Jupiter Mountain and Juno Peak in Angeles National Forest, CA

Hike Jupiter Mountain and Juno Peak Angeles National Forest, CA

Class 1 3.8 miles 1600 gain 1-2 hr Loop Apr 23, 2023
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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Jupiter Mountain is a peak located south of Green Valley CA within the Sierra Pelona Mountains that overlooks the Bouquet Reservoir. I didn't find it to be a particularly enthralling hike since it's mostly on a dirt road, but the views are great. The peak is positioned in the center of the surrounding mountains, including the bald Grass Mountain to the north, so the hemmed-in feeling was fun. It's paired well with Juno Peak, a less substantial peak to the west.

I set out from a wide pull-off serving as a trailhead off Spunky Canyon Road (what a fun road name), choosing to head up to Jupiter Mountain first. Starting from within a cute pine grove, I located the start of the ascent road, which is initially absurdly eroded, only a thin trail exists for hiking to avoid the deep crevasses. The trail quickly steepens as it ascends Jupiter Mountain's east ridge. My shoes, at the tail end of their life and without any traction, were not ideal for this very steep road. Bouqet Canyon soon came into view behind me, as did the summit of Jupiter Mountain. The majority of the hike was steep, with one short reprieve. I was impressed by the scenery at the summit, which was complete with a little bench.

Juno Peak was next. The dirt road continued along the crest, first descending with similar steepness to my ascent. The hike then calmed down a bit as it passed an unmarked trail I'd be using to return later on. The road ascended a small hump along the way that added a bit of vertical gain before making the push to the second summit. Juno Peak looked pretty cool ahead with the winding ridgeline road twisting up to its summit. Fortunately the road was less steep to reach Juno Peak, and the views were similar on this smaller peak.

I returned to the saddle of Jupiter Mountain and Juno Peak and took the well-carved trail that descended pleasantly along the northern slope of Jupiter Mountain, ultimately leading back to the trailhead. The trail was less interesting since brush blocked the views and the Bouquet Reservoir was only visible from the opposite slope. However, taking this trail was a great way to avoid going back up and over Jupiter Mountain.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Jupiter Mountain
4498 ft
1077 rise
2
Juno Peak
4431 ft
311 rise

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Starting up from the trailhead along this eroded dirt road.
Starting up from the trailhead along this eroded dirt road.
Pretty nutty erosion on the dirt road. View back to the trailhead.
Pretty nutty erosion on the dirt road. View back to the trailhead.
Ascending Jupiter Mountain.
Ascending Jupiter Mountain.
Bouquet Reservoir when looking back.
Bouquet Reservoir when looking back.
Jupiter Mountain ahead, the dirt road pretty steep most of the way.
Jupiter Mountain ahead, the dirt road pretty steep most of the way.
View back. Trailhead on the left, Bouquet Reservoir on the right.
View back. Trailhead on the left, Bouquet Reservoir on the right.
Bouquet Reservoir.
Bouquet Reservoir.
Jupiter Mountain summit, Juno Peak seen right of center.
Jupiter Mountain summit, Juno Peak seen right of center.
Heading down the steep dirt road on my way to Juno Peak.
Heading down the steep dirt road on my way to Juno Peak.
Close-up toward Juno Peak. You can see the trail I'll be taking to get back to the trailhead on the bottom right in this photo.
Close-up toward Juno Peak. You can see the trail I'll be taking to get back to the trailhead on the bottom right in this photo.
View back toward Jupiter Mountain, as well as the trail descent later carved in the center of the slope on the left.
View back toward Jupiter Mountain, as well as the trail descent later carved in the center of the slope on the left.
Along the ridgeline to Juno Peak, just a dirt road walk.
Along the ridgeline to Juno Peak, just a dirt road walk.
Juno Peak, view back toward Jupiter Mountain.
Juno Peak, view back toward Jupiter Mountain.
Close-up toward Grass Mountain and Green Valley CA.
Close-up toward Grass Mountain and Green Valley CA.
After backtracking, I took the nice trail that hugs the northern slope of Jupiter Mountain.
After backtracking, I took the nice trail that hugs the northern slope of Jupiter Mountain.
View back toward Juno Peak.
View back toward Juno Peak.
The trail weaves in and out of the gullies along Jupiter Mountain's northern slope.
The trail weaves in and out of the gullies along Jupiter Mountain's northern slope.
Nearing the trailhead, the windy Spunky Canyon Road seen center.
Nearing the trailhead, the windy Spunky Canyon Road seen center.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!