Story:
From behind Rubio Canyon reservoir (0.0 miles, 1760'), the unsigned Lone Tree Trail heads steeply up a ridge to the SCE electrical towers at Eagle Rock Mesa (0.5 miles, 2440'). On a clear day Catalina Island is visible from this vantage point.
From behind Rubio Canyon reservoir (0.0 miles, 1760'), the unsigned Lone Tree Trail heads steeply up a ridge to the SCE electrical towers at Eagle Rock Mesa (0.5 miles, 2440'). On a clear day Catalina Island is visible from this vantage point.
The trail continues across the mesa and up the ridge to an unmarked, often overlooked mine trail (1.1 miles, 3240'). This short, splinter path leads to Summit Mine. Do not confuse it with a prior, alternate route through a class 2 rock-scrambling section.
Beyond the mine junction, the Lone Tree leaves the ridge and contours around the west flank of West Fuji, passing across a small gully with two big cone spruce trees. It then bends eastward, and near this turn is an overlook immediately to the left, where views of Rubio Canyon's east fork open up. Further along, through some increasing canopy, a tranquil grove of canyon oaks stands just below the West Fuji plateau (1.7 miles).
This plateau has a few large rocks and stunning views of Henninger Flats, Eaton Canyon, and Mt. Harvard. Follow the plateau southward 0.1 miles and find the summit register for West Fuji (3681'). Here you have more wonderful views, including cities, the ocean, Mt. Wilson, Echo Mountain, Pine Canyon, and Mt. Fuji (east) above Henninger Flats.
Backtrack from West Fuji and continue up the open ridge on an old firebreak with slightly sandy slopes and minor rock scrambling, but very little brush to avoid. At a particularly steep section, it is possible to follow switchbacks on part of an old, overgrown roadbed now covered in rocks. But mostly the route above West Fuji sticks to the ridgetop all the way to Panorama Point (2.4 miles, 4550').
At Panorama continue up the ridge a short distance to Muir Peak (2.5 miles, 4688'); or take the fire road to Inspiration Point (3.5 miles, 4510') and pick your return route.
Tips:
The Lone Tree Trail is an historic route originally started in 1888 by the Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association and later improved for the Mt. Lowe scenic attraction. Most of the path follows a steep ridge with little or no shade, except where it passes under a delightful oak grove. Water is not available. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramas, different trailside landscapes, and a serene escape from busier local trails.
The Lone Tree Trail is an historic route originally started in 1888 by the Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association and later improved for the Mt. Lowe scenic attraction. Most of the path follows a steep ridge with little or no shade, except where it passes under a delightful oak grove. Water is not available. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramas, different trailside landscapes, and a serene escape from busier local trails.
As of February 2013, the trail is in good condition up to the electrical towers. Between the towers and West Fuji there is only minor bushwhacking, easy route-finding, and a bit of class 2 rock-climbing. But after turning right and passing the East Fork overlook, also watch for a stretch where resilient poison oak might be creeping onto the trail. Beyond West Fuji the old firebreak receives no maintenance and could be classified as moderately steep cross-country on sometimes faint use trails.
Venturing beyond the electrical towers is not recommended for novice or casual hikers. Average grade is 20-25%. Carry plenty of water.
Tags:
Lone Tree Trail, altadena, california, San Gabriel Mountains, angeles national forest, historic, Panorama Point, Ridge Route, Camp Huntington, Rubio Canyon, creek, stream
Lone Tree Trail, altadena, california, San Gabriel Mountains, angeles national forest, historic, Panorama Point, Ridge Route, Camp Huntington, Rubio Canyon, creek, stream
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