Burkhart Trail

This is a 26.5-mile out-and-back route on the Burkhart Trail in Angeles National Forest. Beginning at Buckhorn Campground, located off Angeles Crest Highway / CA-2, the trail extends northeast to Cruthers Creek and Devil's Punchbowl. From alpine environments to high desert and back up again, this trail traverses the northern edge of Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness, where mountains meet the Mojave Desert.Across steep, rocky terrain, this trail traverses loose scree and narrow ridgelines and offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Wilderness, Antelope Valley, and the Devil's Punchbowl. The Burkhart Trail technically ends at Cruther's Creek, however, this route continues to the Devil's Punchbowl where visitors can refuel, learn about the landscape, and explore the unique rock formations. WEATHER AND WATERLower elevations of the Burkhart Trail can get hot in the summer, while higher elevations can be cold and snowy in the winter. It is important to dress appropriately for a variety of conditions, and to bring enough food and water to sustain you during the trek. If you find water flowing in the backcountry make sure to treat it before consumption. WILDLIFE IN THE AREARattlesnakes, woodpeckers, Cooper's Hawk, mountain chickadees, mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, lizards, hummingbirds, etc.PLANTS COMMON TO THE AREAA variety of pine trees and aromatic cedars can be found along the Burkhart Trail. Also ferns, lupine, mountain mahogany, chaparral, and yucca. BUCKHORN CAMPGROUNDThere are a number of trails that come in and out of Buckhorn campground, which also has toilets, picnic tables, potable water, and bear boxes. It is only open seasonally, and information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=41690&actid=29. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPleasant View Ridge Wilderness San Gabriel WildernessDevil's Punchbowl Natural Area