Bear Creek Trail to Smith Mtn. - Celebrate Ken's 25 years without alcohol.

UPDATE! Weather predicted to be sunny and clear but COLD probably in the lower 40s, maybe colder so PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY! (Jacket, cap, gloves and layers) I expect the trail to be damp but not muddy. There are a few places where water is possible so don't wear ultra light or open shoes. Looks like this area is well below the snow line but we will surely see some snow capped peaks. That's it. Shaping up to be a great but cool day!

Come celebrate my 25 years without alcohol on one of my favorite hikes!December 13th, 1989... I had one last margarita.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO POISON OAK ON THIS PART OF THE BEAR CREEK TRAIL!!! NONE!!!

Distance - 6.6 miles
Difficulty - Moderate-Difficult
Elevation gain - 1843 ft.
We will go to "Congregation Ale House" for a post hike meal. I will have a coke! 619 Azusa Ave. in Azusa.
We pass by it on the way to the trailhead.

Congregation's website (http://congregationalehouse.com/)

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^^^ Me at the base of Smith Mtn.

This splendid peak sits at the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains on the ridge dividing Bear Creek canyon in the rugged San Gabriel Wilderness and North Forth Fork San Gabriel River. Its pointed summit provides an amazing 360 degree panorama. The first three miles of the hike are a pleasant walk from the trailhead at Highway 39 to Smith Saddle (4360') on a well designed single track trail that gains only 333 feet per mile. Your last half mile to the summit is a grueling 820-foot climb up a steep firebreak and boulder studded ridge.

Driving Directions:

From Interstate 210 in Azusa, take Azusa Avenue (Hwy. 39) north 18.2 miles (6.2 miles past East Fork Road). (If you reach Coldbrook Campground, you have gone 0.3 miles too far.) to the parking area along the left side of the road. You will see this sign.

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MAP BELOW
Bear Creek Trail (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=34.287260,-117.842740)

PLEASE NO DOGS ON THIS HIKE!!

Bring:
Plenty of water
Good hiking/trail shoes
Camera
A smile
A snack for the summit
Hiking poles are a good idea for the descent from the top.