see the marker indicating Strawberry. The trail is relatively "easy" the first 2 .5 miles. The last mile to the peak is where the climbs start to kick it. There will be a few parts where you're climbing over rocks, and for a few moments it might seem like you may be off trail, but you'll be able to glance around and see if you're still on path. The closer you get to the peak you'll hit about 2 false peaks, but don't be discouraged the actual summit is close in distance, you just have a little more climbing to do. My picture don't to the peak much justice. While the views aren't as amazing as Cucamonga peak, you'll still have some nice views of the mountain range to the north and Downtown LA to the south west. So far out of the So Cal six peak challenge alternate peaks this one might be my favorite since the hike is a combination of a relaxed walk & some intense climbs. One last thing to note, the trail is on the outside of the mountain so there isn't too much shade from trees so make sure your properly prepared during the summer time.

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Strawberry Peak - You can see Downtown LA

You can see Downtown LA

Strawberry Peak
Strawberry Peak

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Blue Ridge Trail - Little pinecones on a stump...I thought it looked cute

Blue Ridge Trail

4.6(13 reviews)
27.7 mi

Well maintained trail with lots of shade and high elevation. Some parking available in a small lot…read morenear the beginning of the trailhead. The map had me go through the ski resort next door to safely get to the off road to park. I was confused at first but realized that Google Maps would not break any traffic laws therefore I couldn't cross the double yellow lines and make a left into the lot. The trail was peaceful with birds chirping, the sound of water flowing from a stream and beautiful views. I didn't see a bridge as I had in a couple pictures online, not sure if they removed it? I hiked the trail on the AllTrails app and noticed there was a fork near the bench (about the half-way). It's possible that the bridge was on one of those offshoot trails. The trail leads up to a campground area and also the Discovery ski lift connected with the ski resort nextdoor. A little beyond the trail you will find the PCT. I met five people and two dogs on the trail. It was a beautiful day and a good hike. Oh, I placed my annual pass signature side up on my dashboard of my car for the hike but I'm not sure if anyone checked. I went to what appeared to be a ranger station after my hike and it was closed, no one was there. It said it was open to the public on Saturday I think. Either way it's better safe than sorry. You never know when someone will check for the adventure pass (or interagency pass) so yes, I believe a pass is still recommended.

This has become one of my fave local trails - a great workout, gorgeous views, peace & quiet, small…read morewaterfall, snow in season!! Everything you could want in a trail! I say local but, well, sorta "local" I guess - it's about an hour from the greater LA area near Wrightwood but well worth the drive! Google maps takes you right to the trailhead parking lot - it's small but we've always found parking. There are bathrooms too but sometimes they're locked so plan ahead. AllTrails has the trail right at 4 miles and 1,079 feet elevation gain. But the trail also links up with the PCT so you can go further and I highly recommend it if you can - you'll be rewarded with some pretty incredible sweeping mountain vistas! Last time we went, we did around 7 1/2 miles and just over 1500 feet - I was whooped but it was 100% worth it! And there are no bathrooms along the trail or at the end either. The trail is moderate when there's no snow and mostly shaded - a true mountain pine forest habitat. But when there's snow, I'd bump it up to moderate-hard. The snow can last all the way into late April sometimes - it gets deep and the trail is very narrow in lots of places. With snow on the trail, you'll definitely need micro spikes and poles - and a good trail map bc the snow is deceiving regarding trail width and you'll fall if you misstep. To find the part that links up with the PCT, just keep going at the end of the AllTrails map towards the ski lift to the left and you'll see the signs - about another mile and a half and you'll reach the top and there's all the gorgeous views!! It also shows all the area trails that link up inside the AllTrails app so I highly recommend downloading it before you go bc the signal is very spotty out there. And I would recommend snacks and bear spray too.

Photos
Blue Ridge Trail - It was 27 degrees at the start of the hike

It was 27 degrees at the start of the hike

Blue Ridge Trail - Trees going up to the sky

Trees going up to the sky

Blue Ridge Trail - Views from the trail

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Views from the trail

Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls

4.0(12 reviews)
5.5 mi

Beautiful trail with views of Big Tujunga Canyon and, as promised in the name, a multi-tiered…read morewaterfall. The trail is well maintained with several parking spots at the trailhead. It's only downfall (haha) is that it's all downhill at the start and all uphill on the way back. But, don't worry, it's not super steep and the views are worth it. To see the waterfalls close up, you do have to clamber over some rocks, follow along the creek, and eventually cross the creek (bring your waterproof boots.) As of this date, the creek had a decent current, so be careful. As always, bring water and your mobile tracking device (I've watched one to many "disappeared on the trail and never seen again" videos, sorry!). And enjoy.

First thing to know if you plan on going to the waterfall is you will get wet in the creek at the…read morebottom, and you should wear covering pants for your legs and long sleeves because there are a lot of overgrown plants here along with poison ivy or oak. Really I rate this as a 3 1/2 star but going down with the curve score due to the elements and conditions. Falls creek falls trail head is about 6-7 miles away from Trail Canyon Falls on Big Tujunga and only a mile away from the Big Tujunga Dam overlook. The trail going down to the creek is easy to follow but is has a lot of rocks and overgrown plants all over the trail so I would recommend coming here with your kids or pets. Once you're at the bottom there's a spray painted arrows on one of the rocks pointing to the right, that's the path to stay on the trail to go wherever it leads to. If you're heading to the waterfall go left and walk through that creek. I'll admit I wasn't about an hour trying to avoid walking through the water in the creek and I probably fell into some poison ivy and might also have Lyme disease because of all the plants I went climbing through. Do yourself a favor, don't waste your time trying to make a path away from the water, just go through the creek. It's maybe shin high and the water is clear enough that you can see where you're stepping. Closing this long ass review up, this is So Cal and it barley rains. Best time to check this waterfall out of the week right after it rains so you can see a decent flow. I came here a month after the winter rain we got and it's almost dried up again. This trailhead is in the Angeles National Forest so you'll need to display your adventure pass when you park.

Photos
Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls

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San Gabriel Peak - hiking - Updated May 2026

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