We had a great day backpacking to Little Jimmy Campground and the top of Mount Islip. We started the hike from Islip Saddle on the PCT. This time the gear in my backpack didn’t feel as overwhelming. I’m learning how to better adjust the pack which makes it more comfortable. After the first steep section of trail which passed through rabbit brush covered in nectaring insects, we climbed upward through lush pine trees which offered us plenty of shade. We’d hiked this trail last year, and I’d almost forgotten how beautiful it was. Along the route, we passed a few boy scout troops heading down from Little Jimmy. I was certain with the weekend crowd heading out, we’d find a spot to set up our tent and have breakfast. As we got closer, the smell of coffee lingered in the air. I was glad we’d soon be enjoying a cup of our own.

After finding a spot setting up the tent was easy. They make it pretty simple these days. I’m sure we’ll make mistakes here and there, but that’s why we’re doing practice drills.

After breakfast and with less gear, we set off to hike to the top of Mount Islip. My backpack seemed feather light without the tent, sleeping bag, etc. We cruised on up the trail like it was nothing. Just before reaching the high point, the old fire lookout ruins came into view. Mount Islip has such a beautiful peak and there was hardly a soul on it. We explored the ruins, enjoyed the views and I snapped a ridiculous amount of photos before descending.

Once arriving back at camp, we had a snack then hiked to Little Jimmy Spring to fill up our water. The spring water tasted cool and refreshing. We brought some back with us to make one last cup of coffee before packing up our gear and heading back.

One thing I’d noticed while still at camp was that there was a smoke smell in the air that didn’t seem like it was coming from the camp. As we descended the mountain, the smoke became more apparent. I hiked up to a high point next to the trail with a view looking down towards Crystal Lake. The canyon was filled with smoke. We were less than half a mile from Islip Saddle and we could see cars coming and going on Angeles Crest Highway. We were concerned, but not alarmed. Cars were being diverted out of the Crystal Lake area onto the normally closed section of Highway 39. When we arrived back at the trailhead, another hiker asked us if we had seen the fire. Apparently a brush fire had broken out in San Gabriel Canyon above Azusa near Highway 39, but it must have happened just after we left the peak. I hope everyone was evacuated safely.

Happy to be back safe and sound, we called it a day and headed home. We had a wonderful time and will be back again when we can spend the night at Little Jimmy Camp.

Starting out at Islip Saddle on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The trail starts out a little steep but not too bad.

As we head up the trail I’m aware of the extra weight in my backpack, but it seems slightly easier then last week.

Rabbit brush abounds on this first section. Lots of insects are enjoying the golden blooms.

I’d almost forgotten how beautiful this hike is.

We reach a sign at a junction after crossing a dirt road.

The lush, green trail meanders up steadily.

The grade is now moderate and and I am thoroughly enjoying the scenery.

The view north looking out towards the desert.

We hike along a more exposed section of trail. There are many baby pine trees here.

We reach Little Jimmy Campground. We find a spot, unload our gear and set up.

I enjoy snapping photos while my husband does the work. :)

After the tent is set, we sit at one of the picnic tables and enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast. The camp is quiet. Most of the weekend crowd has gone.

After breakfast, we make our way up the trail to the top of Mount Islip. Having unloaded some of our gear, our backpacks felt feather light.

Leaving the campground on the way to the peak.

As we continue up, the trail becomes more exposed. I believe these trees were damaged in the Curve Fire of 2002.

As we climb, the views looking south towards Crystal Lake are stellar.

Although we’re now in full sun, it’s not at all hot. We’re really enjoying this hike (and the lighter weight of our packs!)

I cannot stop taking photos of the views.

As we turn the corner of the last switchback, the old fire lookout appears. We are just a few feet from the top.

I hop around the peak taking photos in all directions and at every angle.

I may have gone a little crazy with the summit photos, but it’s so pretty up here!

Such a wonderful peak and barely a soul on it.

Time to get some photos from inside the ruins of the lookout.

One last inspection before heading back to camp.

When we were here last year this tree’s branches were hanging low across the trail. You can see they did some great trail work by clearing it. I’m grateful for the people who do this for us so we can enjoy these wonderful trails.

After getting back to camp, we have a snack and take a short break before hiking to Little Jimmy Spring to fill our water.

The spring is just a short walk from camp.

We have our fill and take some water with us back to camp.

One more cup of coffee before we hit the road.

Bye bye Little Jimmy, see you next time!

As we hike back, we see a smoky haze starting to fill the air. I had noticed it when we were at camp, but wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

The smell of smoke becomes stronger as we hike along.

We can see cars driving up and down Angeles Crest Highway, so we are not alarmed.

I climb up to a look out point that faces south towards Highway 39. Smoke fills the canyon.

We found out later that a brush fire broke out in San Gabriel Canyon just above Azusa. Cars were being evacuated through the upper portion of Highway 39 that is usually closed.

We continue hiking down in the smoky air.

I take a look back at Mount Islip through the haze.