Triple T Hike

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At 8,985 feet (2,739 m), Telegraph Peak is the highest of the three summits on the Three T’s Trail, a classic route in the San Gabriel Mountains that also includes Timber Mountain (8,303 ft) and Thunder Mountain (8,587 ft). These peaks were named in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with Timber Mountain once called “Chapman Mountain,” after an early pioneer, while Telegraph Peak got its name from an early telegraph line that ran through the area. Thunder Mountain earned its name from the powerful afternoon thunderstorms that frequently roll across its ridgeline.

The hike begins at Icehouse Canyon Trailhead (5,000 ft elevation) and climbs steadily up through a rugged canyon filled with Jeffrey pines, incense cedar, and sugar pines. After passing Icehouse Saddle, the trail follows the ridgeline to Timber Mountain, then continues across open slopes with breathtaking views of the Baldy Bowl and the high desert beyond. From the summit of Telegraph Peak, hikers can see Mt. Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, and on clear days, as far as the San Bernardino Mountains.

Completing the Three T’s involves about 14 miles of hiking and over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Some Scouts may choose to continue to Thunder Mountain, near the Mt. Baldy ski lifts, which provides another dramatic vantage point of the San Gabriel wilderness. Like Baden-Powell, this hike is part of the “Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge,” making it a great way to prepare for larger backpacking trips.

The Three T’s Trail showcases a variety of ecosystems, from oak and pine forests in the lower elevations to limber pines and alpine ridges near the summits. Along the way, hikers will experience sweeping views of canyons, valleys, and distant mountain ranges — a true test of endurance with a big payoff.