Ended up hiking just over 5 miles. Basically, Eaton Saddle through Mueller Tunnel to Markham Saddle to Mt. Lowe. Returned to Markham Saddle and hiked up to San Gabriel Peak before finally returning back down to Eaton Saddle.
Conditions were quite windy in exposed sections. Had a few sections with very strong winds sandblasting me with graupel. Aside from the sandblasting, it was a quite excellent hike.
Leading up to the tunnel:
New rock slide just exiting the tunnel (a little amazing, considering that the pictures from HikeUp from a week ago showed a perfectly clear path):
The last intersection before the final, short climb to Mt Lowe:
Mount Lowe Railway Sign at the top:
Heavy clouds at the summit of Mt Lowe:
Along the trail to San Gabriel Peak, getting sandblasted (snowblasted?) with some graupel:
Downed power lines and burned poles:
Snow covered burnt trees and path along the way:
The icy overlook:
Snow-blasted tree skeletons:
Finally a winter scene this year (after such a weak year, it is nice to see a cold, winter scene out here):
More skeletons:
The 6161ft San Gabriel Peak:
Unrelenting clouds on the way back:
Back to the car - snow starting up again:
Looks like they closed Mt Wilson Red Box Rd sometime after I drove up:
(Yes, those singular tire tracks are mine. Guess they left the gate open for me to get down. Thanks!)
Meh, not that necessary:
Was chilly, but not that cold:
The wind was more of a factor than the temperature.
Oh yeah, looked like a cyclist was getting a ride back down at dark along Angeles Crest:
Crazy? Maybe. Of course, I cycle, and have ridden in similar conditions, so I can relate.
Anyway, not a bad couple of relatively easy winter summits.
Garmin Connect for the hike
Full photo set
Enjoy.
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