Reported by James Taylorson, Star Scout, Age 13

Boys summit Inspiration Point after climbing 2,740 vertical feet

On Saturday March 23rd, eight scouts and four ASMs went on a hike to Inspiration Point via the Lower Sam Merrill to Middle Sam Merrill Trail returning via Castle Canyon.

We hiked 11 miles from 8am to 4:00pm. We had a lot of fun on the hike. We stopped for lunch at the Mount Lowe Campsite. On our way down through Castle Canyon, we let our feet rest in a bubbling brook; it really felt good!

We had a few scouts get some sign offs on plant ID and Map and Compass skills. Overall, we had a lot of fun and I would recommend this trip to experienced hikers.

Scouts take a hydration break on one of the many rocky cliffs overlooking Los Angeles

After more than three hours of steep climbing, the trail leads scouts into an oak woodland and pine forest.

An antique sign directs weary hikers to the shady foundation of what was once a posh, mountain resort

At Inspiration Point, Locating tubes point out cities and places of interest from Los Angeles to Catalina Island

Some of the boys took off their shoes and enjoyed the cool water on their trail-beaten feet