Red Box to Eaton Saddle 5/22
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 12:29 am
I started down the Gabrielino Trail from Red Box. The trail to Valley Forge is a little rough, but easy to follow as the canyon portion is heavily flagged. There is some fire damage evident in the West Fork Canyon, but most of the trees survived. I passed a youth group returning from an overnight backpack. Just past the Valley Forge Trail junction, past the campground, the Gabrielino Trail becomes heavily overgrown.
I then turned uphill on the Valley Forge Trail towards Eaton Saddle. This trail has not been worked on yet, but can be done with a little log hopping and bushwhacking here and there. I had the trail all to myself on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Parts of the upper trail are being invaded by some type of plant that has sticky leaves with a rubbery feel - I assume that is some sort of invasive species. At Eaton Saddle, there is large sign indicating that the Mount Lowe Fire Road towards San Gabriel Peak is still closed.
I then turned uphill on the Valley Forge Trail towards Eaton Saddle. This trail has not been worked on yet, but can be done with a little log hopping and bushwhacking here and there. I had the trail all to myself on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Parts of the upper trail are being invaded by some type of plant that has sticky leaves with a rubbery feel - I assume that is some sort of invasive species. At Eaton Saddle, there is large sign indicating that the Mount Lowe Fire Road towards San Gabriel Peak is still closed.