Walking the ancient trails of the San Gabriel

People sometimes ask me, what I see in these mountains, these canyons and trails. There is so much history back there and so much to see and enjoy. I have been visiting them on a regular basis since 1981 or so. There is nothing like it. From planning the trek, to packing for it. Then to just wander off for a few days and nights alone in the wilderness. To see things and places few of the present generation even know exist.
As I do, when I reach a spot, I have never seen, I look for signs of the ancients to see if my instincts match those of the past. I then look to see the availability of water, edibles, game, things they would have had to have available to make such a spot camp for a while. When I find such a spot, it then goes on my list of camps to frequent in time. I do not take others to these spots, they are mine! I did the work, they will fade in time, as I become too old to make it back there anymore. Only to possibly be camp for some new guy who stumbles upon my stash.
I am going to be 60 years old this year, it has been a real pleasure backpacking, hiking, fishing, skating, riding, camping, and hanging out with ALL of you. The world is changing fast not, times are as well. IF one day, I am not around, I just want to say thanks for being there and hanging out. It has really been incredible, more than any man could hope for!
www.penfishing...

[@PHARRAOH]

www.penfishingrods.com/shop/index.php

[@Wingman115]

Mighty fine video brother. Great to see HB back in a trip with you b

[@PHARRAOH]

thanks. Im going into az next month I believe to join him on hir new turf

[@josephhawkins5750]

I saw the chair last time I was there in the burnt out tree trunk. There was a group of kids camping in the first cabin and they were gonna have a fire in the fire place by where you camped. I would have told them you’re not supposed to do that but they wouldn’t have listened to me anyways. Glad the whole creek didn’t catch on fire. Fire risk is sooo high with all that dry bush/ straw

[@PHARRAOH]

oh yeah, one needs to be careful and mindful when having one. Or AS IN MY VIDEOS, film the campfire scenes elsewhere, such as this one, it was filmed in Ufa, Rusia and edited in, mixed with some green screen of cores. I spend 14 days each spring filming various campfire vid in New Guanine, Russia, Arizona and Cambodia to use throughout the year in my videos. Keeping everyone safe and happy. Thanks for watching

[@josephhawkins5750]

@ lol

[@BackcountryWanderer]

As soon as i saw HB Hiker, my first thought was of El kabong. Haha. Awesome, you guys got to hike the canyon again. Thanks for sharing.

[@PHARRAOH]

hoping to join him for the superstitious mountains this year

[@TheHBHikerBoyScout]

Good times! Thanks for showing me all the lost history in that area, had a great time! Until next time!

[@PHARRAOH]

superstitions this year. or the Indian place even better

[@joedunbarjr]

For all the people that ask, "what do you see in these mountains"? All I can say is go hike / backpack / camp for yourself. The magic of the San Garbriel's will become part of your soul. Pharraoh can show you the way, but you must take the first steps yourself. I am 61 years old, and these mountains grabbed ahold of me when I was 14. I have camped all over the U.S. and overseas, but no place holds my heart like these mountains do. Thanks, Alan, for yet another wonderful video of the trails. Also, coffee and cookies on my porch on a brisk Sunday morning were wonderful.

[@PHARRAOH]

Glad you enjoyed them. The acorns were a mixture of Crystal Lake campground, near the lake, west fork two oaks at the 3/4-mile mark, and a few dozen from along the north fork for that added kick. Out of all the product I have made, by far, the pancakes were the best this year with the added pine nuts. I just wish the Elderberries were available this year to make the syrup. But I read they alternate years, one year a great harvest, another Zilch. We found 4 berries this year with a 2-mile search. I just got invited t a Native American village! KZbin is incredible!

[@joedunbarjr]

@PHARRAOH I tell you the coffee, you could make a business out of that. For people who like decaf, this would be a wonderful alternative. I know it is a labor-intensive job. I would pay a premium for it. Look forward to the America Indian visit. Hopefully, they will let you do a video.

[@JC-ch7lr]

12:02 Nice 🎣

[@PHARRAOH]

the trout hit?

[@ervinslens]

So nicely put together my friend! Shots are so nicely framed here!

[@PHARRAOH]

thanks for watching

[@brianpowell5082]

Awesome to see you and HB in the canyons again!

