Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,652.00 ft (1,113.13 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.40 mi (19.96 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.

Waterman Mountain via Three Points is a 12.2-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the summit of Waterman Mountain (8041 ft.). Three Points Trailhead is located off Highway 2, approximately 20 miles from Los Angeles. The route includes singletrack trails that travel through high desert terrain and peaceful pine forests. It features expansive views, interesting rock outcroppings, and colorful wildflowers. A majority of the trail is well graded, and suitable for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. 

Waterman Mountain is a prominent peak, and the highest peak, in the San Gabriel Mountains, located within Angeles National Forest and Los Angeles County.  It is also one of the 25 peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains that rises above 8,000 feet. 

MILES AND DIRECTIONS

0.00 - From the Three Points Trailhead follow the trail down to Highway 2, cross the highway and follow signs for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

0.2 - Stay right at the junction, leave the PCT and continue along the Mt. Waterman #1 Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=42020&actid=104).

4.2 - Turn left at the junction and take the Waterman Mountain Trail

5.2 - Stay left at the next junction and follow the Waterman Mountain Trail to the summit. 

6.1 - Descend from the summit and continue back on the Waterman Mountain Trail retracing your steps back to the start.

WATER

There may be seasonal water along the Waterman Trail, but that is not reliable and visitors should plan to carry all that they need. 

THREE POINTS PARKING AREA

Three Points parking area features a bathroom, picnic tables, and access to multiple trails. An Adventure Pass is required for parked vehicles. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41850

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

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Wildflowers. Scenic Vistas. Mountain Summit.

Cons

Minimal Water.

Trailhead Elevation

5,920.00 ft (1,804.42 m)

Highest point

8,041.00 ft (2,450.90 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Vault toilet
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

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