Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,866.00 ft (1,178.36 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
17.90 mi (28.81 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Indian Canyon Loop is an 18-mile route in Angeles National Forest, located east of Santa Clarita and south of Palmdale. This is a rugged and remote corner of the Angeles National Forest that can be reached within an hour's drive of Los Angeles. Amidst a dry, hilly desert terrain, the route follows dirt roads and singletrack trails through wooded shrubs and over sandy ridgelines with scenic views of corrugated hillsides and unique rock formations.

Starting from the Indian Canyon Trailhead, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) south for about a mile to the junction with Indian Canyon Road. Next, take Indian Canyon Road south, ascending a moderate and winding climb that skirts the eastern edge of Magic Mountain Wilderness. 

Follow Forest Road 3N17.7 east, and then the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) north. You will come back to an intersection with Indian Canyon Road along the PCT, but this time turn north to ascend back to the trailhead.  

This is a moderately challenging trek that is multi-use trail and open to running, hiking, backpacking and horseback-riding.

COMMON VEGETATION

Most of the area consists of California chaparral and woodlands with scrub oak, juniper, yucca, manzanita, sagebrush, and buckwheat.

WATER

Plan to carry enough plenty of water as there may not be reliable sources along the route. For information about water on the Pacific Crest Trail section please visit: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/water/pct-water-report/

WHEN TO VISIT

The trail is open year round however, it does not provide much shade or water, so spring, fall, and winter are the best times to visit when the temperatures are cooler. 

TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

  • Large parking area.

  • Bathroom

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

North Fork Saddle Picnic Area

Indian Canyon

Pacific Crest Trail Association

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

National Forest Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Unique Landscapes. Solitude. Scenic views.

Cons

Area is very dry.

Trailhead Elevation

2,266.00 ft (690.68 m)

Highest point

4,898.00 ft (1,492.91 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Vault toilet
Horseback riding

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

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