Hiking Trail Guide: Twin Peaks from Buckhorn

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Twin Peaks from Buckhorn

Distance
8 miles

Elevation
3650 feet gain

Difficulty
7/10

City
La Canada Flintridge ,CA (91011) 16.29 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 210 FWY take the Angeles Crest Highway east to Buckhorn Campground approximately 34 miles to mile marker 58.0. The Mt. Waterman trail starts on the south side of Angeles Crest Highway opposite the Buckhorn trailhead. The trail can be a little difficult to find at first. Walk about 30 feet up the fire road and pick up the trail to the left which parallels the highway for a short distance and begins to ascend the forested slope.

Description

This hike to the top of Twin Peaks offers up some of the very best views in the San Gabriel Mountains. I really enjoyed the tall pine forest along the way, the sense of remoteness and the cedar stands at Twin Peaks Saddle. This hike is a real workout and includes a steep climb with some scrambling to the 7761-foot summit of east Twin Peaks (the higher of the two peaks). Bring PLENTY of water and expect to be out for most of the day. You begin hiking on the Mt. Waterman Trail and at 2.1 miles you will come to a well-marked junction with a sign. A right turn here goes to Mt. Waterman but turn west instead heading toward Twin Peaks and zigzagging down the south slope. Soon you will come to a second junction where you turn left going to Twin Peaks Saddle which is the starting point for the steep climb to Twin Peaks. Here you will find a well-worn climber's route leading to the summit. There are plenty of boulders and trees to enjoy on the way up to the top.

Map / Directions: