W6/CT-266 Mt Bliss

 After activating Monrovia Peak I was hot and starting to run low on water, but I was still on top of the ridge and had a long way down. I had enough, though, to swing by Mt Bliss on the way down. From the road on the ridge below the Monrovia summit, I headed down. At the Sawpit Truck Trail (2N30.1) I turned right and started really going down. This road switchbacks down the southeast face of Monrovia, and had some nice views. I didn't enjoy them very much since I was getting hot.

Mt Bliss seen from the side of Monrovia Peak.

I did pass another running heading up, which surprised me. I thought the area was fairly remote. After a few miles of quick switchbacks I reached White Saddle and turned left onto 1N36 for the climb up to the summit. This was a gentle climb. From studying maps beforehand, I hadn't seen a trail to the summit, so knew I'd have to bushwhack to get to the firebreak along the ridge. I picked a spot that looked good, and went up through the brush.

Monrovia Peak.

It was steep, but I soon got to the ridge. Turning around, I could see that if I had continued a little farther along I could've taken a use trail the whole way. Oh well. A few more feet of climbing and I was on the summit. This peak was even sunnier and hotter than Monrovia had been a few hours before. I didn't waste time getting on the air, since my water was running low. I had some cell service, but it wasn't great.

Summit sign and register.

Once I had made my contacts I headed down, taking the trail this time. It was a quick jog back to the Sawpit road. I was pretty happy the road has some stream crossings, I was able to dip my hat and arms in the water to cool off a bit. The dirt ends at the entrance to the boy scout camp, but there is still a few miles back to the car. At the Monrovia Canyon Park I saw a water fountain and stopped to drink and fill up my bottles. From there it wasn't far back to the car, but having plenty of water made it much more pleasant.

Trailhead: Intersection of North Canyon Blvd and Ridgeside Dr.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: From Monrovia, head down the Sawpit truck road to White Saddle, then up to the summit. There is a use trail, so no bushwhacking required.

Red Tape: None.

W6/CT-028 Monrovia Peak

 I was down in southern California for a visit, so it was time to do some peakbagging. My goal for this day was to get Monrovia Peak and Mt Bliss, and the other small summits along their ridges. Based on other trip reports, I decided to do a big loop. From the airport I drove to Monrovia, and parked on North Canyon Blvd at the intersection with Ridgeside Drive. From here it was a short walk up Ridgeside to the start of the Lower Clamshell Truck Trail.

Start of the trail.

 

The gate was open, which was good, and I headed up. It wasn't very busy, but I did pass some people out for their Easter morning walks. After about a mile the truck trail reaches a saddle. The trail continues down the other side but I turned right and followed the fire break up the crest of the ridge. It started out ok, but, as expected, became quite steep.

Someone put a flag at this viewpoint.

It took a while to hike up the steep fire break, and it got warmer as I hiked. As I climbed I started to get views of the forested ridge top, and other peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. It was a relief when I reached the top. I took the short spur to Clamshell Peak, then returned and went down the steep hill to the fire road below. The road was generally in the forest, which was a nice break. 

Final section of fire break.

Finally I reach the spot to rejoin the firebreak along the ridge for the final climb. It felt steep since I was hot and tired, but it wasn't too long. First I went over Rankin Peak. There was a wooden sign on the summit. I'm not sure why, the summit wasn't remarkable in any way. One last small col, and I was on the summit. The views were nice, but it was hot in the sun and the bushes weren't big enough to provide any real shade.  

Summit sign and register.

I signed the register and put up my antenna. Cell service wasn't very good, but I had enough to get out a few spots. Once I was done playing radio, it was a short and steep trip down the fire break to the road. Back on the road, I headed over to my next summit, Mt Bliss.

 

Trailhead: Intersection of North Canyon Blvd and Ridgeside Dr.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Head up the Lower Clamshell truck trail to the col, then follow the firebreak to the ridge. On the next road, go up, then take the firebreak to the summit.

Red Tape: None.