Jones Peak via Bailey Canyon

Jones peak is one of the peaks in the San Gabriel mountain range. With easy access and its short distance, it makes this peak a popular destination in the Los Angeles area. The entrance starts at Bailey Canyon Park where there is a small free parking lot within the residential area of Sierra Madre. There are several picnic areas near the parking lot under old growth trees. Be aware in the summer this trail gets pretty hot with no shade. From the parking lot, it can get confusing where to go since there isn't an obvious trailhead. But right next to the toilet, there is a faint single track trail toward the service road. Follow the trail and then the road until the end where the trail officially starts and soon you will be surrounded by typical Southern California oak trees. The trail starts pretty flat for about half a mile where you will find a junction. If you are heading to Jones peak, take the trail that's going uphill or if you have some spare time, go straight toward the waterfall. The uphill trail soon turns into switchback after switchback. It's not steep but it just keeps going. You'll notice there are multiple benches along the way that offer a wide view of San Gabriel and the Los Angeles Basin. Feel free to take a brief break and enjoy every viewpoint. After 2.5 miles, there is a small ruin on your left side where it can be a nice place to have lunch or a longer break if needed. But it's not that far to the summit from this point. That being said, the trail actually gets steeper and rougher from here on too until you get near the ridge. The summit is not very clear from the trail but once the trail flattens out a bit, you can see Mount Wilson from your point of view. Start looking to your right where there is a small trail going to the actual summit itself. The trail is rocky and loose, but after a scramble up you will reach a flat point and another bench. To return, you can follow the same trail back or if you're looking for a longer adventure, you can connect this trail to Mount Wilson Trail that will head back toward Miramonte Avenue in Sierra Madre. You'd have to find a way to get back to the Bailey Canyon parking lot or walk a mile to get back to your car.