San Gabriel Peak is second only to Strawberry Peak in elevation among the front-range summits. Its compact, distinctive peak provides 360-degree views of Mount Wilson, Strawberry Peak, Mount Disappointment, Baldy, and the LA basin.
From La Canada-Flintridge, take the Angeles Crest Highway to Red Box. Turn right onto Mount Wilson Road. After about 0.35 miles, park at trailhead for the San Gabriel trail. A small parking area is available, near a gate and paved fire road. Do not block the gate. An Adventure Pass is required.
The trailhead is located at N34 15.263, W118 06.130. It begins very steeply; look for stairs in the cliff. Follow the trail up, up, up, until it terminates at the fire road. Turn left on the fire road and follow it a short distance to the saddle between San Gabriel Peak and Mount Disappointment. Mount Disappointment is the peak that's covered with radio antennas. The saddle was used as a Nike missile station during the Cold War, and the remains of the buildings are still visible. Proceed up the steep, but short, summit trail that begins at N34 14.692, W118 06.127. Locate the cache, enjoy the view, and return the way you came.
The cache container is small and will blend in with its surroundings. If you read the hint, it should not be too hard to find. Without the hint, I expect that it will be very difficult. A photograph of the container is provided below. The container is tiny, and was initially stocked with a couple of coins, a stamp, and a keychain thermometer. A couple of sheets of Rite-in-the-Rain and a pencil stub constitute the log. You may find it easier to bring a full-size pencil to write with.
I believe you can also reach San Gabriel Peak from Eaton Saddle, with less elevation gain, but I have never come that way.
I hid the cache on a beautiful, clear, spring day. While there was some haze in the basin, I was able to see the Pacific Ocean and the hills of Palos Verdes.