Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,229.00 ft (374.60 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.70 mi (9.17 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.

Ascending Mount Waterman (8,038’)  along this 5-mile out-and-back from Buckhorn Campground is the shortest, and most common, route to the top. The parking area and trailhead are conveniently located off of Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), 34 miles from La Canada Flintridge, 25 miles from Wrightwood, and 50 miles from Los Angeles. Mount Waterman makes for a fantastic day trip or overnight getaway where  visitors can ski or snowboard in the winter and hike around the area in the spring, summer, and fall. 

The moderate climb to the summit is well graded and features tall stands of Jeffrey pines and aromatic incense cedars. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views into Devils Canyon and the San Gabriel Mountains. There are many trails in this area that are suitable for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. 

TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

Campsites, toilets, picnic tables, potable water, bear-proof storage lockers. 


TRAIL ACCESS FROM BUCKHORN CAMPGROUND

Burkhart Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Silver Moccasin Trail. 

PARKING

Buckhorn Campground, located off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), offers overnight and day-use parking.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

San Gabriel Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/angeles/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5194633

Buckhorn Campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=41690&actid=31

Mount Waterman Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=42022&actid=104

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Peak Bagging. Scenic Views. Pine Forest.

Cons

Can get covered in snow in the winter.

Trailhead Elevation

6,794.00 ft (2,070.81 m)

Highest point

8,012.00 ft (2,442.06 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
Crystal Lake Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains

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