Near Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05
Enjoy a nice pine grove near the fork up to Mt. Waterman overlooking Twin Peaks often covered in snow.
Near Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05
Heading up the switchbacks on Waterman Mountain
Near Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05
Enjoying the peace of Waterman Mountain; so close to LA, and yet so far.
Near Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05
Sometimes the sign is standing, and sometimes it is laying down. By the way, it is Waterman Mountain, not Mt. Waterman.
Near Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05
If you want to achieve Waterman Mountain's true summit, you'll have to get on top of the rocks.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Mt. Waterman Trail #10W05

4.3 (11 Ratings)
A well-shaded trail that opens up to great views and leads to a rocky summit.
3.2
mi
Distance
1,280
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
No bicycles in wilderness.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.25mi
Distance
1,280ft
Elevation Gain
58ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
8,034ft
High Point
6,791ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Mt. Waterman trailhead is across Hwy 2 from the Buckhorn Day Use Area. Use the large turnouts along Angeles Crest Highway and not the limited parking in the day use area. Follow the trail to the left as it carries you just above the highway, across a dirt road, and then up through the manzanita, away from the road. The trail continues south, along the flank of the mountain, through a forest of pine and cedar. It then opens up to a northwest facing ledge before carrying you to the main ridge at about 1 1/4 miles in. From here, the view opens up to the south and you can look out over the San Gabriel Wilderness. The trail follows the ridgeline west, up the shoulder of the mountain for 1/2 mile, before traversing a set of long switchbacks. At 2 miles there is a signed junction with the Mt. Waterman Trail #10W04 that goes to 3 Points. Take the trail to the right (north) and follow it as it turns west, around the backside of a shoulder peak and then continues on to the main peak. Just shy of the 3 1/2 mile mark there will be a small mileage sign. From here, the trail heads southeast, toward the rocky summit. To reach the 8038' official height of the mountain, you'll need to climb some rocks!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
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Contributors
Jason Ethridge