Occidental Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Occidental is the only HPS peak climbed by John Muir in his 1877 visit to the San Gabriels. He described the range as: “Mother Nature is most ruggedly, thornily savage. Not even in the Sierra have I ever made the acquaintance of mountains more rigidly inaccessible. The slopes are exceptionally steep and insecure to the foot of the explorer, however great his strength or skill may be, but thorny chaparral constitutes their chief defense.” These days one can drive nearly to the peak on Mount Wilson Road. Occidental is usually climbed from the east ridge, which is a short but pretty hike that can be paired with Mount Wilson or other nearby peaks. Attempting it from other directions are extremely brushy.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), go north on Angeles Crest Highway 14 miles to the junction at Red Box. Turn right on Mount Wilson Road.
Go 3.8 miles to a large parking area, mostly barricaded by boulders, on the left side of the road 200′ before a driveway into a TV transmitter site. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area, walk across the road. Look for a faint use trail leading up to the start of the transmitter site’s fence.
The fence can be followed generally westward to the end of the transmitter site, or a more natural use trail that appears to the right and down may be taken.
At the end of the transmitter site, cross the helipad and follow a use trail along the ridge to the summit.
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), go north on Angeles Crest Highway 14 miles to the junction at Red Box. Turn right on Mount Wilson Road.
Go 2.3 miles to a large parking area on the right side of the road at Eaton Saddle. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area, hike south up the ridge over two small bumps and on to the summit.
Route Notes
Additional Peak Information
Special conditions: Do not attempt to park between the two parking areas described in this guide. Do not attempt to climb the steep slope directly below the summit as loose stones may fall down onto the road below.
Note: Route 2 is now overgrown and indistinct. Route 1 is a much easier approach.
Historical notes: This peak is located near the western end of what was formerly known as Knifeblade Ridge. In earlier days it was known as Precipio Peak, since it stood directly above Precipio (later Eaton) Canyon. About 1915, a group of students from Occidental College constructed a trail to the summit from Mount Wilson. In recognition of their efforts, Rush Charlton, then Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest, named the peak for their school.
External Links
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External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
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