Primary page construction completed 10070927. Page to be updated as route has physically been completed, early winter 2007-2008. Please be patient. Votes should be held off until page is complete. Anyone who wishes to complete this route with me as soon as conditions approve, are welcome.

Alpine Canyon is a relatively easy method of reaching South Mount Hawkins from the south.

Early storms routinely blanket South Hawkins in a beautiful and thick coat of snow, making this one of the most beautiful mountains in the area, rising nearly a mile above San Gabriel Canyon. Alpine Canyon offers a beautiful south-facing route alternative to the normal ridge hike from Mt Hawkins, or the road from Crystal Lake.

Looking toward South Hawkins and Hawkins from lower down on R39

Route Description

GE image of route

You can follow the creekbed in Alpine Canyon up until terrain flattens out in an area that looks reminiscant of the Western Front in France in WWI (loads of dead trees; burned landscape). This area is flattened out, and offers a good camping spot if you choose to crash overnight.

Alpine Canyon from flats

From this area, you can see a sort of highway of talus on the right side (south, heading east up the slope). Depending on your position, you might have to cross another creek to access this talus highway. Taking this gets you out of the brush, and leads you up onto a ridgeline that parallels Pigeon Ridge to the southeast.

Talus highway onramp

At this point, you can continue southeast and gain Pigeon Ridge, taking that to the summit, or you can head northeast and gain the final summit ridge of South Hawkins rather directly.

Photo of route taken from near Smith Rock. Fear the giant fly that guards this area.

The south ridge leading from South Hawkins to Rattlesnake Peak is sometimes done as a tough dayhike from Rattlesnake.

NOTE: More information will be added as soon as I finish this route.

Getting There

With Route 39 closed at Valley of the Moon

Waterfall in the canyon

A good place to crash is Coldbrook Campground.

Essential Gear

In winter, crampons and an ice axe or trekking poles will likely be essential to safely ascending the peak.

In all seasons, trekking poles and long pants, sometimes gaitors, are very helpful, as you have to deal with a "talus highway", and the brush nearby cuts your legs up quite a bit. Gaitors help keep the bits of plants and rock out of your boots.

Even with 2007 being the driest year on record locally, there was still an adequete amount of water running in Alpine Canyon, as made evident by the waterfall. If you choose to lighten your load and filter water enroute in snow-free times, you should be able to get water from the creek.