I intentionally kept this peak as a backup for the trip since it’s relatively close to the airport. If I run out of time, I can save it for next time—it’s not going anywhere. I woke up early, a bit south of Bishop, and drove towards the Mount San Antonio trailhead. It was a bit of a drive but manageable. Around noon, I parked the car in the shade of a big pine and started the hike.
The first part of the trail is a paved road, blocked by massive gates, ending at a waterfall where many people finish their journey. I continued a few hundred meters on the unpaved road and then snuck into the forest trail at the ridge bump.
The next few kilometers were a pleasant hike on a gradual trail shaded by the forest. I quickly reached the San Antonio Ski Hut, took a short break, and continued. Traversing to the valley’s other side, I climbed a steeper slope, which then flattened out. At the end of this flattening, a maze of trails emerged, with dozens of possibilities and hundreds of combinations.
The last stretch to the summit is a gradual walk on the trail, where I met an interesitng couple, David from Scotland and Kamilia from Lithuania. They were hiking on their holidays after a friend’s wedding. Surprisingly, I encountered very few people on this hike—just this couple, actually. It’s strange, considering the trail’s proximity to mega LA. Perhaps the late start kept the crowds away.
The summit is marked with a plaque and features a few stone wind shelters. The west summit looks lower, so I skipped it this time. After a short break and a traditional apple, I headed down the same path. I caught up with the couple, and we had an interesting discussion for a big part of the way down.
This peak marks the end of my trip. I must say, it was a successful journey. In 14 days, I hiked 10 ultra-prominent peaks plus 3 ribus. I’m very happy and looking forward to my next adventure in Turkey in a few weeks. Now, I’m driving to a hotel closer to the airport, preparing for tomorrow’s journey back to my sweet home.
