On Sunday August 18th 2019, Still Peakin’ embarked upon one of our most ambitious day hikes of the season, the formidable 3 T’s trail. The MeetUp was planned for 7AM at the Ice House Canyon trailhead. With 2 groups rendezvousing, one from the South Bay and the other from the West LA anything could happen. However, the morning started on a fine note as both parties were punctual. Did the South Bay crew actually beat the West LA crew there? Whah how could this be? Very impressive indeed!
The original plan was to take Chapman up to the saddle, hike the 3 T’s trail, bagging Timber and Telegraph along the way and then return the same way we came back from Thunder in reverse – all the way back down Chapman again to the Ice House lot.
The core three Still Peakin’ founders were all on board OB, Marco Escondido and yours truly BReazy. This week we were joined by newly certified members, the Dogfather and Tater Tot. The morning started out with lots of big smiles and positive vibes. Yes, we were poised for another glorious day in the San Gabriel Mountains.
And a glorious day it shaped up to be! After a quick break at the Ice House Saddle we began our accent towards Timber Peak. Let me tell you partner, it got the blood pumping and the gases flowing more than just a bit.
Timber Peak turned out to be a well earned reward for a morning climb of 6 miles uphill, but don’t get too comfy, there’s plenty of trail ahead. The hike from Timber to Telegraph would prove to be the most challenging part of the day with a dip down from Timber to another saddle and a healthy climb up towards Telegraph. By the time we reached Telegraph the gang was more than ready to take 5, recharge and savor their accomplishment. Oh but not for too long chopper, the trail was calling and our buggies were way down dem der hills.
Downward and upward! This was the what the 3 T’s had in store 4 us. A sizable decent and a moderate climb back up to Thunder Peak. Oh oh oh Thunder Peak.. But wait a minute mister, is that the Baldy Notch in the distance with water, restrooms and a cool Arnold Palmer for sale? “Perhaps we should do the loop hike instead Marco?” Oh sure, hiking the hot road those last 2 1/2 miles might not be so kind to the knees. But an Arnold Palmer and that big hill we just hiked down? Oh boy. A quick huddle ensued, it was decided, Still Peakin’ would move forward and not backwards, Baldy road be damned.
A quick recharge at the Notch and the hike down the fire road begins. What to do at Manker Flats? Hitch a ride or continue hoof it down the hot road?
“Gone are the days we stopped to decide, where we shall go we just ride”
That’s right, just keep walking BReazy it will all be over soon.
3 peaks, 18.8 miles, 4,990″ of elevation gain and 3775 calories burned later and we were champions once again! Still Peakin’ my friends, still peakin’.