Sunset Peak Shortcut

"Sunset Ridge is an island in the sky extending from Mt. Baldy Village to San Dimas Reservoir. A fire road runs the length of the ridge and makes for a good, long, and mostly downhill hike with views of Mt. Baldy, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Inland Empire. In the spring after good winter rains, the chaparral slopes burst into color with wildflowers. For a more strenuous alternative with 4700 feet of elevation gain, take this trip in the opposite (uphill) direction."

--David & Jennifer Money Harris, Afoot and Afield: Inland Empire (Wilderness Press).

"The hike to Sunset Peak from Cow Canyon Saddle offers up fine views of the archipelago of high peaks stretching from San Gabriel Wilderness in the west to Cucamonga Wilderness in the east."

--Jerry Schad , Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County (Wilderness Press).

"This moderate fire road hike takes you to a prominent peak in the Front Range of San Antonio Canyon and the remains of an old fire lookout. From here, you’ll have commanding views of the cities to the south and the impressive alpine summits of the Mount Baldy area."

-- Casey Schreiner , Day Hiking Los Angeles (The Mountaineers Books).

"Sunset Peak offers the perfect hike for stepping out of city life for an afternoon. It is not a long drive into the mountains, and the hike is relatively short, yet the trail travels through the rugged and picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. There are two options for hiking Sunset Peak. One is a steep and rough firebreak that follows the ridge 1.6 miles up to the peak. The other is a dirt service road that switchbacks 3.6 miles up the mountain. From the summit one can see miles of the San Gabriel Mountains, as well as great views of the cities below. A recommended loop is to climb the fire road, enjoy a picnic at sunset, and descend the dirt road by headlamp."

--David & Jennifer Money Harris, Afoot and Afield: Inland Empire (Wilderness Press).