This is the third post in my series about snow hikes in Los Angeles. The first one emphasized an opportunity to hike in snow at the lower elevations of Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point without needing any special equipment. The trade-off is that the snow is not usually present (but will be there several times during the year) making it important to track the weather report and look for snow levels getting lower than about 3,500′. The second post emphasized the guaranteed option of reaching snow at Mt. Baldy whose peak reaches 10,064 feet and will remain in snow until sometime in the late spring. The trade-off being that special equipment is needed.
View near the summit of San Gabriel Peak.
Hiking to San Gabriel Peak from the north side of the mountain is a great experience that is between the two previous options in terms of snow presence and required equipment. Being on the north side and at a higher elevation than Inspiration Point, snow lasts longer. So, it can remain for a couple weeks making timing less important. It can be hiked without special gear. However, there are very small portions that get a little icy. So, if you have microspikes or crampons they can be helpful. I used this trail to try out my snowshoes for the first time. The snow was deep enough for my snowshoes to work but not deep enough for them to be required as illustrated by the snowshoe prints in the photo above. Next time I go, I’ll just bring my microspikes. If Mt. Wilson Road is closed there will be no car access to the San Gabriel Peak Trailhead. Park at Red Box (which is what I had to do on one of my snow hikes) and hike the short distance up Mt. Wilson road to the trailhead.
The San Gabriel Peak Trail near the trailhead where the snow was not as deep and a little icy compared with further up the trail.
View looking out toward Mt. Baldy from the San Gabriel Peak Trail.
Zoomed in view of Mt. Baldy from the San Gabriel Peak Trail.
View toward Mt. Disappointment from the San Gabriel Peak Trail. Snow can get slippery in this area that is more exposed to sunlight.
View toward the south face of Josephine Peak and Strawberry Peak. Note the lack of snow on the south face of those mountains although this part of the San Gabriel Peak Trail is significantly lower.
One of the many tree lined sections of the trail.
View of San Gabriel Peak.
View south toward Mt. Lowe from San Gabriel Peak.
View north into the San Gabriel Mountain from the peak.
Hiking Angeles Forest 
Hi, have not see any snow yet this season, itching to go, still any snow left this weekend , let’s say , by newcomb ranch?
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The current weather report is showing a snow storm Friday with levels projected to get as low as 2,500 feet. So, if you go this weekend, bring chains. If the weather report is wrong and it doesn’t snow there will still be snow reachable from Angeles Crest Highway above Cloudburst Summit. Another reader e-mailed me today through my contact page that he hiked in the snow from Mt. Waterman today. Also of note, the road is closed between Islip Saddle and Vincent Gap for winter.
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Great pictures. Make me want to get out in the snow.
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Thanks, I’m hoping to get out there again next week.
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Sounds like you’re liking the microspikes? I’ve been using mine up at Baldy lately and love ’em. Hope to run into you again soon,
Chris
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Great suggestion Chris, I really like them. Hope to see you again soon too. Thanks again for telling me about the microspikes!
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Looks like a great hike!
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It is one of those great short hikes that packs in a lot of great scenery quickly.
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Looks like a fun hike, great pictures!
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Thanks, and it is a fun hike.
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Snow near LA? That’s crazy! How fun.
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Even crazier is that it is easier to get to than the beach …
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That tree lined portion looks like an amazing winter wonderland! I’m always surprised by the number of trails so close to LA that can regularly have snow on them, thanks for reminding us.
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You’re welcome. It’s always fun to check out the view of Catalina Island while standing tin the snow.
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