Mt. Hawkins & Copter Ridge: 08-16-2009

Post by **HikeUp** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:39 pm

Hiked up to Mt. Hawkins then down to Copter Ridge, starting from Dawson Saddle. Some TR's recommend this as a great hike and some people I've talked to say don't bother. The air was very hazy and smoky today so views were basically awful compared to what they could have been. I imagine the views (and the hike) would be awesome if there was a nice marine layer (like when Travis and Taco did it) or if the skies were crystal clear. Enjoyed it despite the less than ideal conditions. I vote "do it".

Drank about a liter and a half of water and 20 oz. of G2. Not bad considering the winds were calm and it got kind of warm near the end. Fortunately there is plenty of shade to be had if you stop for a rest in the right places!

About 9.5 miles round trip and 3000' total gain (~1300' out, ~1700' back).

The use trail from Hawkins to Copter seems to only appear when it is the least useful. In any case, the route is obvious and the walking alternates between easy and ankle twisting. No bushwhacking required - just avoid unnecessary climbing over intermediate bumps and avoid all of the fallen trees.

No register on Hawkins. Register on Copter.

Pics.

Hazy skies over Copter Ridge (Rattlesnake beyond)...

Copter Ridge Register...

Dead mouse on Copter Ridge...

Ze Hiker · Post by **Ze Hiker** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:51 pm

so peakbagger, how many are you up to?

Post by **Taco** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:33 am

Cool deal. Yeah, it's a real nice hike on a cool day.

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:45 am

Zé wrote:so peakbagger, how many are you up to?

59 HPS peaks in the San Gabriels
11 non HPS peaks in the San Gabriels
2 HPS peaks outside the San Gabriels

AW~ · Post by **AW~** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:32 pm

HikeUp wrote:Hiked up to Mt. Hawkins then down to Copter Ridge, starting from Dawson Saddle. Some TR's recommend this as a great hike and some people I've talked to say don't bother.

Dont bother? Wha??? Are these hardcore non-peak baggers :D? Tough customers?!

Ze Hiker · Post by **Ze Hiker** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:42 pm

all ridges make a good hike

Ze Hiker · Post by **Ze Hiker** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:44 pm

HikeUp wrote:
Zé wrote:so peakbagger, how many are you up to?
59 HPS peaks in the San Gabriels
11 non HPS peaks in the San Gabriels
2 HPS peaks outside the San Gabriels

heh someone's keeping track!

you're gonna have to do some more jaunts outside of the San Gabriel's if you want to get 100

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:17 pm

Zé wrote:heh someone's keeping track!

Yes I can count!

Zé wrote:you're gonna have to do some more jaunts outside of the San Gabriel's if you want to get 100

The world is flat outside of the San Gabriel's isn't it?

AW wrote:Dont bother? Wha??? Are these hardcore non-peak baggers? Tough customers?!

A member of Sierra Madre SAR told me not to bother! Not sure what to make of that.