Bare Mountain via Southeast Ridge (Angeles National Forest)

Though it’s not exactly unknown among Los Angeles hikers, Bare Mountain receives surprisingly little visitation, especially considering that it is closer to many areas of L.A. than other popular San Gabriel summits such as Islip and Williamson. On weekends when the Switzer and Red Box parking lots are filled, hikers may well have Bare Mountain to themselves. The hike has its drawbacks: part of the route goes through an old firing range and there is leftover debris; some hikers may be turned off by the 3/4 mile of the route that follows a forest road and others might be deterred by the lack of an established trail. Nevertheless, the isolation that this hike provides, plus impressive mountain and desert views, make it a worthwhile addition to any L.A. hiker’s resume.

The southeast ridge is the shortest of several possible routes to the top. It still offers quite a workout, however, with about 1,400 total feet of elevation gain, almost half of which is crammed into half a mile. Begin by heading northeast on forest road 5N04, at first uphill and then gradually downhill. Pines on both sides of the road provide the only shade on the entire route (unlike many hikes on the north slope of the San Gabriels, this one will feel more like desert the higher you climb.)

At 3/4 mile from the start, look for a rusty metal sign on the right side of the road. To your left is an obscure fire break that heads uphill, past a drainage pipe. Follow it for 0.6 mile, some of which is quite steep, to the top of a ridge. Here you get a rest before the real work begins.

From this point on, you are not on an established trail but an easy to follow fire break that often feels like a single-track. The trail drops off the ridge to a saddle and then begins the main ascent of the route, moderate at first but soon becoming very steep and loose. As you grind your way up the break, you are rewarded with increasingly panoramic views, especially of Little Rock Creek’s south fork, far below.

At 1.9 mile, you get a respite as you reach the south ridge of Bare Mountain (this is where an alternate route, up the southwestern ridge, joins). The round summit itself comes into view here and you make your way toward it along the ridge, descending briefly before forging a final push to the top (elevation 6,388). Here you can enjoy views of the high desert to the north and the nearby summits of Pacifico, Will Thrall et. al to the south, east and west. Other than an occasional small aircraft overheard, there are virtually no sights or sounds of civilization. A summit register can be found in a large rock cairn. Make sure you rest your legs for the steep descent and 200 feet of additional elevation gain that await you on the return trip.

Text and photography copyright 2017 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.