The up was fairly easy,
so I had to make the down a bit difficult.
4408 is an unloved summit
to the west of Hidden Springs,
where we stopped for pre-hike hot chocolates and post-hike beers.
The east ridge of 4408 can be accessed from the Fall Creek Trail,
currently being restored by the Tujunga Trails Posse. This ridge once identified as a firebreak but has since de-transitioned. It's now brushy with a decent animal track. I rarely needed the machete.
The boulders were quite popular.
We noted an old telephone wire running along the ground. Missy discovered an anchor for the line.
The summit provided a flat area for our party. We sat down and prepared for a feast.
Jeff made delicious grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone.
Then he made one for himself.
The gimmick this time was to top the sandwich with something you get for free at restaurants. I added El Pollo Loco's spicy guacamole sauce to mine. It was okay but I'll probably try something different next time.
4408 is one of those minor peaks with an amazing, cheese-orama view of major peaks which surround it. To name a few, I spotted Lukens, Fox, Condor, Gleason, Granite, Roundtop, Waterman, Twin, Strawberry and Josephine.
This peak should be loved, not only because of its great views and party-friendly summit, but also because of its soft sand. I removed my shoes and comfortably walked around in socks, like I was at the beach. Note to self: bring a beach blanket next time!
Well, I won't reveal all of our party secrets, but I did get silly stringed by a bunch of trigger-happy assassins.
(Photo and conspiracy by Cecelia)
That's okay. I enjoyed my revenge on the way down the mountain. Instead of backtracking on the nice ridge, we dropped into a brushy gully with rock and deadfall obstacles.
I put my machete to use, but due to injuries and obstacles we eventually abandoned the gully and climbed to a different ridge. This ridge descended mildly at first, then we encountered a steep and loose stretch where I fell on my ass. But it was the sort of controlled fall that's rather fun to experience.
Soon we reached the safety of the Fall Creek Trail about 1.25 miles from the trailhead,
and the rest is history.
- Restored stretch of Fall Creek Trail in red.
I left an Eispiraten sticker under one of the two rocks on the summit as a little gift but apparently it must've blown away.