Will Thrall Peak

Distance:  11.5 miles, out and back

Elevation gain:  About 3200 feet

Hours: 5 hours and half ( including about 40-50 minute rest)

Trailhead: Burkhart Trail inside Buckhorn Campground.

Finding a trailhead was little difficult for me. On the highway 2, when you see Buckhorn Campground sign, you have to turn left on that spot. Don’t pass this point, and you might get lost. Once you get on the load, you will get a junction soon, one just go out of this narrow road, and the other go to the campground. Turn left and follow the sign “Burkhart Trail”, and continue until the road end. There is little parking lot there, and you need Adventure Pass on this lot.

The lowest elevation is 5617 feet, and the highest elevation is 7837. The first 2 miles was descending to the creek, which means you have to ascend at the end. This was little difficult because I was so tired. Then next 3 miles is pretty easy ascending. Then you will get 5 miles sign on the saddle. Here hard part start. Turn left, and continue to the Will Thrall Peak. There is a couple of junctions, but follow the sign of BurkHard Trail, also it is part of PCT.

 

 

 

 

Warm Springs Mountain

Distance:  13 miles, out and back

Elevation gain:  About 2400 feet

Hours: 5 hours

 

 

Parker Mesa Overlook from Paseo Miramar Trailhead

Distance:  5.7 miles, out and back

Elevation gain:  About 900 feet

Hours: 2.5 hours

This is a short cut to reach Parker Mesa Overlook. To get the trailhead, Take Sunset Blvd on Pacific Coast Highway, then turn left on Paseo Miramar, and continue until the road end. There are free street parking available on west side Paseo Miramar, and just watch out NO parking zone ( kind of red blocks).

This is my fourth time visits, and it is different route than my previous. I also have a company, and it was much easier and enjoyable.

Grass Mountain at the San Francisquito

Distance:  7.5 miles, out and back

Elevation gain:  1200 + 300

Hours: 3.5 hours

The hike is a kind of adventurous, because most people are new to this trail. The weather in December is pretty windy and cold, and I have little snow near the top. Please prepare warm clothes and globes. There was PCT trail sign at the beginning, soon you will see the top of Grass mountain. On way back, we take a different way to PCT and then hike about a mile or so, then turn around, return back where we came. There was another PCT trail on the other side, so it may worth try that next time.

Second Time: Sep 23, 2017

The weather was nicer than last visit. The uphill is not steep, and very comfortable hiking.

San Gabriel 5 Peaks

Hike peaks of San Gabriel Mountain front range:

San Gabriel Peak (6161′)

Mt. Disappointment (5963′)

Mt. Deception (5796′)

Mt. Markham (5742′)

Mt. Lowe (5604′)

Hastings & Jones Peak from Bailey Canyon

Hours: 4 hours ( 9 miles out and back)

Difficulty: Moderate, ( but last one mile is steep and hard.)

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the trailhead.

Parking: Free parking lot is available at the trailhead.