Crossing the San Gabriel Mountains

Zombie Zeke · Nov 7, 2007

I live in Pinon Hills CA and looking on a map its a straight shot to where my family lives in Covina. I am thinking of walking out the backdoor and crossing the mountains with no more than my pack, tarp, mummy bag, fire making equipment, H20 and of course my Becker. I have no idea how long this should take as I am going through strictly on trails. Any ideas from friends throughout on what to expect and better yet if anyone has done this trek, what were the outcomes?

Scott Free · Nov 7, 2007

I know nothing of the area, but I'd definitely take a map/compass. It's also a good idea to check out the area with Google Earth so you know just what you might be getting into.

hlee · Nov 7, 2007

You might also want to remember that winter in the mountains is not necessarily for the faint of heart. Didn't the Donner Party try something similar?

TWBryan · Nov 7, 2007

Make sure you leave behind a description of your intended route so someone can find your Becker.

TWBryan

Grampa · Nov 7, 2007

I'd recommend a good topo map along with your compass or GPS.

The brush and chaparral in the San Gabriels can be pretty thick - and the slopes really steep. Plan your route carefully, and leave a copy for the SAR guys - someone will definitely want that Becker!

Added: Just did a quick check on Google maps - yeah, you'd be going right across the spine. I've been in parts of that area on foot and on mountain bike, and, especially in winter, I hope you're experienced and know what you're doing! You will certainly not be able to do any kind of straight line crossing!

On the other hand, you would have a serious wilderness adventure on the edge of one of America's major urbanized areas! Good luck!

Zombie Zeke · Nov 7, 2007

Grampa said:
I'd recommend a good topo map along with your compass or GPS.

The brush and chaparral in the San Gabriels can be pretty thick - and the slopes really steep. Plan your route carefully, and leave a copy for the SAR guys - someone will definitely want that Becker!

Added: Just did a quick check on Google maps - yeah, you'd be going right across the spine. I've been in parts of that area on foot and on mountain bike, and, especially in winter, I hope you're experienced and know what you're doing! You will certainly not be able to do any kind of straight line crossing!

On the other hand, you would have a serious wilderness adventure on the edge of one of America's major urbanized areas! Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, I forgot to mention the compass and the map, for some reason I thought those would be kind of no brainers. The Google search was also a first thing done type deal, the way is definitely up and down. If I die, it was fun living, right. That thought is both sobering and exhilarating.

It got me to thinking that I know its been done before, someone from the area around here has to have tried it.

My experience is with day hikes in the San Gabriels but I have gotten down and dirty in the Sequia National side of the Sierra Nevadas and up around Big Gap, Donner Lake areas up north. I am not underestimating these mountains, on the contrary I see it very challenging.

bulgron · Nov 7, 2007

If I was you, I'd take a friend. That way you'll have emergency rations if it comes down to it.

Seriously, it looks like a real challenge. I don't know how deep the snow gets back in there in the winter time, but you might want to consider bringing along a pair of ultralight snowshoes.

Zombie Zeke · Nov 7, 2007

bulgron said:
If I was you, I'd take a friend. That way you'll have emergency rations if it comes down to it.

Seriously, it looks like a real challenge. I don't know how deep the snow gets back in there in the winter time, but you might want to consider bringing along a pair of ultralight snowshoes.

thats a great idea...it looks to be a very mild winter up there, but things can change in an instant, looks like Ill truck down to REI and try some out.

Artiste De FM · Nov 7, 2007

Cheers to The Chef ( humor )

Chef: Per Bulgrons post, I didn't realize REI had an ample stock of " friends. " When you're down at the store please try a couple out for me as well.