Burrito Peak is a previously-unnamed peak with an elevation of 2510ft ASL. Hikin_Jim on the San Gabriel Mountains Forum suggested the name when I posted a trip report on the peak. Burro Peak is the nearest higher peak, and while this is not a sub-peak of Burro, it is part of the same system of ridges to the west of Rattlesnake Peak.

Burrito's South Face

While Burrito Peak not a large peak, it offers fun scrambling and some 5th class (5.lite) up its' southwest ridge, making it much more fun to negotiate than many of the larger peaks in the area. This peak is right near the West Fork bridge of the San Gabriel River, north of Azusa. A few hours, and you've got a fun, low-commitment scrambling peak close to home and the road.

Please keep in mind that you are in fact in Los Angeles, and that some folks with less-than-stellar reputations come up here. In less politically-correct terms, complete morons break windows, steal your stuff, shoot across the road (fun on night runs), and dump dead bodies and other evidence in the area. This area is in a rather sad state overall, and as it is my backyard, this saddens me and other locals. There may be drunk and otherwise belligerent individuals in the San Gabriel River and Canyon area. PLEASE be cautious.

The Southwest Ridge (Route)

Easy climbing and scrambling up a nicely exposed ridge

The southwest ridge offers a fun scramble, with some sections of easy class 5 climbing that can be accomplished in good trailrunners or other flexible-sole footwear. There are a couple sections that would be done harder, if the hiker or climber so chooses. I was able to pass up a very slightly overhanging and exposed section by taking a class 1-2 sheeptrail off to the left/north of the ridge.

Looking down from closer to the summit

Getting There

From the 210 freeway:
Exit AZUSA AVENUE (Route 39), head north towards the mountains.

Take Azusa north through the mountains. Pass the off highway vehicle (OHV) area. After you cross the West Fork bridge over the river, there will be a parking area to the left with lights and a restroom. This is the safest place to park.

The peak is to your northeast, with the ridge in direct view. There are several "scree ramps" which one uses to gain the ridge, in typical San Gabriel style.

There are sheep trails all along the mountain.

Red Tape

There are no special considerations with this peak, with exception going to the usual National Forest Adventure Pass.

Camping

There are plenty of areas to camp in the area, however be aware that lots of folks come up here from the city to drink, fornicate, shoot, and cause problems. If you wish to camp near this peak, I suggest camping up and out of the way of typical human traffic. A good indicator of this is how much grafitti and trash is around your intended campsite. The less, the better (and safer).

External Links

San Gabriel Mountains Forum

Mt Wilson Towercam

West Fork of the San Gabriel River