San Gabriel Peak Trail #12W24

The trail starts at Markham Saddle on Mt. Lowe Road #2N50 about 0.5 miles west of the parking area at Eaton Saddle. Look for the water tank on the north side of the road. The trail climbs a series of switchbacks then contours on the west side of this steep mountain passing through mostly shadeless chaparral of ceanothus, scrub oak and yucca. It reaches a saddle between San Gabriel Peak and Mt. Disappointment where there is a trail junction with some welcomed shade. The left fork leads shortly to the Mount Disappointment Road #2N57 which can be taken to the Bill Reilly Trail and down to Red Box. Keep right to reach the summit. The trail climbs steeply up switchbacks on the west ridge passing through areas shaded by bigcone spruce and oaks on the north facing side. The summit has stunning views on a clear day and include most of the ranges in Southern California and the Channel Islands. A good loop opportunity is to start from Red Box, go east down the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14, then up the Valley Forge Trail #12W09, cross the road and take the Mt. Lowe Road #2N50 to this trail and return on the Bill Reilly Trail back to Red Box.