Iron Hiker: Zanja Peak

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Zanja Peak

Hiked: 5/20/2018
Distance: 9.5 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 3543'
Prominence: 723'
Elevation Gain: 1739'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.39
Round trip time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Recommended water: 48 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free on 13th street
Difficulty: Moderate

Leisa and I drove out to San Bernardino County for a training hike to Zanja Peak, the high point of the Crafton Hills. We chose the western route that came with extra distance but a milder grade. We parked at the corner of 13th Street and Chapman Heights. There is ball park nearby with public restrooms. The Thunderbird Trail starts across Chapman Heights a little west of 13th street. The trail is a smooth single track that winds slowly up into the hills. It was overcast and cool when we started, pretty ideal conditions. The area is covered in grass, low brush, and infrequent trees. It reminded me of Chino Hills State Park. We set a brisk pace and in a couple of miles, made a right turn on a use trail to pass over a ridge before intersecting the Crafton Hills Ridge Trail.

Start of Thunderbird Trail

Crafton Hills Ridge Trail junction

The Crafton Hills trail was a wide dirt road in most places and continued at a mild grade. The trail had equal parts hikers and mountain bikers, though it wasn't crowded. Benches were placed every mile or so for rest stops. Before reaching the steep use trail to the Zanja summit, we got nice views up Mill Creek toward the San Bernardino Mountains. As we made our summit bid, the low clouds started burning off, but not fast enough for clear views. There was a San Bernardino County benchmark on top, but no register. There were also two more benches. Other hikers were already there and more arrived while we rested. One of the other hikers on top told us the eastern summit trail was easier and Leisa preferred to descend that way. Going over the peak added a little more distance and gain, but it was a good trade off. At the Crafton Hills trail junction on the eastern side was a Zanja Peak sign. We turned back west and kept up the pace, though I think Leisa drove that more than me. Picked up one mylar balloon on the way out. After the hike, we treated ourselves to lunch at In-N-Out.