The accompanying photo was snapped from our car at the second hairpin turn up from the beginning of the Chantry Road. These are mule deer, named for their unusually large ears. Mule deer are often quite prevalent along the lower stretches of the road and can also be a routine challenge for homeowners’ plantings in the foothill areas of the San Gabriel mountains. Mule deer can often be seen browsing on the deliciously, delicate flowers and tender grasses in the landscaped yards of homes in the Highland Oaks area of Arcadia and, of course, Sierra Madre.
This doe and her young occasionally travel up and down the actual drive lanes of this narrow, windy road. So, take your time driving up to the trailhead and keep an eye out for deer darting out in front of your car, especially during the early morning and evening hours.