Mount Waterman Trail | Los Angeles

hiking california los angeles hikespeak national park

Mt. Waterman
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

Loading ...

This trail is currently closed due to damages from the 2009 Station Fire

Waterman Angeles

The round summit of Mt. Waterman offers boulders to climb and views to enjoy. The 5.5-mile round-trip trail gradually ascends 1,300 feet, passing through a sylvan mixed forest of Incense Cedars and Jeffrey Pines.

The trail starts out running parallel to the Angeles Crest Highway, but quickly curves uphill and away from the sounds of passing motorcycles. The trail is even and hard packed – easy on the feet. And the ascent is gradual – easy on the legs. After 1-¼ miles, the peaceful trail turns right at a ridge east of Mt. Waterman. Here new views to the south open up beyond the trail.

Mount Waterman
Were it not for the clouds, this photo would look down thousands of feet upon Bear Creek Canyon

After two miles, a sign marks a junction in the trail. To the left, the Waterman Trail leads toward Twin Peaks. To the right, the ascent continues with a ¾ mile track to the summit. Continuing toward the 8,038 foot summit, the route remains gradual heading north and west. A split in the trail leaves hikers with two options. A steeper path turns up the mountain to the left to the highest southern end of Waterman. Continuing straight at the V, the trail maintains its gradual course toward the northern side of the summit. Waterman has a large C shaped summit with several rock formations for bouldering.

Climb atop one of the rock piles to gain a fine view down the valley to the east. Then head south toward the marked highpoint of Waterman. Take in the southern view starring Twin Peaks. From here, there is the option to return down the steeper path to get back to the V. Then continue back to the junction, along the ridge, and down to Buckhorn.

A rock formation at the top of Mount Waterman

To extend this expedition, hikers can continue out to Twin Peaks. In the photos above, Twin Peaks was enveloped in clouds, but on a clear day it is said to offers one of the finest views of the San Gabriels. To hike to Twin Peaks bear south at the junction with the summit trail. After one mile, turn left at the next junction. The trail will descend to a saddle between the peaks and then climb a steep slope to the top of 7,761-foot eastern summit of Twin Peaks. This adds another 6.2 miles to the round-trip distance of the hike.

Far as it is from LA, Mt. Waterman’s few visitors are typically those staying at Buckhorn Campground. The drive up the Angeles Crest Highway takes about an hour and is a pleasant trip for a day when there is time to head deeper into the mountains. There is a trailhead at the campground that heads down to Cooper Canyon Falls, providing another good hike in the area.

To get to the trailhead: From the 210 Freeway in La Canada, head northeast on the Angeles Crest Highway (CA 2) for 35 miles. Pass the Mt. Waterman ski area and park in the small lot off the north side of the road just past mile marker 58. If you reach the entrance for Buckhorn Campground you have gone too far. After hanging an adventure pass from your rearview mirror, cross the road and start up the gated fire road on the south side of the highway. The dirt road is across from a small picnic area. After three hundred feet, turn left on the Waterman Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:

View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

Cooper Canyon Falls

This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines.

More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains

Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

	Mount Baldy Loop This 11.3-mile hike incorporates the Devil’s Backbone and the Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop.
	Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness
	Sandstone Peak This 6-mile loop summits the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Calabasas Peak This 3.6-mile hike travels an easy-to-follow fire road, climbing 1000 feet to panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley.