Islip Saddle Trail Head: distance indicated is west of Grassy Hollow

Islip Saddle 13.3 miles from Grassy Hollow

Mt. Williamson Trail starts on the north side of Highway 2 from the parking lot. 5 mile round trip with 1600' elevation gain. See trail No. 65 in "Trails of the Angeles". Turn left when you get to the top and follow an up and down trail for about 1/2 mile for a great view. Just before reaching the summit, the PCT continues down the other side of Mt. Williamson reaching Highway 2 just beyond the tunnels in 1.3 miles. South Fork Trail Trail starts from the parking lot on the north side of Highway 2. 10.4 miles round trip with elevation loss of 2100'. This hike is best started from South Fork Campground making the last 5.2 miles downhill instead of uphill. See Hike No. 70 in "Trails of the Angeles". Mt. Islip Trail Starts on south side of Highway 2 across from the parking lot. This is part of the PCT. The hike is about 6.5 miles round trip going to the top of Mt. Islip and back. You reach Little Jimmy Campground in 2.1 miles. Go through the campground to pick up the trail to the summit, 0.9 miles. If you stay on the PCT and skirt the campground you go past Windy Gap and reach the Dawson Trail 3 1/2 miles from Little Jimmy. From Windy Gap, you could go down a side trail to Crystal Lake, about 3 1/2 miles. This is tough coming back up. Beyond Windy Gap on the PCT you will see a side trail going to So. Mt. Hawkins. This is a pretty hike but tough coming back out. Another opportunity here is a fairly new trail branching off to the left just before you reach the summit of Mt. Islip. This trail is mostly down hill and dead ends into another trail in 2.9 miles. A right turn here would take you to the upper northern end of the Crystal Lake Rec. Area It's about another mile to Crystal Lake. Turning left would bring you to Windy Gap in 1.3 miles. This is a good trail but very steep with no shade. Windy Gap is 1/2 mile from Little Jimmy Campground.