This is an ADVANCED hike, you must message me if you haven't done 8/10 or higher hike with us before

Time: 7:00 AM at the end of Shoemaker Rd

Primary Goal: Rattlesnake Peak
Distance: ~ 8 miles rt
Elevation Gain: ~ 4000 ft
Gain / Mile: 1000 ft / mile
Estimated Time: ~ 5-6 hrs
Terrain: Trail, Ridge with loose scree, annoying brush
Difficulty: 9/10

With ridge exploration beyond Rattlesnake Peak

Distance: ~ 12 miles rt
Elevation Gain: ~ 5500+ ft (700 back up to Rattlesnake)
Gain / Mile: 100 ft / mile
Estimated Time: ~ 8-9 hrs
Terrain: Ridge, annoying Yucca plants and other brush likely
Difficulty: 10/10

Links

Summitpost of first portion of the hike

Hike Description

Rattlesnake Peak lies in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, offering views of high country peaks such as South Mt. Hawkins, Mt Baden-Powell, Mt. San Antonio, and the lovely Iron Mountain. It is basically Iron Mountain's baby brother. It's not nearly as long, but still is quite steep, most likely like the 2nd half of Iron. The hike starts close to the Iron Mt./Bridge to Nowhere hikes, but as you head down the East Fork Rd (going east), you'll take a left turn onto Shoemaker Canyon Rd as seen in the image:

View Larger Map Shoemaker Canyon Rd is also known as the Road to Nowhere. A brilliant project in the 1930's aimed at creating an escape route through the mountains toward Wrightwood, and this road was a failed attempt to overcome the rough terrain that is Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The Bridge to Nowhere was part of this road, but multiple rock slides had repeatedly destroyed the road and the government gave up. All that's left now is 2 tunnels.

We'll walk partially up this road, then start our asecent up Rattlesnake Peak following some use trails. The climb will be steep, and you should be prepared for to deal with some brush! Once we get to the top, some may wish to continue further exploring the ridge connecting the peak to South Mt. Hawkins. We'll plan to turn around at 12-1 pm and head back down the same way we came up.

What to bring:

Long sleeves (to avoid the brush!)
Lots of water 4-5 liters for me (depends on weight, if you don't know, you shouldn't be doing this)
Hiking pole - especially for the downhill. Or a walking stick of some sort
Hiking Partner - I will probably stay with a group that can make it up in 4.5 hrs. If you are going to take more, bring a partner, otherwise I will not let you do the hike.

Difficulty MUST READ

For those in the best condition. If you aren't training hard, this hike isn't for you.

You must have hiked with me before - you then know the difficulty that I'm describing. If you haven't, you'd better read this and message me.

We will go up

via Summitpost

via Summitpost - will take up the south ridge route

Getting There

We will be heading to the East Fork, though we may carpool from Azusa first. Every car will need an Adventure Pass

State on the Meetup site where you are coming from to contact people to carpool with.

For all trips, wear boots or sturdy shoes, and bring lunch, lots of drinks, warm clothing (depending on altitude)

Trips are canceled in the event of rain (unless trip leader states differently). So assume it is canceled if it's raining the morning of.

The trip "leader" is a volunteer and not a real leader (i.e. not liable for the group). Think of it as hiking with a group of friends.

Joining LA Hiking hikes is entirely voluntary and participants assume the full risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in a strenuous hike, with the appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions. The LA Hiking Group and the individual organizers make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.