Hiking Mt. Waterman in the Angeles National Forest

July 10, 7:54 AMLA Outdoor Recreation ExaminerSeth Smigelski

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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.

• Check out this slideshow for more views of the trail

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.

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.

Looking northeast from the summit

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.

Twin Peaks surrounded by clouds

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. For more information, visit tchester.org.

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.

Looking down on the Angeles Crest Highway crossing Buckhorn Canyon

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.
 

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