Hiked this one from the Sam Merrill trail head on Lake Ave. Started hitting snow at about 4000' and it got serious at Markum saddle. Lots of daylight burned by breaking trail through upwards of 2' snow drifts to the top of San Gabriel first. Then did Disappointment and Lowe before descending down by sunset.
Hiked this one with the rest of the bunch in this area, twice. Easiest clear-out of peaks from one trailhead in the San Gs. Used Eaton Saddle as well as Disappointment trailhead.
My wife and I (with our dog - badger) hit Mt. Lowe, San Gabriel Peak and Mt. Dissappointment today. Great hike from Eaton Saddle. The upper slopes were snow covered still, but you could hike with a light jacket. There were a couple of sketchy sections along the trail were the snow was really compacted and icy. Trekking poles helped. Great views...Baldy was all snowy.
Disapointment and San Gabriel Date Climbed: Dec 3, 2006
Hit Disapointment and San Gabriel today. The best view I had ever seen, you could see the ocean clearly, Catalina and the other islands as well. Amazing.
Did Markham, Mount Lowe and San Gabriel Peak first and finished the day off with Mt. Disappointment. Four easy peaks in three hours. Views west and north were quite good.
I've hiked and run to this summit many times. I've come at it from the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road trailhead on both the fire road and San Gabriel Peak Trail; from the Eaton Saddle trailhead; and from Switzers through Bear Canyon.