Approach
The Blue Ridge trailhead is reached by taking the dirt road to Prairie Fork (a few miles west of the town of Wrightwood off of the Angeles Crest Hywy). Drive aprox. six miles to a road junction just past Guffy Campground road. Take the left branch (right goes to Prairie Fork, Lupin Campground and Cabin Flat) aprox. 1.7 miles. Park in the dirt pull-out at the base of Pine Mountain. The trial is obvious as it climbs the ridge directly up Pine Mountain.
Note: There are several gates that may or may not be locked depending on snow, road conditions or fire season. If locked, you'll have to walk. (As of 9-3-01 the gate at Guffy Campground is locked. I do not know if this is temporary or not.)
Route Description
The trail leaves the dirt road on the right (south) and drops steeply for a short distance. Then it climbs a narrow and steep ridge up Pine Mountain. It almost reaches the summit of Pine Mt. (9,648 feet) before dropping down the other side and climbing up and almost reaching the summit of Dawson Peak (9,575). You can easily bag both of these peaks by going off the trail a short distance. The trail then drops down the other side of Dawson Peak before the final very steep climb up Mt San Antonio (Mt Baldy). The total round trip milage is aprox. 10 miles. This is a strenous hike that encompasses the three highest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. The views are spectacular in all directions. In places the trail is narrow, indistinct and very steep. Part of the trail is along the North Devil's Backbone, a narrow rocky ridge with slopes dropping off sharply on both sides. Snow can be deep, icy and extremely dangerous.
Essential Gear
Bring water, as there is none along the way. Good boots or shoes that will support your ankels. During winter, crampons and ice axe are a must. Maybe even consider roping up due to the extreem drop offs along the ridges.
Images
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San Gabriel Mountains
