EISPIRATEN

Stayed local today for a quick 8 mile round trip, 3000' gain hike. Marine layer was about 4000' thick, so topping out on Hastings Peak at 4030' was a pleasant surprise - sunny, warm with some great views.

Started at the Bailey Canyon trail head in Sierra Madre. The trail is in fantastic shape the entire way, even with this winter's rains. A few flowers are starting to show up - going to be a good spring for them I think.

Jones Peak (socked in at 3375')...


Hastings Peak (sunny at 4030')...


Monrovia Peak (Pine, Dawson and Baldy beyond)...

Nice! I always love seeing the clouds roll over that area from SR2.

Awesome view. One of my favorite front Range hikes.

It is an awesome hike - readily accessible and with significant elevation gain and rewarding views. Seemingly endless variations are also possible by continuing on to the Toll Road or going down into Little Santa Anita Canyon.

Late Sunday afternoon I was looking up at Hastings Ridge from my back yard and noticed a lone hiker heading towards Hastings Peak, just in time for the sunset! I bet he got a great view but I sure hope he had a headlamp for his trip back down.