Mount Islip

Description

Mount Islip (pronounced "eye-slip") is one of the must-hike peaks of the San Gabriels. From its 8250-foot summit, the hiker is rewarded with a splendid panoramic view in all directions. The pointed and nearly bald summit stands in relative isolation along the high-country backbone, separating the Crystal Lake basin on the south from the vast Mojave Desert to the north. The Forest Service took advantage of the outstanding vantagepoint of Mount Islip when it built a fire lookout on its summit in 1927, which was moved to South Hawkins in 1937. The concrete footings of the tower and the stone cabin shell still remain. The mountain gets its name from George Islip, an early pioneer who homesteaded in the San Gabriel Canyon in the 1880's.

Thanks to kcarchitect for this description.