The San Gabriels

by John W. Robinson

Through carefully authenticated text and hundreds of historical photos this trilogy tells the story of the rich human heritage of its three major mountain ranges. It's the varied and colorful saga of early native inhabitants, Spanish missionaries, gold miners, loggers, ranchers, water seekers, and the tourists and pleasure seekers of more recent times.

312 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the 1977 edition, which was the only one available at the local library. I'm a San Gabriel Mountains nerd who, when not memorizing location names on maps, tries to learn as much mountain history as the Internet provides, such as how landmarks were named (i.e., Newcomb Pass, Chilao, Mt. Markham). "The San Gabriels" does a good job of providing pictures and detailing what went on in the mountains in the late 19th/early 20th century during the "Great Hiking Era" before the opening of the Angeles Crest Highway removed the wilderness feel of the mountains. Likely, "The San Gabriels" is a good source on local mountain lore because it's arguably the only book on local mountain lore.

One drawback is the book's focus on the SGM front range and lack of details concerning the high country, particularly the areas within the Sheep Mountain, San Gabriel, and Cucamonga wildernesses. Oh, won't someone tell me about the background of Upper Fish Fork camp, or at least what Icehouse Canyon was like in the 1920s??? Somebody, please???

[Colette]

Couldn't get through this one :) Back at the library. Awesome pictures, though.