I’ve been to Murray Peak from different directions but favored mostly a rise from Andreas Hills area which is close to Indian Canyons. My reason for doing this area the great views from hilltops and fairly long ridges along the trip to Murray Peak.
Shortest rise from street level to Murray Peak at about 2.5 miles one way starts by the Vons Supermarket to Goat Trails and Clara Burgess Trail at the eastern side of Murray Peak. But this story is about the shortest path from Andreas Hills area to Murray Peak, about 3.5 miles one way. I’ve labled this trail is an unofficial trail as you use the part of Ridgemore Drive after a gate and warnings about “No Trespassing”. Actually the same applies to Goat Trails from Vons as it also uses a similar “No Trespassing” road going to water reservoirs – so actually should not be a problem.
If arriving with a car you should park it somewhere close to a gate at the end of Ridgemore Drive’s paved part ends. You then bypass the gate and start rise along a fairly steep close to the water reservoirs. Just before you reach the reservoirs you notice on your right a small path rising to another road just maybe ten yards above Ridgemore Dr and go there. Walk up a bit on you see a path rising to the left – it is the official Frank Bogert Trail.
Once you are on Frank Bogert Trail go as far as the trail continues and you are at the intersection of Garstin Trail on your left and Wildhorse Trail on your right. Go to Wildhorse Trail which goes several miles to other trails around Indian Canyons area – and to Clara Burgess Trail leading to Murray Peak. First part of Wildhorse Trail is a fairly steep rise to hilltops but once you have reached the highest peak the rise almost stops and you continue
more than a half mile along an almost flat and easy to walk ridge at hilltops giving great views both to left and right.
Once you reach a valley where Clara Burgess Trail starts to your left use the highest path as the lower visible path goes nowhere. From this intersection you have maybe a bit more the a mile of fairly easy hike to Murray Peak.
Some pictures below with texts give some hint of what you may see on this trail. Enjoy – like I did with my wife today!
