Jones Peak via Bailey Canyon

Jones peak is one of the peak in the San Gabriel mountain range. With easy access and its short distance, it makes this peak a popular destination in Los Angeles area. 

The entrance started at Bailey Canyon Park where there is a small free parking lot within the residential area of Sierra Madre. There are several picnic area near the parking lot under old growth tree. Be aware in the summer this trail gets pretty hot with no shade. 

From the parking lot, it can get confusing of where to go since there isn't an obvious trailhead. But right next to the toilet, there is a faint single track trail toward the service road. Follow the trail and then the road till then end where the trail officially starts and soon you will be surrounded by typical southern california oak trees. 

The trail started pretty flat for about half a mile where you will find a junction. If you are heading to Jones peak , take the trail that's going uphill or if you have some spare time, go straight toward the waterfall. The uphill trail soon turns into switchback after switchback . It's not steep but it just keeps going. 

You'll notice there are multiple benches along the way that offers a wide view of San Gabriel and Los Angeles Basin along the way. Feel free to take a brief brake and enjoy every viewpoints. 

After 2.5 miles, there is a small ruin on your left side where it can be a nice place to have lunch or a longer break if needed. But it's not that far to the summit from this point. That being said , the trail actually gets steeper and rougher from here on too until you get near the ridge. The summit is not very clear from the trail but once the trail flatten out a bit and you can see Mount Wilson from your point of view. Start looking into your right where there is a small trail going to the actual summit itself. The trail is rocky and loose , scramble up and soon you will reach a flat point and another bench. 

To return, you can follow the same trail back or if you're looking for longer adventure, you can connect this trail to Mount Wilson trail that will head back toward Mira Monte avenue in Sierra madre. You'd have to find a way to get back to Baileys Canyon parking lot somehow or walk a mile to get back to your car.