Mount McKinley

Angeles National Forest, CA

Info

Distance
10.7 mi
Elevation gain
3,000 ft
Route type
Out & back
Duration
3.5 hr
Crux
Class 1
Quality
4/10
Vehicle type
Car
Ecoregion

Peaks bagged

1
Mount McKinley
LPC
4,926 ft / Rise 246 ft
LPC
Lower Peaks Committee

Trip report

Boulder Canyon Trailhead
Boulder Canyon Trailhead.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
The trail descends about 100 feet into the canyon.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
In the distance, Yerba Buena Ridge rises into the low-hanging clouds.
Gold Creek
Gold Creek crossing.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Climbing out of the creek.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Lush vegetation along the trail.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
View back toward the trailhead.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Continuing east.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
The trail ends at Boulder Canyon Road. Stay right.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Starting up the road.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
View back at a roadside apiary site consisting of dozens of beehives. I could hear a faint buzzing of honey bees. I can't help but wonder what impact these have on native bee populations and the spread of invasive weeds.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Approaching Gold Canyon Saddle.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
At Gold Canyon Saddle, view back at another apiary site.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Along Gold Canyon Truck Trail.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Ascending into the clouds. Visibility was very limited from here on.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
A third apiary site. The bees at this site were the most active. It was a little unsettling having dozens of bees whizzing around my body as I walked by.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
At Gold Creek Saddle. It's not obvious, but the route continues up a foot path on the left.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
View back toward the turnoff at Gold Creek Saddle.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
At Spring Saddle, approaching McKinley's southwest ridge.
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Trip report photo for Mount McKinley
Approaching the summit.
Mount McKinley summit
Mount McKinley summit.

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