A high intensity hike with breathtaking views.

We started from Vincent Gap trailhead. The trail is very narrow and steep with up to 40 challenging switchbacks. It is roughly 4 miles to the top with an elevation gain of 2800 feet. The trail never flattens out, which means it averages an elevation gain of 700 ft per mile. As the trees start to thin out, there are some breathtaking views of the Mojave desert to the north and panoramic views of San Gabriel mountains. Before reaching the saddle junction, there are sections of the trail with patchy snow that can be crossed without mirco-spikes. The saddle junction was very windy – almost lost my hat! The 360 degree views from the top are spectacular.