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.