I just love hiking the peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains, they are much more rugged than the Santa Monica Mountains, and this hike did not disappoint. It was an amazing day and an amazing hike. We mapped out a loop that would take us up to Mt Islip by way of Windy Gap Trail and then back down on Big Cienega Trail.



This was a picture that I saw in a book called 101 Southern California hikes, of which I wanted to recreate the photo with Marv in the doorway, but for a few more rocks!  
                    


We were just getting started, 8 miles and 2400 elevation gain to go!



These photo were taken on our assent up the Windy Gap Trail. You can see how far up we have to go with such beautiful views in front of us.





We made it to Windy Gap at 7588 feet.



We came upon Little Jimmy Springs, and then Little Jimmy Camp ground. If there is ever a disaster in L.A., know that you can find fresh water up here.



A bit down the trail we got a great view of Angeles Crest Highway, HWY 2.





We made it to the top of Mt Islip at 8250 elevation and found the house that gave us our picture opportunity.







These photo's were taken on our decent down Big Cienega Trail.









This was sad little Crystal Lake.



This is the map we used to stay on course, we did not get lost once! For Marv and I, that is a rare occasion since we like to shot off and investigate interesting trails when we see them. 


 

Here is the video of our hike, what an AMAZING DAY!