San Gabriel Peak (6161') Mt. Lowe (5604') Mueller Tunnel ~17 miles/~4,500' gain

This hike starts at Cobb Estate gate on Lake Avenue via the Lower Sam Merrill trail passing Echo Mountain on to Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point Saddle for our first break, on to San Gabriel Peak for lunch.

On the way back we will take a look at the Mueller Tunnel (I've been wanting to see this tunnel for some time) and then summit Mt. Lowe, head down the Middle Sam Merrill trail and down Lower Sam Merrill Trail.

Cross-posted with Adventurers-Unlimited.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/4/f/e/600_405898622.jpeg

The bench on top of San Gabriel Peak.

Distance: ~17 miles

Elevation Gain: ~4,500'

Hike Duration: ~9 to 11 hours

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous for Intermediate to Advanced hikers

Bring: 3-4 liters of water/electrolytes, snacks, lunch, boots, shoes, poles, clothing layers for weather, wind breaker. 10 essentials.

Waiver: Please note that you agree to pay for any medical or legal cost involved in case of an injury to yourself, and request your heirs to respect your agreed waiver in case of a death due to any reason, by signing up for this event.

Restrooms: None at trailhead. Use businesses or local park nearby on Lake Avenue.

After the hike: We may decide to stop at El Patron Mexican Restaurant. Located close to trail head. Bring cash. www.elpatrononline.com (Optional)

Fun Stuff: Alpine Tavern Menu from 1913. This is where the Mt. Lowe campsite is now located.

http://www.mountlowe.org/mlpsi-collection/menus/alpine-tavern-folding-menu-1913/

Poodle Dog Bush is present after Station Fire:

Bring both long & short pants and shirts and adjust clothing depending on actual growing conditions. I aim to avoid the bushes but contact may occur.

http://www.pcta.org/2013/poodle-dog-bush-warning-8891/

http://www.rei.com/share/rei-blog/2013/04/poodle-dog-bush.html

Weather:

Trailhead: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-118.13026&lat=34.20417#.VCmhwWddV8E

Peak: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-117.94006&lat=34.32788#.VCmiXmddV8E

Heavy rain/snow or fire cancels.

Getting to the Trailhead:
From the I-210 Foothill Freeway in Pasadena, exit at Lake Avenue. Drive north for 3.5 miles to the end of Lake Avenue (where it intersects with the terminus of Loma Alta Drive running east and west). Park along the street, no Adventure Pass needed, read signs. The hike begins to the right of the stone gateway on the east side of the street.

Waiver: Please note that you agree to pay for any medical or legal cost involved in case of an injury to yourself, and request your heirs to respect your agreed waiver in case of a death due to any reason, by signing up for this event.