GLENDORA, AZUSA -- AND MAYBE A BONUS THIRD --PEAKS

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ON THE LITTLE TRAMP’S BIRTHDAY, we’ll take off on a tramp of our own in the San Gabriels around Glendora. We’ll also celebrate member John C’s start later that week on a much looonger trail, the Camino de Santiago (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago.).

Hiker Girl Cecelia has promised no vertical scrambling on this route she’ll lead, which starts on the Glendora Ridge Motorway/fire road for 3.1 miles to Glendora Peak (2,596 ft.), our first peak of the morning.

The clear and sunny forecast (at the moment anyway), should provide for spectacular views of Mt. Baldy, San Gabriel Canyon and the range surrounding it from the summit. . . not to mention some potential wildflowers after the recent rains.

We’ll relax there for a short break and then continue down the semi-steep firebreak about 1.33 miles to Azusa Peak (2,081 ft.). There’s a painted cross at the summit of Azusa Peak along with a bench perfect for our use as a picnic table. After we summit Azusa Peak we can take the Glendora Ridge Motorway back to the cars, instead of climbing back up the steep ridge the way we descended from Glendora Peak.

Pending time/interest, we can quickly bag a third peak, Glendora Mountain, just across the GMR where we parked . . . a 2 mile round trip.

Besides the chance for a fun send-off for John, there’s also an early Earth Day celebration happening in Glendora on Saturday; click here (http://www.cityofglendora.org/home/showdocument?id=15500)for a schedule of activities.

And for a pre- or post-hike treat . .fresh strawberry donuts are in season at Donut Man, (http://www.thedonutmanca.com/photo-menu/) 915 E. Rt. 66 in Glendora (open 24 hours!)

STATS

Level: Intermediate

Gain: ~ 2,000 ft

Distance: ~7-8 miles (with optional additional 2 miles to Glendora Mountain)

Time: ~4 hours

Type: Out and back hike, fire road and single track, mostly exposed

Dogs: Permitted on leash

Water: Not available at trailhead

Restrooms: Not available at trailhead; there are commercial establishments after exiting the freeway on Grand. Pit toilets available at the campground in Big Dalton Wilderness Park @ approx. 2041 Big Dalton Canyon Rd. (entrance is just north of Sierra Madre, after turning Left onto GMR. Turn R on Big Dalton Canyon and continue into the park for about a mile.

Parking: Free at side of road at trailhead (no NFS parking pass required) or at Sport Chalet carpool location below

Bring: 2-3 liters of water, sunscreen, hat, lunch and snacks (pilgrim tapas?) to share. Poles may be helpful for the firebreak between Glendora and Azusa Peaks.

DIRECTIONS

From 210 freeway West, exit Grand Ave in Glendora, go North on Grand for 1.7 miles to Sierra Madre Blvd. Turn Right and drive 2.0 miles to Glendora Mountain Road, (GMR) make a left (if you cross the wash and dead end at Valley center you have gone a block too far) Drive North on GMR 5.0 miles, and the turnout where we'll park will be on the right side of the road.

Those who wish to carpool, please meet at the parking lot in front of Sports Chalet at 940 S. Grand Ave (https://goo.gl/maps/Yo6xVJRXmVK2)., on the Northeast corner of Grand and Baseline (just north of the 210) at 7:15 am, and we’ll divide up into cars from there.

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

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The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.