Mendenhall peak

This was my first time hiking to Mendenhall peak. There's the long way and the short way.

My intention was to take the short cut up the ridge from Highline Saddle but I was with a group of people that preferred the long way. 

Since it was going to be a hot day, I thought it would be better because we could find shade rather than hike on an exposed ridge.

The road was long and hot. We basically had to walk all around Mendenhall peak. 

Along the way we did find a few shady spots to take breaks. When we reached the Mendenhall saddle we had nice views. 

Once we left the saddle, the trail was overgrown but easy to walk through. There were a few wash outs and one really gnarly one that required climbing over a rock or going through a huge yucca tree. We chose the other.

I found a use path just below the foundation where the old lookout stood. It was destroyed iby the Big Tujunga fire in 1975. Luckily no one died.

On the summit was some abandoned foundation, a water tank and remnants of an old shack.

I found a new register that someone recently made but no benchmark.

We descended the ridge that's leads to the Highline saddle. This shortcut does cut off some mileage. I also did not want to retrace my steps and take the long way back.

Overall a nice hike. I suggest an out n back up the ridge route. Not good on a hot day.

It was also today as I was taking a break on the peak that I learned of our friend from the forum Colin Walker was found deceased hiking in the San Gabriel mountains. A very sad day for all that knew him. 

RIP Colin

Stats: 9 miles, 2000+ gain.