Trail Overview

Take a quick, but pretty drive up to Burnt Peak. At 5,791' above sea level, this is the highest peak of the Sierra Pelona, which is one of the lower elevation ranges within California's Transverse Ranges. The ride to the top is relatively easy and can be done entirely in 2WD if the trail is dry. Make sure to bring a camera because the views from the top are breathtaking!

Photos of The Highest Peak of the Sierra Pelona

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Difficulty

Most of this portion of the Angeles National Forest was closed to the general public between fall 2020 and April 2022 due to the Lake Fire closure area. Expect to encounter the occasional rut or small rock as this road was used to help fight the fire. Otherwise, this is a simple trek!

History

This area was recently burned in the Lake Fire of August-September 2020.

Technical Rating

Steve F

Apr 12, 2026

Open

Easy drive, shallow puddles from earlier rain; an overland van passed us. The communications & weather installations at Burnt Peak are interesting.

Marco M

Apr 12, 2026

Open

Easy drive and beginner-friendly. No high clearance needed, though there are some puddles right now from the rain. It got really foggy halfway through, but the views at the top made it worth it.

Ryan Hamlin

Feb 09, 2026

Open

7N23 north gate open off pine canyon road

Jalen bolden

Sep 13, 2025

Open

Matt M

Jul 04, 2025

Open

The north half of the trail is open and will connect you to Maxwell Road. The trail to Burnt Peak had a closed gate and a “road work ahead” temp sign posted

Steve Meier

Jun 13, 2025

Open

The road up to Burnt Peak was closed yesterday, but the gate was open today, with a road work sign. I did not drive from the 4 way junction to the top, but only went on the lower part. There were a few standard sedans parked at the 4 way junction, so 2wd is ok.

Ted Amanios

May 24, 2025

Open

easy road. gate closed leading up to Burnt Peak at the 4 way junction but you can go northwest or southeast.

Dale Lauterback

May 18, 2025

Open

Clear day with some gusts of Wind

Clint Springer

Apr 03, 2025

Open

The road is in very good shape. Didn’t need 4x4. There are some muddy spots, but nothing crazy. Awesome views of the valleys to the north and south.

Jason T

Mar 30, 2025

Open

Tom Murrin

Mar 23, 2025

Open

This was a pretty easy trail. It was my first time off-roading so my wife and I wanted to do something simple to see what my stock, non-Sasquatch Outer Banks Bronco can handle. The trail has some small rocks scattered around and a few dips from water runoff that were several inches deep. I kept my Bronco in 2H the entire ride up. Overall, it was a nice ride.

RJ Wright

Dec 12, 2024

Open

Kyle Miller

Jul 27, 2024

Open

Old Ridge Route side blocked due to fallen tree. Use Entrance off Pine Canyon Road

Tom W

May 03, 2024

Open

7N23 from Pine Canyon Rd is now open all the way to Sawmill Campground (as far as I went). It was freshly graded and 2WD was all I needed. Once at camp, two small cars came through as well. Lots of PCT hikers use Sawmill as it's close to NOBO mile 500 for them. So be cool, and pack out your trash and bring extra TP to leave for them.. since they are walking from Mexico to Canada afterall. Great place to offer trail magic as well and do some miles on the PCT!

Dylan Velasco

Feb 14, 2024

Open

Closed gate