Telegraph Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Telegraph Peak, along with Thunder Mountain and Timber Mountain is one of the famous Three T’s, a car shuttle hike that every hiking aficionado wants to complete. Telegraph is the highest of the three peaks and is typically done second from either direction. This peak delivers 100 mile views into the high desert from its perch on the northeast corner of the San Gabriels. The Cajon Pass and the 15 freeway below look like part of a model train set. The views of San Antonio are also some of the best from this peak 1,000’ below its big neighbor to the west.
Route 1 describes the clockwise approach to the Three T’s or the most direct route to hike just Telegraph Peak. You will pass over Thunder Mountain and down a trail on the south side of that peak to then climb back up the west side of Telegraph. The alternate route is to leave one car at the parking lot described in Route 1 and then drive a second car to the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead to hike the most common counter-clockwise Three T’s. Please read the directions under Thunder and Timber for more information.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
Continue about four miles to the intersection with San Antonio Falls Road on the left (gated). Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6160′), pass the gate and hike up the road to Baldy Notch at the top of the ski lift. Turn right (southeast) and follow a road up to the summit of Thunder Mountain.
Continue southeast on a trail down into the saddle at the top of Cedar Canyon and then up to a trail junction at about 8800′ just southwest of the summit of Telegraph Peak.
Turn left and follow the trail up to the summit.
Additional Peak Information
Special conditions: Do not hike up the slope beneath the ski lift. This is not legal.
Note: The ski lift at the end of Baldy Road operates in the summer months on weekends and some holidays. It is possible to take this (for a fee) to Baldy Notch. This significantly reduces the gain and distance.
A popular trip is to take the lift to the notch, then climb Thunder Mountain, Telegraph Peak, and Timber Mountain, returning via Icehouse Canyon to the site of the old Ice House Resort. This requires a car shuttle. A popular trip is to take the lift to the notch, climb Thunder Mountain, Telegraph Peak, and Timber Mountain, and return via Icehouse Canyon to the site of the old Ice House Resort. This requires a car shuttle.
Telegraph Peak is located within the Cucamonga Wilderness. A permit is required. They can be acquired in person at the Mount Baldy Ranger station in Mount Baldy village at (909) 982-2829 (8:00am to 4:30pm), or they may be obtained in advance from:
San Gabriel River Ranger District
Angeles National Forest
110 N. Wabash
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 335-1251
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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