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Ascend Josephine Peak Via Colby Canyon Trail

Dominating the western San Gabriels, Josephine Peak provides a refreshing summit with panoramic vistas.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Stands proudly within the western San Gabriels, Josephine Peak boasts a refreshing summit that...
Stands proudly within the western San Gabriels, Josephine Peak boasts a refreshing summit that offers panoramic vistas.

Ascend Josephine Peak Via Colby Canyon Trail

Got a hankering for some off-the-beaten-path adventure? Josephine Peak, nestled in the western San Gabriels, is our pick. This bad boy's got sky-high views that'll take your breath away. Here's how you can hike up this cool, uncrowded summit using the Colby Canyon Trail.

First things first, let's find the trailhead. It's conveniently located off Angeles Crest Highway, close to Switzer Falls. Use this trailhead address like a GPS treasure hunt: Colby Canyon Trail, 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042

Gear Up! This hike is primarily exposed, so don't forget the sunscreen and about 2L of trusty H2O. Trekking poles are helpful for the climb and descent, especially in winter when there may be snow.

What's in My Backpack?

  1. Osprey Hikelite 26 - A fantabulous daypack that's lightweight, tough, and keeps my back dry with its trampoline mesh.
  2. Norda 001 - A featherweight blend of a monster truck and a cloud for your feet.
  3. Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this bad boy is my go-to buddy in the backcountry.
  4. AllTrails Plus - Get up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync with this bad boy. 30% off!
  5. Garmin Fenix 8 - After a few updates, this one's been a rock-solid pal for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Take a peek at the trail maps here.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

Josephine Peak Trail Maps

  1. View Hike on CalTopo
  2. Download the GPX File

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Elevation Profile

3D Map

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Directions for Hiking Josephine Peak

Who is Josephine Peak named after? Josephine Lippencott, the wife of USGS surveyor Joseph Barlow Lippencott. Josephine used the peak as a triangulation station.

AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

As you hike, you'll notice the old concrete blocks, which were the base of a fire tower. The tower stood tall from 1938 to 1975, when it burnt down in the Mill Fire. At that point, many towers in Angeles NF were being dismantled and abandoned anyway because the smog was making breathing a chore.

Location

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

The Colby Canyon Trailhead is situated approximately 0.6 KM away from Switzer Falls Trail. The coordinates for the trailhead are approximately 7V95+RP, Los Angeles, CA[1].

Approach

From Los Angeles: - Take the 210 Freeway East towards Pasadena. - Continue on the 210 Freeway and take the exit for CA-2 North towards Angeles Crest Highway. - Drive on CA-2 North for about 10 miles. - Turn left onto CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) if you haven’t already. - Continue on CA-2 for several miles until you see the sign for Switzer Picnic Area or Colby Canyon.

Parking:Park at the designated parking area near the trailhead.

Final Steps:Once you park, look for the trailhead signs. The Colby Canyon Trail begins by crossing the creek and heading into the canyon, offering scenic views and access to Switzer Falls.

Note: Always check for any trail closures or restrictions before heading out, and consider bringing a map or GPS device as cellular service may be limited in the area. It's recommended to use a GPS navigator or a mapping app to ensure accurate directions to the trailhead.

  1. To start your Josephine Peak trekking, first find the trailhead on Angeles Crest Highway near Switzer Falls, using the address Colby Canyon Trail, 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042 as a guide.
  2. Gear up for this hike, ensuring you have sunscreen, water, and trekking poles for the exposed trail.
  3. Pack your Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 shoes, Garmin inReach Mini 2 for SOS coverage, AllTrails Plus for maps, and Garmin Fenix 8 for tracking and routing.
  4. View the trail maps on CalTopo or download the GPX file for reference.
  5. As you hike, you'll pass the old concrete blocks that once held a fire tower, which burnt down in the Mill Fire in 1975. The trailhead is located approximately 0.6 KM away from Switzer Falls, and you can reach it by taking the 210 Freeway East towards Pasadena, then CA-2 North towards Angeles Crest Highway, driving for about 10 miles before turning left onto CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) and looking for the signs for Switzer Picnic Area or Colby Canyon. Park at the designated parking area near the trailhead, and begin your hike by crossing the creek and heading into the canyon, offering scenic views and access to Switzer Falls.

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