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!
Summary With so many marquee hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, my favorite destinations are relatively unknown. Big John may be my favorite of them all. The actual peak is located in the front range of the desert side of the range. The hike begins on Ball Flat Road.
Hiking Ball Flat Road.
It is possible to drive a few miles in after the junction with Big Pines Highway, but I always prefer hiking than abusing my car. It would be a rough drive though, and it still doesn't go all the way to Big John. After about a mile on the road, the hike continues on a firebreak and use trails through the back country. Very few people make it out in this direction, which is one of the reasons why I like this hike. The solitude is a great feeling.
Approaching Big John.
After about 2 miles in, the hike passes through an oak forest and provides a clear view of Big John ahead. There is some up and down climbing involved while going the rest of the way before connecting with a dirt road that angles uphill to the left of the summit. Once on the ridge, a right turn provides an easy approach the rest of the way.
In the foliage transition zone.
The summit is wide, and despite also being known as Big John Benchmark", I found no such benchmark up there. Some shotgun shells were spread around the high point, which probably indicates that it serves as an impromptu shooting area for the desert locals below. Great desert views held my interest for a little while.
On the summit.
The return is along the same route. However, unlike most mountain climbing, there is more elevation gain on the way back than what there was on the way to Big John. It is still just as peaceful going back, making for an overall pleasant hiking experience.
Still need to do the other half of the climb going back.
No comments:
Post a Comment