Sunset Peak in Angeles National Forest, CA

Hike Sunset Peak Angeles National Forest, CA

Class 2 4.9 miles 1900 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back May 24, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude
Directions
Route Map
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The hike to Sunset Peak is short and sweet, with greay views of Mt. San Antonio and the other high peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains. I had to park in the town of Mt. Baldy because there was a gate (apparently it opens June 1?) blocking Glendora Ridge Road. So, I walked along the road for a while until I got the northeastern ridge of Sunset Peak. There are two options for the route: follow the forest road, or follow the ridge. I hate following roads, especially when a pristine trail along a gorgeous ridge is available. It's definitely a lot steeper, and has some ups and downs, adding to the vertical gain.  Toward the top, the trail joins the forest road briefly before continuing up a short Class 2 scramble to the summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Sunset Peak
5796 ft
1273 rise

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Walking along the road since Glendora Ridge Road was closed. Sunset Peak ridgeline visible center.
Walking along the road since Glendora Ridge Road was closed. Sunset Peak ridgeline visible center.
Close-up of the trail (along the ridge), steeper and in sunlight. The road option is shadowed by trees just to the right of the ridge.
Close-up of the trail (along the ridge), steeper and in sunlight. The road option is shadowed by trees just to the right of the ridge.
Looking back toward Glendora Ridge Road and the town of Mt. Baldy.
Looking back toward Glendora Ridge Road and the town of Mt. Baldy.
Continuing up Sunset Peak's ridge.
Continuing up Sunset Peak's ridge.
Image 4 from gallery
Looking back toward the San Gabriel high peaks, Mt. Baldy (Mount San Antonio) on the left.
Looking back toward the San Gabriel high peaks, Mt. Baldy (Mount San Antonio) on the left.
Sunset Peak ahead, Mt. Baldy Road leading back to the city visible on the left.
Sunset Peak ahead, Mt. Baldy Road leading back to the city visible on the left.
Continuing along the ridgeline. You can see the trail the whole way up.
Continuing along the ridgeline. You can see the trail the whole way up.
Looking back. The trail undulates a bit along the ridgeline.
Looking back. The trail undulates a bit along the ridgeline.
Approaching the false summit.
Approaching the false summit.
Looking back again, I was really a fan of the morning light.
Looking back again, I was really a fan of the morning light.
Close-up of the ridge. Mt. Baldy top left.
Close-up of the ridge. Mt. Baldy top left.
Junction with the road alternative, but I continued along the ridge, seen ahead.
Junction with the road alternative, but I continued along the ridge, seen ahead.
Looking back, you can see the trail along the ridgeline.
Looking back, you can see the trail along the ridgeline.
Class 2 stuff toward the summit.
Class 2 stuff toward the summit.
Sunset Peak, view west.
Sunset Peak, view west.
Sunset Peak, view south.
Sunset Peak, view south.
Sunset Peak, view north. Mt. Baldy back there. Some weird metal panels on the summit.
Sunset Peak, view north. Mt. Baldy back there. Some weird metal panels on the summit.

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