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A steep climb from Red Box Picnic area to San Gabriel Peak.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.2

KM

Out and Back

6,121' 1,866 m

High

4,755' 1,449 m

Low

1,422' 433 m

Up

1,422' 433 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Although the hike is almost entirely uphill, there are plenty of spaces to stop along the way for frequent rests. The trail is very shady to help keep everyone cool.

Adventure Pass required for parking at Red Box Trailhead but not at the Mount Disappointment Fire Road.

Overview

This route is a popular way to reach the summit of San Gabriel Peak. Though there are steep portions, you'll be rewarded with amazing views at the summit that make this well worth the effort.

Need to Know

The trail to the summit of San Gabriel Peak can be dangerous if there is snow or ice.

Description

From Red Box on Angeles Crest Highway, turn onto Mt. Wilson-Red Box Road for 0.2 miles then turn right at a junction with paved Mount Disappointment Road #2N57 (unsigned). There are a limited number of parking spots near the gate 100' from the junction and more down near the intersection. Proceed up the road past the gate and turn left onto the Bill Reilly Trail. Follow this well-shaded trail through an enchanting oak forest rejoining back with the Mount Disappointment Fire Road at 1.2 miles.

Turn left onto the paved road and continue for about 0.2 miles to where the road makes a sharp bend. The road goes up to the Mt. Disappointment electronic site. Continue going straight east passing the foundation of an old Nike missile site then onto a dirt trail where there is a junction with the San Gabriel Peak Trail #12W24. Turn left and follow the trail to the summit. You'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Mount Baldy. You'll also find a bench and geocache box. You are also looking down at the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Flora & Fauna

Oaks and bigcone spruce provide shade along the trail. Manzanita and ceanothus are widely seen on sunny slopes.

History & Background

There was a fire lookout on top of San Gabriel Peak but it was removed in 1937. The Nike missile site on Mt. Disappointment was decommissioned in 1965.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tim Whalen with improvements by Rob Weber

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 14 votes

#1068

Overall
  4.5 from 14 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#166

in California

#1,068

Overall
9 Views Last Month
3,222 Since Feb 6, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

15%
0%
38%
15%
31%
0%

Photos

View from San Gabriel Peak
Dec 27, 2018 near Altadena, CA
Remnants of the Station Fire (2007)
Dec 27, 2018 near Altadena, CA
View of Mt. Baldy
Dec 27, 2018 near Altadena, CA
View from San Gabriel peak
Aug 5, 2018 near Altadena, CA
Our group checks out the view and the geocache at the top of San Gabriel Peak.
Feb 6, 2017 near Altadena, CA

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