Pacific Crest Trail (Inspiration Point to Guffy Campground)
Experience a piece of the
legendary 2,650-mile trail as it twists through a particularly scenic part
of the LA wilderness. Since it's an out-and-back, this hike can be shortened
to accommodate most hikers.
Location: San Gabriel
Mountains Region: Angeles National Forest Distance: 10.6-mile up and back Difficulty: Difficult (due to length of trail and high altitude) When to go: May to November Hours: None Phone: 661-944-2585 or 626-821-6737 Elevation Gain: 700 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash Restrooms: Across the street from Inspiration Point parking lot and
in the campgrounds. Parking: To park anywhere in Angeles National Forest, you must
display an Adventure Pass permit, which you can buy at the Grassy
Hollow Visitor Center (626-821-6737). Cost per car is $5 a day or $30 a
year.
Trail Information
Full Review: Wow. That's about all you can say about this stretch of
the Pacific Crest Trail without sounding like you're exaggerating. That
said, let me assure that I'm not overstating the case when I tell you that
the views from some of these lookout points rival every scenic spot this
side of Yosemite. They are simply spectacular.
Your hike begins at LA's single most inspiring Inspiration Point (the county
has several spots with this name - this one actually deserves it). You can
look out over the Sheep Mountain Wilderness with Mt. Baden-Powell and Mt.
Baldy looming overhead - Baldy, at 10.064 ft., is the highest peak in the
San Gabriels. Below you, the headwaters of the East Fork of the San Gabriel
River disappear into the canyons.
Pick up the Pacific Crest Trail at the east end of the Inspiration Point
parking lot. From here you'll start uphill on a narrow trail that takes you
over ridges and through vanilla-scented groves on its way to the Blue Ridge
Campground. Keep to the PCT (don't turn left onto the Blue Ridge Trail).
The trail crosses a fire road several times throughout the trip to the next
campground, Guffy (elevation: 8,300 ft.). The PCT doesn't end here - it goes
all the way to the Mexican border. But this is a good place to have lunch
before turning around or pitch a tent and save the return trip for another
day.
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