High Desert National Recreation Trail Loop

The High Desert National Recreation Trail (HDNRT) Loop is a 40-mile backcountry route that links together several trails to form a scenic loop through the San Gabriel Mountains. The route begins at the Vincent Gap Trailhead, off of Angeles Crest Highway / CA-2, east of Wrightwood and about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles.The route largely traverses the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness with its chaparral-covered hillsides, pine forests, rugged canyons, and scenic vistas. There are aromatic pine trees, beautiful ridgeline trails, majestic mountains, and expansive views looking out across the Mojave desert. Expect a scenic and strenuous trek with an elevation range of around 4,500 feet to just over 9,000 feet and an overall elevation gain reaching just over 10,700 feet!The route passes through areas that are popular for trail running, hiking, and backpacking, as well as sections that are much more remote, offering plenty of opportunities for solitude. TRAILS USEDManzanita Trail / High Desert National Recreation Trail (HDNRT) - Burkhart Trail - Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)WILDLIFERattlesnakes, woodpeckers, Cooper's Hawk, mountain chickadees, mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, lizards, hummingbirds, etc.VEGETATIONPine trees such as pinyon, Jeffrey, sugar, and california incense-cedar. There are also ferns, lupine, mountain mahogany, chaparral, juniper, yucca, cacti, and more. WATERWater is available year-round at Little Jimmy Spring, located about two miles from Islip Saddle (all water must be treated prior to use). CONSIDERATIONSThere are sometimes closures in the Angeles National Forest due to forest fires or other natural events. Before you head out, check for any seasonal or temporary closures in the area. ADVENTURE PASSParking may require that you obtain a national forest Adventure Pass.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSan Gabriel Mountains National MonumentAngeles National Forest Alerts and NoticesPleasant View Ridge WildernessSan Gabriel Wilderness.