Smith Mountain

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/c/4/600_409546532.jpeg

ANOTHER TWO-FER ON THE 20th, as we do the yin/yang-y Smith Mountain (5,111 ft.) north of Azusa. At various times it has shady and sunny sides, gradual and steep portions, but hopefully no life-or-death moments.

Part yin (to the Saddle) is a lovely, gradual 1,000 ft. gain over three miles via a single-track trail that hugs the side of the mountain. Comfortable for any beginner, this leads to Smith Saddle (pictured), where we’ll all take a short break. Anyone who wants to return from here can do so, via the same route.

Part yang (to the Summit) is an 800 ft. rise in a half-mile that will require some scrambling and care both going up and down. Full disclosure: I haven’t summited Smith (continued down to Bear Creek instead when I checked it out), so we’ll play this by ear a bit. If we decide it’s not right (pending sun/heat or ?), we’ll may to Bear (Dry) Creekbed instead, or explore another hike in the ‘hood (e.g., Shoemaker Canyon, the “Road to Nowhere,” not far from the “Bridge to Nowhere.”)

In any case, there are several access points to the San Gabriel River (which may still have some water in it) along 39, so anyone who wants a quick dip before returning home should throw a suit and towel into their car.

STATS (Saddle/Summit)

Level: Beginner+ /Moderate+

Gain: 1,000+ ft./800 ft.

Distance: 6 miles/1 mile

Time: ~ 2.5 hours/~2 hours

Type: Single track, out and back, mostly exposed/Scramble

Water: Not available at trailhead

Restrooms: Pit toilet available at trailhead

Parking: National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5/day; $30/annual) is required. Purchase at REI, Sports Chalet, Big 5, at any NFS Ranger Station or online. (http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410&width=full) I have one extra; email me if you want to borrow it.

Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, gloves may be helpful for those summitting, poles, snacks

DIRECTIONS

From the I-210 freeway in Azusa, exit Azusa Ave. North (exit 40/Hwy 39) and drive 18 miles north on Route 39 to the trailhead.

At 1.8 miles north of the freeway, the road bears left and becomes San Gabriel Canyon Road. You will pass the East Fork Ranger Station on your right at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Continue past San Gabriel Reservoir and go straight through an intersection with East Fork Road (the turnoff to the Bridge to Nowhere hike). From the intersection, it is another 6.3 miles to the paved turnout on the left for the trailhead. (If you reach Coldbrook Campground, you drove 1/3 of a mile too far.) Park in the lot on the left side of the road near mile marker 32.2.

Here’s a map. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B017%2714.6%22N+117%C2%B050%2733.6%22W/@34.2612796,-117.9223229,10z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0)

Shawn’s mobile: 213/308-7372

Email Shawn if you want to carpool from the REI parking lot at 6:30 am, 214 N Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia.

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