San Gabriel Mountains Summer Water Report Lower Arroyo Seco through Mount Baden Powell

---

The Summer conditions of the Water sources starting from Johnson Rock at JPL and NASA was not the intension of my hike through the San Gabriel Mountains. The Motive for going up during the hot season of September 2025 was to gather Juxtaposition Photography in the High Country of the San Gabriel Mountains for production element of my recent 500 Mile through hike of the High Sierra Between Lake Tahoe and Mount Whitney..

---

One of the best places to start from when through hiking from Pasadena California to Wrightwood California is at Gould Mesa Trail Camp which is at 1,500 Feet in elevation. This allows the through hiker to acclimate their ascent Along peaceful waters of Arroyo Seco Creek

Gould Mesa Trail Camp / Arroyo Seco

---

My climb from Gould Mesa Trail Camp went from 1,500' to 4,655' Feet in about 13 miles to Red Box at the Mount Wilson Road. There are restrooms and a water faucet. If a hiker chooses they can exit from the trail at the Mount Lowe Rail Trail that is up the Mount Wilson Road from Red Box

The well known Rail Trail a favorite for bicyclist and runners goes back down into the City of Altadena with outstanding views of the entire San Gabriel Valley

On a clear day the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island Trail are visible.

Mount Wilson Rail Trail Tunnel 2023

---

There are some options for Tenting at Red Box considering hikers have humped 13 Miles straight up from the Gould Mesa Trail Camp. By now the body is feeling the grind, the small picnic area in the Parking lot is inviting a great place to rest up and get hydrated for the next days climb to Charlton Flats on the Old Boyscouts Silver Moccasin Trail.