[@PHARRAOH]

when you coming back to join us? happy new year

[@brianpowell5082]

@@PHARRAOH I wanted to come up in late January, but those fire conditions kinda got me shook! Stay safe through all the Santa Anas!

[@chriswertz1438]

Happy new year Pharroh!!

[@PHARRAOH]

same to you. thanks for watching

[@dataender96]

Tackling Mt.San Jacinto tomorrow. Wish me luck and happy new years

[@PHARRAOH]

little round vallys a great place to sleep

[@westernbigfootexploration]

Seeing HB hiker in your video was some nostalgia. "ELKABONG" the bear makes me laugh like it did years ago. Another great video! I hope those little trout grow big and make another appearance on you skillet someday. Happy new year, Alan!

[@PHARRAOH]

Happy new year to you and your family

[@michaelreynoldsok]

I’m looking at pictures and videos of the LA area wildfire devastation. Thinking of you and all of the other area residents, Alan.

[@PHARRAOH]

It's about a 30 minute drive from where I live. But 5 blocks from one of the guys places who I backpack with

[@michaelreynoldsok]

@ Got it. Glad you are safe.

[@debbiehenson227]

Another great video❤❤ Happy new year.

[@PHARRAOH]

Happy new year. I remember as a youth, out at the clubs or near the beach to see the fireworks. Now I am home replying to youtube and watching reruns of wagon train

[@chili1593]

Thanks for making the place better than you found it. Hope Leave No Trace becomes more prevalent.

[@PHARRAOH]

almost EVERY person I have taken in, has picked up trash along the way and carried it out. Way back in roughly 2009 or so, I posted an invite to help me carry out a huge load of trash that included a 55 gallon steel drum, people were using as a trash can. It was about 2.5 miles back, with 7 water crossings. Two guys, A man named Eich and another named Martin. People actually though, the rangers walk in and empty this drum! Brain dead people for sure, We bagged 4 or 5 bags and rigged up a system to carry the drum using two of us. It took hours but we reached the road. The ranger drove by and asked, "is that the can from bear? Yup. throw all your trash on my truck, Ill get it from here. He told us for years they were wanting to get it out but no one wanted the job. That site remains clean to this day. I still see Martin now and then but Rich disappeared into the Matrix years back

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

Happy new years man. That place is full of surprises the farther you go

[@PHARRAOH]

the entire west coast, even in the cities, hold remnants of the pioneer days. specially around the pomona area.

[@Smilin_Don]

Some things just can not be improved upon. Long live their memory indeed. Happy New Year and Happy Trails

[@PHARRAOH]

thank you. cheers

[@JamesBrown-hv1xu]

Awesome! Please stay safe my friend ❤ Wishing you a safe and happy new year from vegas 🙏😎 I ❤ all your knowledge and stories from the past ❤

[@PHARRAOH]

happy new year. thanks for watching

[@Indiebassin]

have u ever been to the top of the creek

[@PHARRAOH]

All the way end to end. Have a video of it posted

[@bertnerny]

Happy New Year🎉 Let’s go explore that gulch.

[@PHARRAOH]

happy new year. went home google earthed it and it doesnt go too far, then rises to a ridge Ive walked but there are thousands more

[@bertnerny]

@ let’s find another one.

[@PHARRAOH]

@@bertnerny come on down

[@bertnerny]

@ Let’s go!

[@Smilin_Don]

Hey Allen, I keep seeing reports that the fires are less than 20% contained and more big winds are expected. I also saw that Lars lost his place. Been hoping to see something from you. Is everything okay in your area? Just thinking about you brother. Happy trails

[@PHARRAOH]

Im 45 minutes southwest of the devastation. And okay. They caught some dude trying to start more and shut the range down. Chp turned me away far to the east. They don't have the man power to split off any thinner.

[@Smilin_Don]

@@PHARRAOH okay thanks for the update buddy. I hope they can get it all squared away soon. Stay safe

[@overdbus]

Fitting to pack Bear creek for the new year , my favorite trek

[@PHARRAOH]

thanks for watching

[@erth4896]

Happy New Year!!

