Red Box To San Gabriel Peak, Mount Disappointment - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Red Box To San Gabriel Peak, Mount Disappointment
Country:	United States
State:	California
Nearby Town:	La Canada-Flintridge
Rating:
Directions:	Take Angeles Crest Hwy From 210 14 miles North of La Canada. Turn Right on Mt. Wilson Hwy. Make Right at first junction. Park Outside locked Fire-road gate in clearing. National Forest Adventure Pass Required on your parked vehicle
Total Hike Distance:	7.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Red Box-Mt. Dissappointment Fire Road
Trails Used:	San Gabriel Peak Trail, Mount Disappointment Fire Road
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	None
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Angeles National Forest
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	Copy/Paste #29 In John W. Robinson's "Trails Of The Angeles". 1400' Elevation Gain This hike takes you Red Box to Mt.Disappointment saddle, from which you can surmount both peaks. San Gabriel is the more challenging, and is done first. Once you return to the saddle, Mount Disappointment is an easy walk up paved fire road. The views from both peaks are outstanding and each gives a unique perspective. You begin near the fire road entrance lading to Mt. Disappointment. The road is located 1/3 mile East of Red Box on Mount Wilson Hwy. The unmarked trailhead is a few yards to the left of the gate. The trail switchback steeply at first, with some steps built in to the rocky slope. You quickly rise into a mixed forest of spruce and oak. The trail becomes a little less steep as it continues through the forest. The trail is very well constructed, the only treacherous aspect are the scores of acorns piled up. You can lose your footing if you are not careful, especially when the trail runs downhill. At 1.3 miles you reach the Mount Disappointment fire road, and a memorial sign for JPL trailbuilder Bill Reilly (this trail was built by JPL volunteers in '88). Follow the fire road left about 200 yards to an intersection. Go left, and you reach the saddle between San Gabriel peak and Mount Disappointment. There are remnants of the old military installation here. This is a good place to rest. There is a bench placed under a spruce on the west end of the clearing. When you are ready to resume, go to the East end of the clearing, and find the unmarked trailhead to San Gabriel Peak. The trail is not as well maintained on this strectch but, easily passable nonetheless. You climb about 0.5 miles around the peak. The cover gives way periodically, allowing some nice views you pass an intersection with the trail coming up from Markham saddle along the way. You soon reach the summit. The views are great from here. You can see Mount Lowe and Markham to the South, Mount Wilson, and Harvard to the East and surrounding peaks and valleys. Despite the haze, I could see San Gorgonio peeking above the marine layer. When you are done here descend the trail to the saddle. Walk across the clearing and up the fire road to Mount Disappointment. 0.25 miles. You will immediately see communication towers, and buildings left over from the NIKE missle installation the government once operated here (1950's-1960's). Climb up onto the helipad and walk on to the rocks at the South end. The view here is no disappointment. Despite the ugly buildings and towers it's well worth the trip. When you are done here return the way you came.