Constant Condor

Hike to Condor Peak in the San Gabriel Mountains

03.16.2022
Hiker celebrating with raised arms after reaching Condor Peak in the San Gabriel Mountains

Named for the beautiful California condor that used to frequent the area, Condor Peak is one of the less traveled hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains. Probably because it’s 16 miles (round-trip)! The route follows much of the same trail you would take to nearby Fox Mountain peak. Get an early start for this challenging adventure, best done during the cooler months, due to the exposure on the trail. Give yourself plenty of daylight.

Hiker and dog on the trail enroute to Condor Peak in the San Gabriel mountains

Hiker standing at Condor Peak overlooking the scenery and San Gabriel Mountains

The trail is easy to follow as it winds around the mountain on the ascent. Desert plants like manzanita and yucca line the route, which is currently well-maintained but can be severely overgrown (long pants and sleeves are a good consideration for layering). There are two stream crossings.

Trail to Condor Peak in the San Gabriel Mountains

San Gabriel Mountains and a trail going to Condor Peak

As you hike, you’ll gain views of the Big Tujunga Dam to the east. After about 6 miles, you’ll spot the trail to Fox Peak heading up to the right, but you want to go left and follow the ridgeline of the Condor Peak Trail. This section is a bit of a rollercoaster, up and down, but eventually you come to the final hill to climb up. This last stretch of trail, about a quarter-mile long, is not as defined as the previous trails, but as long as you keep heading up, you’ll reach Condor Peak and find yourself completely surrounded by the western San Gabriels, including nearby Mount Lukens, the highest point in the city of Los Angeles.

NOTE: This is a long hike at 16-miles (round-trip). It's for experienced hikers who can manage the distance. Allow yourself plenty of time to do this hike and bring plenty of water and snacks. Directions to parking lot trailhead at 34.28907027332574, -118.22487016685561: From Downtown Los Angeles take the Glendale Fwy. (CA 2) North to I-210 West. Take Exit 11, and head east on Sunland Blvd. Turn left onto Oro Vista Ave. and continue onto Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. Stay on Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. for 6.7 miles and park in the dirt lot on your right. Once parked, you will cross the road to the trail and start your climb. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Breonna Carter, @mountainsquake

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View

  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View

  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View

  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View

  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

    View
  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View

  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View