Pleasant View Loop

Pleasant View Loop is a 15.8-mile route in Angeles National Forest northeast of Azusa and Los Angeles. It is a strenuous loop with steep climbs, long descents, and spectacular views throughout. Starting from Islip Saddle, the route features aromatic pine trees, beautiful ridgeline trails, majestic mountain and desert views, as well as two mountain summits! The Angeles Crest Highway / CA-2 (Highway 2) provides easy access to the trailhead. The area is a popular location for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. From Islip Saddle, the Pleasant View Loop climbs north through pine-shaded forest for 1.8 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Mount Williamson (8214 ft) is the first summit reached off the PCT via a use trail. Continue northwest along Pleasant View Ridge from Mount Williamson. Pallett Mountain (7740 ft) is your second summit at mile 4.6. You'll reach a trail junction at mile 5.1 where you'll take the Burkhart Trail southwest towards the PCT. After reaching the PCT, turn left and head south to return to the junction leading back to Islip Saddle.The trail is open year round, but may have snowy conditions during the winter months. ANIMALS COMMON TO THE AREA: Rattlesnakes, Woodpeckers, Cooper's Hawk, Mountain Chickadee, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Black Bears, Lizards, Hummingbirds, and more!PLANTS COMMON TO THE AREA: Various Pine Trees (Pinyon, Jeffrey, Sugar, California Incense-Cedar, etc), Ferns, Lupine, Mountain Mahogany, Coffeeberry, Buckwheat, and more!TRAILHEAD AMENITIESThe Islip Saddle Day Use Area features a moderately sized parking area with picnic tables and bathrooms.PARKING PERMITS AND PASSESAn Adventure Pass is required for parking at Islip Saddle. Information can be found by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/passes-permits/recreation. TRAILHEAD INFORMATION AND POTENTIAL FIRE CLOSURES: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices.