Standing prominently in the western San Gabriels, Josephine Peak offers a cool summit with sweeping views. There are a few ways to hike to the summit, and this guide covers my favorite route, which takes the (single track) Colby Canyon Trail (instead of the fire road). This is a great “off-the-beaten-path” hike where you never see crowds, making for a peaceful and pleasurable experience.
Note the yellowish tinge in the images of this guide. The air was covered in smoke from the 2021 KNP Complex in the Sequoia National Park, about 150 miles away.
If you’re driving from the western end of Angeles Crest Highway, you’ll be able to see Josephine Peak as you drive up into the forest.The lot isn’t massive, but I’ve never seen it full.There’s a trailhead sign here to confirm you are in the correct spot. FYI no parking pass is needed here.
Gear For the Hike
This hike is mostly exposed, so make sure you bring sun protection and about 2L of water. In the winter there can be snow. And if you have trekking poles, I’d bring them for the climb and descent.
Garmin InReach Mini 2 I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality (what’s the difference between a GPS and satellite communicator?). For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach. If you use a smartphone to navigate and want a more affordable option that integrates with your phone easily, check out the ZOLEO. – Latest Prices:Amazon | REI
Altra Lone Peak 6 For most people, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice that will leave your feet feeling great at the end of any hike. The feel is cushy and light, and if it had a car equivalent, this would be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is great and they’re reasonably durable for this type of trail runner, which I think is better in most conditions than a hiking boot, and here’s why. The downside of this shoe is that it won’t last as long as something like the Terraventure 3 or Moab 2 (see alternate footwear choices at the bottom of my gear page). I’ve been using mine for many miles and my feet always feel great. I have a video on the details of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here. – Women’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon Men’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles I’ve gone back and forth on trekking poles, but I think for most people they are a good investment. They help you dig in on the uphills, provide stability on loose downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want something ultralight and a little more pricey, I’ve had great luck with the Black Diamond Z Poles too. – Trail Ergo Poles: REI | Amazon Z-Poles:REI | Amazon
Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28 After testing quite a few backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the best all-season day-pack. First off, it’s very comfortable, and the mesh “trampoline” back keeps your back dry. Its 30L capacity is enough for all the essentials and plenty of layers for winter hiking. External pockets make it easy to grab gear. It’s hard to find something wrong with the pack; if anything, it could be a bit lighter, but overall, it’s not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only affordable but generally a great value. – Women’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon Men’s Latest Prices:REI | Amazon
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated June 2022.
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Elevation Profile
There are some little ups and downs along the way, but overall you’ll be climbing, with a nice flat section between Josephine Saddle and the intersection with the fire road.
3D Map
It’s an out and back hike up Colby Canyon Trail to the summit. You can also see the fire road route on this map, which I don’t think is as nice a route as Colby Canyon.
Josephine Peak Hike Directions
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The trail starts just to the left of the Colby Canyon Trail board.At the start you’ll have a short downhill into the canyon, crossing the (usually dry) creek a couple of times.And then you start to climb. At the beginning the climb is a little primitive.And then gets more graded and established as it continues.And soon you crest the ridge, which has sweeping views over Colby Canyon. In the distance you can see the trail zig-zagging its way up to Josephine Saddle.And as you continue, you’ll be treated to unique views of Strawberry Peak (on the left), which actually does look like an upside down strawberry from here. Here you’ll go down a small downhill with evidence of the 2009 Station Fire.Start climbing up the wide switchbacks, which offer nice views down to the mouth of Colby Canyon where you started.As you climb, you’ll also start to see San Gabriel Peak (left) and Mt Disappointment (right) in the distance.There’s some solid trail work here.After the first section of switchbacks, you have a short flat stretch before the next series, which you can see ahead.At the top of those last switchbacks you’ll see a concrete cistern ahead. This is Josephine Saddle.When you get to Josephine Saddle, make the hard left.You’ll hike from the saddle clearing onto a singletrack trail.This section is flat and pleasant as you follow the ridge.The views north into Angeles National Forest are spectacular.When you come around a bend you’ll see Josephine Peak in front of you.You’ll come to a little clearing on the left with great views south.
The last viewpoint offers great views toward downtown LA.Then you’ll come to the intersection with Josephine Peak Road #2N64. Hike straight and continue uphill.The rest of the hike is on this dirt road, but it’s not too bad and offers great views.After a switchback, stay on the main road and avoid small side trails.You’ll start getting some spectacular views of Strawberry Peak (right).And you can see the trail you climbed up below you.As you wind around to the east, you can see Mt Lukens with all the radio towers on top.Hike past the helipad at the wide clearing.And after a narrow section of trail, you’ll reach the summit!
You’ll notice the concrete blocks, which were once the base of a fire tower. The tower stood from 1938 to 1975 when it burned down in the Mill Fire. At that point many towers in Angeles NF were being dismantled and abandoned anyway because the smog was so bad.
You’ll have views over toward Mt Wilson (the peak with the antennas).And to the north you can see Mt Pacifico, about 10 miles away.And you also get the incredibly dramatic views of Strawberry Peak.There’s also a USGS benchmark if that’s your thing.Enjoy the summit, take your photos, and then just return the way you came up!
This guide last updated on May 4, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.