North Face Trail (#132)
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Route map of the North Face Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...
Route map of the North Face Trail as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...
North Face Trailhead (F.R. 475B) -- 3,100'
The massive cliffs of Looking Glass Rock (3,969') rise above the treetops, as seen from the North Face Trail where it departs Forest Service Road 475B...
North Face Trailhead (F.R. 475B) -- 3,100'
From the small parking area off F.R. 475B the trail drops a bit, to a clearing, where a small kiosk gives information on climbing the North Face of Looking Glass...a portion of which is closed during Peregrine Falcon nesting season...
The trail starts off on a gentle descent through thick laurels...
It's always impressive how dense some of these laurel "hells" can be...
The trails jungle-like surroundings...
North Face Trail @ Gumstead Branch -- 3,000'
The crossing of Gumstead Branch, which flows east from here down to Looking Glass Creek, is a damp one...
North Face Trail @ Gumstead Branch -- 3,000'
Looking back after crossing Gumstead Branch. Just as fair warning, this little stream can transform into a surprisingly troublesome obstacle after a bit of rain...
Climbing from the creek the rhodo tunnel continues...
The trail gets a bit damp at times as it pulls up close to this tiny tributary of Gumstand Branch...
Up through a tall forest of hardwoods...
This tiny trailside cascade beckons a quick pause...
Tiny but beautiful...
Pulling away from the small stream the trail now turns to climb the broad ridge to the north of Looking Glass...
Suddenly, the hulking form of Looking Glass itself appears through the forest above...
The going flattens out a bit as the path meanders around the ridge...
Turning towards the massive wall...
Pictures don't do justice to how truly imposing Looking Glass appears towering above at this point...
Looking down the adjacent slope...
The sheer incredible size of Looking Glass viewed from this approach is hard to convey...
The sheer incredible size of Looking Glass viewed from this approach is hard to convey...
The trail dips a bit just before starting the final climb through the boulder field at the base of the cliffs...
Looking way up as the trail begins its final climb through the boulderfield...