Burkhart Saddle

Overview

A lengthy trip from the high desert to Burkhart Saddle, amidst the high peaks of the San Gabriels. This trail will take you through several California Climate zones – from Joshua Trees to Jeffrey Pines – and show off some weird and wonderful geologic features along the way. A great, rarely-used path, nice for a long day hike or backpacking trip deeper into the mountains. The Burkhart Trail is a no-nonsense route from the north side of the San Gabriels all the way to the center of the high range. It’s a gorgeous trail that can take you from the desert floor to snow-capped peaks, and even if you don’t reach (or even have) a destination peak it’s a fantastic journey worth experiencing. When I hiked this, we’d just had a healthy amount of rainfall here in Southern California, which usually translates into snow in the higher elevations. I was feeling a bit nostalgic for winter and wanted to try to get up and into the white stuff before too much of it melted away. The trailhead is right at the parking lot to Devil’s Punchbowl State Park, and is clearly marked. The trail meanders through some low trees before reaching a dirt road that skirts the western edge of the Punchbowl Formation. You’ll get a great view inside the Punchbowl itself – which, if you have time, is absolutely worth exploring. The Nature Center near the park’s entrance is also very well done – stocked with helpful rangers and great info on the geology of this strange area. Stay on the road and in just under a mile, you’ll reach a junction with the Devil’s Chair Trail, a fun trek in and of itself that will give you some outstanding views of the Punchbowl. But for now, just stay on the Burkhart – you’ve still got a long way to go! The trail turned away from the Punchbowl and heads west toward Holmes Creek, skirting the baseline of the mountains through some lovely high desert / alpine transitional vegetation. Around 2.1 miles the trail turns north and seems like it’s going away from the mountains, but don’t worry – you’re just rounding a large ridge in

Trail Stats

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