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Reporter |
Summary: Mount Bliss (3720') stands as a prominent summit in the San Gabriel front ranch above Monrovia, Duarte, and Azusa. The route follows a broad fire road (1N36) all the way until you get to the summit ridge. As you climb, you'll have nice views of the San Gabriel Valley to the south, and the surrounding canyons, ridges, and summits of front range. Once on top of Mt. Bliss, you have an unobstructed 360 degree view. There is no shade in route, so hike when it's cool. From the north end of the equestrian center, take the fire road left as it crosses the creek bed. Follow the road for 4.2 miles to the junction southwest of Mt. Bliss summit, where the power lines cross the ridge. Turn right (southwest) onto the side road. After a couple minutes the road curves left around the ridge. At that point, leave the road and follow the use path up the ridge to the left. Hike along the ridge northeast until you reach Mt. Bliss, in 10 or 12 minutes. Trailhead: From the I-210 Foothill Freeway: Traveling west, exit at Irwindale Avenue in Irwindale. Turn right (north) and go .2 mile. Turn left (west) on Foothill Blvd. and go .7 mile to Encanto Parkway. Turn right (north). From the I-210 Foothill Freeway: Traveling east (or the I-605 traveling north), exit Mt. Olive Avenue in Duarte. Turn right (east) on Foothill Blvd. and go .6 mile to Encanto Parkway. Turn left (north). Drive north on Encanto Parkway 1.3 miles. Turn left onto a dirt rood, the entrance to Encanto Equestrian Center (marked with a yellow sign). Drive about .5 mile and park on the left side of the road across from the horse stables. The hike starts at the north end of the equestrian center. No Forest Adventure Pass is needed since this hike begins outside the forest boundary (Lat:34.15559 Lon:-117.93511) Trail Guides for Mount Bliss via Van Tassel Fire Road: Best Seasons: Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel River Ranger district: 626-335-1251 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan Simpson, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review Started from the overgrown use trail past the water tank from Mel Canyon on 5/14/11. Front-loaded hike with all the steeper sections early. Great for training. Encountered good sized black bear on the dirt road about 1 mile in. BYOBB. Bring your own bear bell. parts of this hike may be inside the Station Fire closure area, so check first before you go. Don't worry about the reviews. This is an excellent afternoon hike if you time it for sunset as you descend (bring headlamps). It is steep in sections but never more than a vehicle can handle, so you can do it, too. The views were great. This is a dry hike. Your going to be in the sun for most of the day. Bring extra water, and bug spray encase the flies are out. Oh, and if you make it to the top on a hot summer day, then your an animal!! Leave your name..... Look for the rocks!!! If you are looking for a good hike close, park just north of the trail head and take the Fish Canyon trail to the falls behind it. Both are strenuous, Fish Canyon moreso than Mt. Bliss, but much more to see at Fish Canyon. You guys talked me right out of making this hike. Thanks, Correcting KB! You're a star! Very useful info. Google Earth is awesome. But not as awesome as you! You're the ultimate of mega-awesomes!!!!!! The trailhead is ~800' elevation. Verify by looking at any topographical map. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||