Hike Mt. Islip from Angeles Crest Hwy.

Hike to Mt Islip (the easier way) from Angeles Crest Highway.

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The hike: This is about a 6 mile hike with an elevation gain of about 1400 ft. The hike takes you along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail past Little Jimmy Campground and then turns to Mt. Islip at Windy Gap. Mt. Islip formerly had a fire lookout tower. On a clear day its 8250 ft. peak offers impressive views of Los Angeles, Catalina, San Clemente Island and the Mojave Desert. The first portion of this hike is shaded, opening up to the Sun as we head to the summit from Windy Gap. We will return (almost) the same way cutting through Little Jimmy on the way down. Several of us are planning to stop at Newcomb's Ranch for lunch on the way back if you care to join us.

This hike is posted on two Meetup groups - if you are members of both groups, please RSVP on only one.

Directions: Take Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) north from the 210 freeway in La Cañada for 41 miles. The trailhead we will be using is on the right about 1.4 miles past the intersection of (the now closed) Highway 39. There is parking at mile marker 65.50 and also across the road. Please allow at least 1 & 1/4 hours from La Cañada for an on time arrival to begin hiking at 9:00AM. Watch for cyclists - be very careful when passing them particularly if your line of sight is limited. Also, watch for oncoming motorcyclist who may misjudge their downhill speed and fail to negotiate a curve putting them in your lane coming head on (this happened to me recently and I had to stand on my brakes to avoid having a new hood ornament).

Carpooling: I will have some space from La Cañada at 8:00AM - others may volunteer to share a ride from our carpool location. Please contact me for details if you would like to drive and take passengers or if you are interested in riding with someone. You may also post your interest of driving or riding on this groups website. If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend you drive as there are a lot of curves on this route.

What to bring: Ample water, sunscreen, hat, water, insect repellent, snacks and don't forget - ample water.

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.