The best time for hiking during the hot summer months is EARLY! I like to be on the trail either before sunrise or shortly after so I can enjoy my time on the trail before the day heats up. This is also the time of year when I like to stick to the high country or look for higher elevation hikes which are usually a bit cooler than those at the lower altitudes. Mount Williamson was the perfect hike for today; a short 5 miles from the Islip Saddle trailhead with a little bit of an elevation gain and a fun climb. The early morning sunlight was brilliant as we headed up the trail which starts off on the PCT. It wasn’t long before views of Mount Islip opened up to the south on the opposite side of the Angeles Crest Highway. The hike to Mount Williamson is a fun one. We did this last year in September and I really enjoyed it. The climb is mostly steady until you get closer to the top where you leave the PCT and the trail to Mt. Williamson becomes quite steep and rugged. Once at the top we had wonderful 360 degree views. It was only us on the summit so we took our time, had some snacks and after orienting my map, I spread it out and secured it with some rocks so I could use it to identify some of the surrounding features of the area. Many of the surrounding peaks were visible including Mount Lewis, Mount Baden-Powell, Throop Peak, Mount Hawkins and Twin Peaks to name a few. To the north I could see all the way out to the Mojave Desert and to the southwest I had a nice view of Williamson Rock, which was once popular with rock climbers until the area was closed off to protect the mountain yellow-legged frog. It was barley 9 am and already I could feel the sun starting to heat up the day, so we headed back enjoying our time on the trail and the sweet, vanilla fragrance of the Jeffery pines along the way.
I love the early morning sunlight.
Heading up from Islip Saddle.
Mount Williamson on the right.
It didn't take long before we started to get some views of Mount Islip.
We crossed over a few rock slide areas.
I always enjoy making new friends on the trail.
Another rocky section of trail.
Looking over at Twin peaks.
At this junction we hopped off the PCT and took the spur trail up.
This is what the climb looks like. It's pretty steep, but very doable. I really enjoy this one! We did it last year in September as well.
My husband heading up.
...and up...
...and up...
Still climbing.
Another look over at Mount Islip.
If you continue to follow the more established trail, it will take you to a junction. You can either head left towards this ridge taking you to Peak 8248 (this is where the Sierra Club keeps their register for Mount Williamson.) or you can head right which is actually the official summit and where the USGS marker is located.
It's a rugged trail with some scrambling to Peak 8248.
Now heading to the official Mount Williamson summit at 8,214'.
Looking over at Mount Baden-Powell, Throop Peak and Mount Hawkins from the summit.
Views of the desert. If it were clear we may have been able to see the Sierra.
Looking back at the ridge toward Peak 8248.
A view of Williamson Rock. This was once a popular rock climbing area. It's now been closed to protect the habitat of the mountain yellow-legged frog.
Looking up at my husband. The official summit for Mount Williamson is wide and flat. I spent a lot of time exploring around and enjoying the scenery.
I thought this was the most perfect pine tree.
A great downed tree.
Time to head back before it got too warm.
Kicking up some trail dust on the steep hike down the mountain.
Looking down at the steep switchbacks.
A closer view of Williamson Rock.
Back at the junction with the PCT.
Wonderful views and some shade.
Being careful on the rock slide section.
Last photo of the day. Almost back to the car.
