Sunset Peak

Hiked: 12/23/2013
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip on use trail
Summit Elevation: 5799'
Prominence: 1273'
Elevation Gain: 1509'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.20
Round trip time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Recommended water: 48 oz.
Parking/Fees: Adventure Pass
Difficulty: Easy

With unseasonably warm weather, I headed to Cow Canyon Saddle off Glendora Ridge Road for a quick hike up to Sunset Peak. I started up the steep firebreak and followed it straight to the top. It was warmer than expected and I shed my top layer within 15 minutes. Along the way, there were spectacular views of San Antonio Canyon and all the higher surrounding peaks. The firebreak has a well defined use trail and intersects the fire road in two places. Just before the second intersection with the road, there is a short, easy section of class 2, most of which can be bypassed. I chose to scramble over the rocks on the way up and down. While on top, I signed the summit register and leafed through the recent entries. I can see why it is a popular destination, since the views are a great reward for not too much effort. The ruins of the old lookout tower were scattered around the large summit area. Even though it is a pretty stiff climb up the firebreak, the short distance keeps it in the easy category. Good fun and another HPS peak checked off the list.

Start of the firebreak from Cow Canyon Saddle

First look at Sunset Peak along the firebreak

Awesome view down San Antonio Canyon

A few rocks just before the second road juntion

Sunset Peak summit

Ruins of the old lookout tower on Sunset Peak?

Mostly snow free Mt. Baldy from Sunset Peak

Telegraph Peak and Ontario Peak from Sunset Peak