This blog will detail 1,000 video hikes in Southern California. By Southern California, I am drawing a line from San Luis Obispo to the Nevada Border. Anything south of that line will be declared "Southern California". In a way, it is a personal challenge to do so many hikes. Mainly, however, it is my way of showcasing how many hiking opportunities there really are right in our own geographic back yard. As a blog, it serves as a companion piece to my Youtube channel "Mike On The Trail". It is also a work in progress, as I don't actually have 1,000 edited videos completed. This will take effort for quite some time before it is declared done. Even then, there will still be more out there. Here's to hiking and all the positive effects it has had on my life...and possibly yours!
**Parking is outside Monte Cristo Campground, 10 miles north of the junction of Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway. Entering "Monte Cristo Campground" into Google Maps will also get you there.
In the areas around Monte Cristo Campground the forest is more bushy than filled with trees. This seems to be more of a transition zone between the pine forest and the nearby desert to the north. However, it is certainly with the Angeles National Forest boundary. On the day, I was hoping to do a grand loop of Monte Cristo Peak, Iron Mountain, and Rabbit Peak. However, I called an audible along the way, which made me alter my hiking plans a bit (something that happens every once in a while).
Picking up a use trail across Monte Cristo Peak.
From Monte Cristo Campground, I picked up FR 3N23 heading north. In the first 100 feet or so, a use trail leaves the road to the east and up a ridgeline. This leads to the top of Monte Cristo Peak (El. 4,275'). The ridge continues toward Iron Mountain. Before reaching it, the pathway connects with FR 4N18. A right turn here leads to a steep ridge route going up the side of Iron Mountain. While at this point, I looked to the west and saw a freshly bulldozed firebreak toward another peak, which was Peak 4546. I took the time to head out to it. Although I was able to claim another peak, this unplanned change to my hiking plan took Rabbit Peak off my hiking plan for the day. It is considered Iron Mountain #3 since it is the third highest of three peaks in the San Gabriel Range called "Iron Mountain".
Taking the bulldozed firebreak to Peak 4546.
Once back to the saddle below Iron Mountain, I sucked it up and headed up the steep firebreak. I took it slow, and the third summit of the day (Iron Mountain) was a well fought battle. More great views from the top. Once there, I was glad that I had already cut out Rabbit Peak for the day. I continued forward and reconnected with FR 4N18. It bent around Monte Cristo Peak and headed back to the campground. A great hike, especially on a cool day, since there is no shade out there.
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