On a cool fall day I set out to hike to two peaks, in one day: Thunder Mountain, and Telegraph Peak.
I would be hiking up Mount Baldy Rd. from Manker Flats, passing “the Notch.”
This trip to the mountain had me in the proper attire, with a warm jacket. I try to not forget how chilly it can be on top of a mountain, even in late September.
This hike was one part exploring a new place I had never been before, and one part challenging myself.
Alpine forests are one of my favorite types of environments to explore. It was just after dawn, and the sunlight was just beginning to cascade over the ridge.
Mountain Running
Is that even a thing? It’s a sport where running head into extreme environments, through the high peaks of Colorado, the Swiss Alps, or any other stark rocky mounatin range on the planet. Currently mountain running is becoming a new interest, and maybe someday it could be my passion in life. I have a ways to go before that.
Running Everyday
Mountain Running a sport where you have to stay in great shape. Everyday I try to get out there and run, to build more stamina, so am better able to actually run up a mountain, not just hike up one. I am able to run uphill in longer spurts, and run up progressively steeper hills. It’s always best effort, I always say.
A Mountain Sunrise
It was a beautiful day in the mountains. I never need a reason to go hiking in an alpine forest, at high altitude, amongst the beautiful pine trees, to have a moment of peace, and quiet, amongst this hectic world we all live in.
My Plan
It’s always good to have a plan. My hike and trail run would be about 14 miles roundtrip, and I would complete it in about 6 hours. I would be taking about 4 hours to get to the two peak, climbing about 3500 feet, and then run back to the trailhead in about 2 hours.
The higher I climbed the better my spirits were. Hiking is a very uplifting pursuit for me.
I was almost to the notch, and passed through some pines.
I past the ski lifts with a posted speed limit sign, which seemed more of a joke than anything else.
I approached the notch, and the area was like a ghost town.
I gazed down the canyon, and realized how clear the skies were today.
I first headed towards Thunder Mountain past the notch on the wide fire road.
There are several other trails at the notch and it’s easy to get confused. So I used alltrails to help me find the right one, but I didn’t need to rely on it too much, since this was my second trip to Thunder Mountain.
It was still early morning, and shady along much of the trail.
I gazed back through the Notch with it’s many buildings, which are probably fairly busy in the peak season.
Through the pines I can see the Lucerne Valley in the distance.
Off to my right is where I a headed today, which is Telegraph Peak.
There are lots of flowering shrubs on the ridge, but their blooms are mostly dry, and withered this time of year. Summer is the peak time for wildflowers at high altitude, not September.
I was feeling great, as I made my way to Thunder Mountain ast the reservoir, and making good time.
I would hesitate to draw water from this, even if it were accessible, since it is probably filled with bacteria. My guess is this water is the source of the for the buildings and restrooms up here up at the notch.
I am always amazed at the wide variety of pines, and their unique cones.
I happen to find a flowering shrub, not yet withered, and still flowering.
This sign off to my right, is for skiiers not hikers, and that is one reason is it so far off the ground, to compensate for the deep snow.
I edge ever closer to Thunder Mountain, through the pines.
This was my last big climb to Thunder Mountain, up a wide ski trail, covered in lower growing alpine plants, such as ice plant.
I had to check out the ski hut at the peak for a moment.
Mt Baldy Ski patrol at your service.
I glanced back down towards the reservoir I passed not long ago.
Then I looked out past the ski lifts toward the barren face of Mount Baldy.
It was onward to Telegraph Peak. The trail would dip down into a canyon briefly.
I past by the sign for the Cucamonga WIlderness, a reminder that your not in Kansas anymore.
After heading into the canyon, I found myself at the base of Telegraph Peak.
I would be making a second climb up switchbacks onward to the peak.
The terrain became much more rocky, and the trail narrowed as I climbed further up the mountain.
I couls spot West Baldy, Mount Baldy, Pine Mountain, and Mount Harwood in the distance.
This is in my opinion, the best part of the hike, through this type of alpine environment, when you climb above 9,000 feet.
A runner past by me, making haste down this skinny trail. It had me realizing mountain running on this was doable, but was it safe?
This was one of my favorite vistas of the day.
I came to the sign for the Three T’s Hike, and it was on to Thunder Mountain from here.
I was so close to the peak at this point, as I gazed off into the wilderness below.
I believe I am looking at Mount San Gorgonio from here.
The pines at this altitude always have this windswept quality about them, as if they are barely hanging on.
This one looks half dead, or is it rather half alive? This was not the peak, but I was close.
Telegraph Peak
I finally made it to Telegraph Peak (Elevation 8901)!
This peak has some of the most beautiful views I have seen, with Mount Baldy in the distance, and the beauty of the surrounding valley on the other eastern side.
This was honestly worth all the effort of getting here, in case your wondering. I always feel a sense of accomplishment, whenever I set out to challenge myself like this, and am successful at whatever goal it is. I like to continually try and reach for what I call small attainable goals.
Is it a peak, without the USGS marker?
It felt great to check off another peak in the Angeles Forest. Could you ever climb all of the? Most peaks have no trail, so for now, my list of future peakbagging adventures, includes the ones that are on trail. That is a lot of peaks.
The Way Back
I would be running most of the way back, whenever the terrain allowed. So that would be part of the time down form Telegraph Peak, and then near constant running, on past Thunder Mountain. The wide fire roads, and ski area paths, make for great trail running through the mountains.
I hope you get outside, and experience some of nature’s beauty today too.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
Follow my Journey…
Be sure to Like and Subscribe to My Youtube Channel where I post videos!
Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
Serafina Hikes 