We arrived at Chantry Flat recreation area right before 7:00 am, parking lot was already full but we were lucky to find a parking spot.  Excited for this new adventure we started this hike a few minutes after 7:00am, right after the group selfie. The weather was cold but clear.  It was a nice day.  We started downhill on the fire road for less than a mile, crossed the bridge and continued on to the Gabrielino trail, very cool weather at this point, passed some of the cabins and stopped at the Spruce Grove Campground for A quick breakfast and bathroom break.   We continued our trek, and took pictures on the giant swing???? Continued our way and quickly realized this is a tough hike! It started to get a little warm but still very comfortable.  We saw a few squirrels, heard different birds and a wood pecker.  The wash is passable and not tough, plenty of rocks to help you make your way across. There are a couple of down trees along the trail, made it a little difficult but it was still doable, The last couple of miles to the top are tough and we had to take a couple of rests.  Once way made it to the top, we realized that the
cosmic cafe is CLOSED!????  so glad we had snacks.  There were also a couple of  patches of snow.

We did a little exploring, enjoyed the view, rested, filled up with water and used the restrooms.  We made our way down, by this time it was a little bit warmer but can't complaint; the weather was perfect.   There were a few more trees on the trail that made it both difficult and a little dangerous.  By the looks of it, people have been going around the down trees making their own trail.   That last mile…why do we have to go up? 🙁  We made it back to Chantry flats…so glad to see our car…so close, yet, so far away.  It was a perfect day for a hike, we made it back and we had a blast.  Excited for our next one.  Be safe out there!