Pacific Crest Trail: Waterman Loop

The Waterman Pacific Crest Trail Loop is a 10-mile route along Angeles Crest within Angeles National Forest. This route begins at Buckhorn Campground, enters the San Gabriel Wilderness, and climbs to the top of Mount Waterman (8,038 feet). The trail continues northeast towards the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), enters the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness, ascends Winston Peak (7,502'), and then continues along the Pacific Crest Trail south. It passes Cooper Canyon Trail Camp, reaches a junction near Cooper Canyon Falls, and then returns to Buckhorn Campground via the Burkhart Trail. This moderately challenging adventure traverses a forested landscape with Jeffrey pines and aromatic incense cedars. The trip is perfect for anyone looking for a quick mountain getaway that includes moderate hiking, peak bagging, backcountry and/or campground camping, and scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains as well as the desert basin. PARKINGBuckhorn Campground, located off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2), offers overnight and day-use parking.TRAILHEAD AMENITIESCampsites, toilets, picnic tables, potable water, bear-proof storage lockers. CAMPING AND PERMITSMost backcountry campgrounds in Angeles National Forest are first-come, first-serve. Dispersed camping requires a valid California Campfire Permit. More information about California campfire permits can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev3_059516. To find out if an Adventure Pass is required for parking, contact the local ranger office.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONMount Waterman Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=42022&actid=104. San Gabriel Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/angeles/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5194633. Buckhorn Campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=41690&actid=31. Please View Ridge Wilderness: https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=738. Winston Peak: https://www.summitpost.org/winston-peak/256921. Cooper Canyon Trail Camp: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41716.