Waterman Mountain

Overview

A 6+ mile, moderate loop on and off-trail in the middle High San Gabriels. While low on sweeping vistas, this hike features large stands of incense cedar, boulder formations typical of the area, ski slopes, and a great sense of remoteness. Waterman Mountain is a large, broad, forested peak that sits just on the northern border of the San Gabriel Wilderness. It’s deep in the Angeles Forest and can be approached from several directions — a nearly 14-mile leg-buster from Three Points, a quick 4+ mile in-and-out, or this meandering 6 mile loop which, in my opinion, offers the best balance for a moderate day-hike. Plus, you won’t have to repeat any scenery. The trailhead lies just beyond the Waterman ski lift, just under 34 miles from the 210. Park at a small lot on the east side of the road at Mile 58.02, cross the road, and look for a large, tattered trail sign. The trail begins on a very steep jeep road, which curves sharply to the northwest. Instead of following this dead-end, stick to the marked trail, which parallels the road for a short distance. You’ll pass an old cement well-trough, and run into a much more clearly defined dirt jeep road. To me, fire roads are never particularly appealing, but half of this loop is on ’em. So if you want to get them over with first, hang a right here and start walking on the road. The fire road, like most forest roads, are well-graded and broad, but meandering. This one is no different. Instead of thinking about how you’d probably rather be on a single track trail, focus on the amazing, tall incense cedars and pines that flank your path. Most of the time, you won’t get many views outside of the road on this section of the loop, but once in a while you’ll be rewarded with a decent view of the interior San Gabriels, or a look at the peak ahead of you: Note the two summits. That’s important to remember, because you’re going to be bypassing the first to get to the second. Continue on the fire road for about two miles. There are multiple junctions and spur roads, and they can get

Trail Stats

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