Mt. Deception

Overview

A close neighbor of Mt. Disappointment, Mt. Deception’s name is equally intriguing. However, unlike the former, no one is certain of the origin of Mt. Deception’s name. Nor will you find the name on any map. The Mt. Wilson 7.5 quadrangle merely shows a marking at 5,796 feet elevation east and a little north of Mt. Disappointment. That’s it. Nevertheless, it’s a fine little peak with a short, but steep ridge ascent from the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road.

The direct routes to Mt. Deception are from the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road trailhead(4,760’). There are some nice views to be had of other parts of the San Gabriel range from this fire road.

Go up the paved fire road about 2 miles to a large saddle at 5,550 feet elevation and then go right onto a firebreak on Mt. Deception’s east ridge. From saddle to summit is about 0.3 miles along the ridge. The round trip on this route is 4.75 miles with 1,100 feet of gain.

Probably a more enjoyable route from the same trailhead is to take the San Gabriel Peak Trail. The trail is shaded and well-maintained. 1.3 miles from the start, the trail intersects the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road about two hundred yards below the big saddle between Mt. Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak (5,800’). When you get to the fire road, take a right going downhill. In about 0.6 miles, you will arrive at the saddle at 5,550 feet elevation mentioned above. Now go left onto Mt. Deception’s east ridge and to the summit. The round trip mileage for this route is about 4.4 miles.

If you are coming from the direction of Eaton Saddle, when you get to the saddle/trail junction between San Gabriel Peak and Mt. Disappointment, take the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road down a little over ½ mile to the beginning of Mt. Deception’s east ridge.

At the summit, take in the views south and west of beautiful Bear Canyon. Because of the tree cover on the summit, to get the views easterly of Mt. Deception’s neighbors, you will have to back track a little down the ridge. Southeast about 0.6 miles away is Mt. Disappointment with its helipad and antennas. Sweeping your gaze clock-wise, you will next see San Gabriel Peak, Mt. Markham and, to the southeast, Mt. Lowe.

Getting There

From the 210 Freeway, exit at Angeles Crest Hwy (SR 2) and go north. At 9.5 miles, you will come to the Clear Creek Ranger Station and the junction with Angeles Forest Highway. Continue straight on SR 2 about 4.5 miles to the junction with the Mount Wilson Road at the Red Box Ranger Station. Turn right. Drive 0.4 miles and look for the turnoff on your right into the trailhead. There is a small parking area next to the white fire road gate. Walk past the gate and you are on the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road. To get to the San Gabriel Peak Trail, go about 50 yards in the opposite direction from the fire road gate and you will see the beginning of the trail at the base of the slope.

Red Tape

You will need an Adventure Pass to park your vehicle anywhere within the Angeles National Forest. These passes are not sold at most trailheads. However, they are currently sold at the Red Box Ranger Station (thus on the way to the Mt. Disappointment Fire Road trailhead ($5 per day or $30 for a yearly pass). Otherwise, they are sold at most sporting good stores.

No permits are required for hiking.

When to Climb

All year round. However, equip yourself appropriately when there is winter snow cover. There are no water sources on the routes mentioned.

Camping

While there are lots of campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest, there are none in the immediate vicinity of this peak.

Mountain Conditions

Check forecast information for nearby Mt. Wilson in local newspapers or internet weather services. Snow is, of course, common at elevations above 3,000 feet during the winter.

Other Information

USGS Topo Maps: Chilao Flat 7.5 Mt. Wilson 7.5.

External Links

Angeles National Forest

Images

View Mt. Deception Image Gallery - 12 Images