Rattlesnake Peak

"I Took advantage of a cool weathered Saturday to go after Rattlesnake Peak. I started out early and kept an eye open for the not so obvious trail that leaves the dirt road and begins climbing. I found it after 1.5 miles of easy walking on the dirt road. The steep climb begins quickly and continues to elevate to the nearby high points. The use trail passes through thick brush but is identifiable all the way up the ridge. Several high points get connected by the use trail forming a long ridge climb leading to Rattlesnake Peak. About 5 or 6 high points get reached on the ridge climb, some are much steeper than others. With persistence, I reached the summit in a little bit less than 4 hours. I returned along the same route with painful toe nails due to the steep descent. Surprising, the descent took nearly 3 hours while walking gingerly to avoid hurting my toes." — Peak-Conquistador • Apr 28, 2018

"I did Rattlesnake as the typical loop from Shoemaker Canyon Rd, ascended the south ridge and descending the east ridge. The south ridge route is straightforward and actually very pleasant. I made my way quickly up to the summit. The east ridge is a much rougher route - overgrown, steep, loose, and ambiguous. I've heard this peak described as "Little Iron," and this side of the mountain earns that title. On the way down, I guess I ripped open my side pocket, because when I got to the tunnel on Shoemaker Canyon Rd. and went to take a picture, I discovered my phone was gone! I guess I ripped the pocket and dropped the phone while bushwhacking through chapparal and/or sliding down steep lose dirt. I was completely prepared to re-climbing the mountain to find my phone, but luckily recovered it in the middle of the trail only a tenth of a mile back. The tunnels on Shoemaker Canyon Rd. are totally sweet and worth a visit. After this, I went to hike Smith Mountain to make a full day in the San Gabriel River Basin." — klotito • Feb 11, 2018

"Up and down via HPS route 1. I picked about the perfect day to do this one: good weather, cool breezes, a bit of haze to keep the sun somewhat at bay. (This would be an awful hike for a hot day...super steep and no shade anywhere.) The register at the summit is completely full. If someone's planning a trip up, consider bringing a new one to leave there." — HikerMark • Mar 20, 2016

"My #100 HPS peak (and Mike McCarty's), Sierra Club sponsored hike with 6 or 7 I-rated leaders. 10.3 miles r/t loop hike w/4,150' gain to/from Shoemaker Road gate. Combined HPS Guide routes 1 and 2. Big attendance for this challenging hike! " — BradStemm • Feb 23, 2014

"It's easy to see why this is the 2nd hardest summit in the San Gabs. The firebreak to the summit it relentless. There are multiple demoralizing drops, including one saddle that drops a good 150 feet despite the highpoints on the ridgeline being about 50 feet apart (ie it's crazy steep). That's not to mention a hive of African honey bees (read- Killer bees) in a rock outcropping at the bump around 4700'. While their venom is technically less potent than European honey bees, they defend the hive more aggressively so use caution if heading up. If they swarm get out of there ASAP, without waving your arms or killing any (it releases an alarm signal). I passed within 10 feet of the hive and they left me alone but it's still a word to the wise." — Christopher • Nov 23, 2011