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A trail up the south side of Mt. Waterman with views of Twin Peaks, Devil's Canyon, and the San Gabriel Wilderness.


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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

Point to Point

7,663' 2,336 m

High

5,979' 1,822 m

Low

2,031' 619 m

Up

347' 106 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No wheels of any kind.

Need to Know

Adventure Pass required to park at the Three Points Trailhead. There are two official Mt. Waterman Trails. This trail (10W04) is formally named "Mt. Waterman Trail #1". The trail from Buckhorn to the summit is "Mt. Waterman Trail #2".

Description

This is a remote trail up the south side of Waterman Mountain that starts from the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. From the Three Points Trailhead off Angeles Crest Highway (it is reached by following a short part of Sulphur Springs Road) follow the PCT down to the highway, cross it safely, then proceed up the south side for 0.2 miles to the trail junction.

The trail starts in a section shaded by oaks, enters the wilderness, then climbs a series of switchbacks with limited shade. Most of the trees burned in the Station Fire (2009) and recovery is very slow. After 1.5 miles the trail turns east with views of Twin Peaks and Devils Canyon to the south and the Mt. Wilson area to the west.

It meanders along the south-facing slope of Mt. Waterman with occasional shade from Jeffrey pines and incense cedars. At 3.5 miles, there is a nice meadow with a spring which makes a good destination. About 4 miles the trail begins to descend and reaches a junction in 5 miles with the Twin Peaks Trail #10W04.A. This spur trail passes a delightful spring in just 0.2 miles (a worthwhile detour) then steeply descends to Twin Peaks Saddle in a mile.

Keep left at the junction and the trail begins a steep climb with many switchbacks. The trail ends at the junction with the Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05. To reach the summit, take the left fork and proceed another 1.5 miles to the summit. The right fork leads back to the Buckhorn Trailhead in 2 miles.

Flora & Fauna

Jeffrey and sugar pines, live oaks, incense cedars provide limited shade. Nice wildflowers in spring. A good place to see deer and bighorn sheep, especially early or late in the day.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jon Gillespie with improvements by Alan Coles

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#8694

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#768

in California

#8,694

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,259 Since Apr 13, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

View of Strawberry Peak from Mt. Waterman Trail taken by Don Bremner
Feb 26, 2018 near Littlerock, CA
Volunteers clearing trees from Mt. Waterman Trail.
Oct 12, 2017 near Bradbury, CA
One of the many beautiful views on the hike
Sep 29, 2019 near Bradbury, CA
Tons of cool rock on the hike
Sep 29, 2019 near Bradbury, CA
Enjoy a nice pine grove near the fork up to Mt. Waterman overlooking Twin Peaks often covered in snow.
Apr 13, 2017 near Azusa, CA
Panoramic views of Mt. Baldy are abundant along the trail to Mt. Waterman.
Apr 13, 2017 near Bradbury, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 12 days ago
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Check-Ins

May 3, 2020
Michael Anthony
Three Points TH to Mt Waterman summit. 7:30AM- Start Ascent 10:15AM- Summit 10:30AM- Start Descent 1:00PM- Finish 14 Miles per Apple Watch 14mi — 5h 30m
Apr 11, 2020
Merritt Tierce
Snow. Slow going because of snow. 2 miles out and 2 miles back. Want to return to do entire trail. 2mi — 3h 45m
Sep 20, 2019
Abby Jarret
Beautiful hike that stays on the outer part of the mountain giving you amazing views for nearly the whole hike! Near the top things get steeper and… 10.8mi
Jan 20, 2018
Andrew Grant
Fallen trees still impede the trail in some areas. It was 28 degrees and windy when we hiked this, so be prepared! Beautiful vistas throughout. 14mi
Dec 17, 2017
Rk Ta
A few trees have fallen on the trail half way up the second incline. 4mi
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