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| Photo by Don Bremner/Pasadena Group |
The Sierra Club lobbied hard to get a Southern California peak named after its founder, John Muir. Celebrate the birthday and anniversary of the official naming of John Muir Peak, east of Inspiration Point in the San Gabriel Mountains on April 23. Learn the history of Muir's visit to Pasadena, trekking in the local mountains, and his first ascent in 1877.
"In the mountains of San Gabriel, overlooking the lowland vines and fruit groves, Mother Nature is most ruggedly, thornily savage. Not even in the Sierra have I ever made the acquaintance of mountains more rigidly inaccessible," he once wrote.
Come hike to Muir Peak from Echo Mountain or from Eaton Saddle to celebrate Earth Day and Muir's birthday on April 21.
Muir Peak Rendezvous Hike via Echo Mt.: 8:30 a.m. April 23. Bring 2 quarts water, hiking boots, food item to share. This route, via Echo Mtn and Castle Canyon, is faster paced, moderately strenuous 10 miles round-trip with 2,900 feet of gain. Meet at the north end of Lake Avenue(from 210 Fwy in Pasadena, exit Lake Ave, N to end). Arrive early; parking is limited. Not suitable for beginners. Leaders Ginny Heringer, (626) 793-4727, ginnyh@ix.netcom.com and Teresa J Spohr, (626) 345-0170, sewtjsmith@yahoo.com
Muir Peak Rendezvous Hike via Eaton Saddle: 8:45 a.m. April 23. This route, from Eaton Saddle via East Mt Lowe Trail and Mt Lowe Campground, is moderately easy 6 miles round-trip with 1000 feet of loss on descent and 800' gain on return. Meet at La Cañada ride share point; we will be gathering on the narrow grassy stretch between Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and its parallel frontage road, Flanders Road. Leaders William Joyce, (909) 596-6280; bill@rollingtherock.com and Bonnie C Strand, (818) 247-6398; nelsdotter@sbcglobal.net