Oak Springs Loop

The Oak Springs Loop is an 8.8-mile loop in Angeles National Forest and in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near the town of Sylmar. The route combines the Oak Springs Trail and Yerba Buena Ridge, and descends into Boulder Canyon to finish with a short road walk along Gold Creek Road. This area is recommended for hikers and trail runners.The route begins by ascending steeply via a series of switchbacks, and continues on uphill until the crossing of Oak Spring near 1.3 miles. As the trail climbs, the views of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains broaden. The singletrack trail follows Oak Spring Canyon for another half mile or so, and meets Yerba Buena Ridge near 2.4 miles. The Ridge is a wider dirt road that climbs to the route's high point at mile 4, and provides excellent vistas of the mountains to the east, including Mt. Lukens and Condor Peak close by. After passing Gold Canyon Saddle, it is easy to miss the turn off from the dirt road back onto singletrack in Boulder Canyon (near mile 7.1). After this brief spell on singletrack, you'll find yourself back on paved road, with the trailhead less than half a mile away. The loop begins at Oak Springs Trailhead and Picnic Area located just off Gold Creek Road. The trailhead has 3 picnic sites, a vault toilet, trash receptacles, and 2 hitching rails for horses. No water is available at the trailhead. According to Forest Service information, Oak Springs Trailhead and Picnic Area is open between 6am and 10pm, and parking requires an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. For additional information and current conditions, call the LA Gateway District Office at (818) 482-8937.