[@PHARRAOH]

happy new year. lets hope this is the year for first contact, well, they admit to it even if it was already achieved

[@stayreal4l284]

Wow, amazing vid. Hoping to tag along one of these times. 👍

[@PHARRAOH]

thanks for watching

[@Zanniroxwell]

Hey ever run across any Bear up there? If so, what kind? Also how about Mtn. Lion?

[@PHARRAOH]

run across bears quite often but I go place few people go, to find them. They know to stay away from trails unless they are hungry, and wild edibles are not enough. They then know humans carry food and leave it in reach. I have many videos with bears, some I am being chased, one walks right through our camp. Another Im in my hammock and a bear grabs my pie. I literally chased him down trying to get him to drop it but they are fast! I had a Baldy village girlfriend about a decade back, the bears know the trash day there and every Thursday come looking for scraps. One time at night we heard her neighbors German Sheppard snarling and barking. We figured aa bear was walking past her fence. The next day on her motion camera, a huge lion hopped her 6' chain link, killed her dog, over 80 pounds and with the dog in its mouth, jumped back and walked right down the treat. It was Bear Street, going up, right before Glendora ridge but on the right. 4th house down, drive by and see the fence it hopped. Incredible strength!

[@allencastillo5770]

Great to see HB again. You should make a video of all your different cooking methods

[@PHARRAOH]

I need to bring back the trail bake kit again, make some bread of corn bread. its been years

[@paulharris30]

Pharaoh, I’ve been watching the fires and see that the Eaton one is close to Alhambra. We’ll be praying for you and yours during this terrible fire. God Bless You!

[@PHARRAOH]

thank you, still a ways from me but steve and jen are right on the line now. Hope they get it fast. Thanks for the thought. Going to AZ soon for a really cool opportunity. I think all you guys will dig the planned video

[@MeetMeOutside]

Happy New Year my friend !

[@PHARRAOH]

happy new year, can you believe 2025?

[@tammygeorge1638]

Happy New year! Hope everything is well with you and yours!🤗❤️‍🔥🥂🎉🎊🥳👋👋🙋

[@PHARRAOH]

Happy new year Tammy

[@pedallinraw]

You prefer a hammock ? i’ve probably done three hammock camps now and liking it but looking at a lighter system,trail heads do a banshee xl but sold out …JRB do amazing under quilts…i need to lighten my load ! That was home for people before what we have as NORMAL now 🤷🏼‍♂️👊🏻

[@PHARRAOH]

Ive tried many and find warbonnet to be one of the best. Then hammock gear undress and over quilts the warmest and latest. The back r better are best for vessels, as they match the design and have loops fot the vessels diagonal bungee lines. Whoopee slings are very nice. Shuggs got vidsvon all that is hammock. It's lite but gets expensive and is bulky but compacts pretty good. There's drinking water collection fittings for your tarp, etc. They sell it all. Datchware is another accessory dealer. He also bought out cl a rk hammocks

[@WrongwayProductions]

Happy new year

[@PHARRAOH]

Happy new year man. Lets hope its a good one

[@gordonchase8708]

I love seeing the native fish in the creek. Looks like you had a successful trip. I haven't been to Bear Creek in nearly a year, but we are headed up this Saturday for trail clearing. Did you see any obstacles that might require a big saw?

[@PHARRAOH]

there are a few trees, nothing huge. she never said that

[@Pat.fran85]

When HB returned you and Eric hiked with him. Thought about him after seeing Jeanette at Crystal Lake. Eric drove back from LA to return an item to Dave. Eric was a superstar hiker. Glad Jeanette is well. Happy New Year.

[@PHARRAOH]

That was craig from back east. He left his camera in Eric's car.

[@Pat.fran85]

@ so many comings and goings in your cast. The new narration and addition of photos before the end is effective, your photography is impressive.

[@mobiltec]

I remember HB Hiker. He looks a lot different now.

[@PHARRAOH]

happy new year

[@mobiltec]

@@PHARRAOH You too Alan....

[@CatDaddySteve]

QUESTION is Chantry Flats station burned down from the Eton fite ???

[@UNFORGIVENFOREVER]

I miss his channel

[@PHARRAOH]

he's still around and just bought a new camera, so, there may be videos soon