Trail Review: Descanso Motorway to the Ultimate Destination
Parking: Free Street Parking on Descanso Drive
Distance: Approximately 4 miles out & back
This hike takes you up into the San Rafael Hills. You won't be going to any extreme elevations in these parts, but you'll still get some beautiful views nonetheless.
Just to the west of the Descanso Gardens, the trail starts at the bend in the road. A paved path that is lined with brown wooden fencing indicates your starting point. The paved portion ends pretty quickly and it'll bring you through a small woodland area before rising above the trees and onto the Descanso Motorway, a spacious fire road (which is good because this seems to be a fairly popular trail). You'll get both inclines and declines throughout this path. You'll pass some offshoots but stick to the Descanso Motorway until you hit the 5 Point Junction, where a number of trails converge. You'll know you're at the junction when you see (and hear) the giant power line poles right in front of you.
At this point, you'll want to follow the Cerro Negro Trail. There is also a way to get to the Ultimate Destination from the Cherry Canyon Motorway which brings you around the west side and then comes at it from the south, but we took the Cerro Negro Trail which brings you around the north side and to the east before arriving at the Ultimate Destination. The crowds really thinned out on the Cerro Negro Trail compared to the Descanso Motorway so if you're looking for a quieter hike, I'd recommend this path. The trail also becomes a lot narrower at this point so keep an eye out for bikes because it'll be a little harder to get out of their way.
You'll see a sign that'll tell you where to turn off for The Ultimate Destination and from there you're a hop, skip, and a jump away from the spot. You'll know you've truly arrived when you see the sign:
The sweeping view of the Angeles National Forest and the surrounding area is quite spectacular. Even on the hazy day we had, it was still something. If you're lucky enough to get a clear, haze-free day, I'm sure it's even better.
There are a couple picnic tables to rest at if you so choose. Otherwise, head back the way you came. Alternatively, if you want something different on the way back, you could try taking the south exit from The Ultimate Destination and follow Cherry Canyon Motorway back to the 5 Point Junction.
Bottom Line: A fairly busy trail in the San Rafael Hills. You won't be gaining a ton of elevation but you'll end up with quite the vista when you get to The Ultimate Destination.
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