Waterman Mt & Twin Peaks Hike

TWIN PEAKS, THERE ARE TWO OF THEM!
Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4300ft.
Waterman Mountain ~ elev 8038ft
Twin Peaks ~ elev 7761ft
Rating: Intermediate/​strenuous
This hike to the top of Twin Peaks offers up some of the very best views in the San Gabriel Mountains. You’ll enjoy 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. There are plenty of boulders and trees to enjoy on the way up to the top.
Waterman Mountain and Twin Peaks stand guard over some of the most remote country in the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel Wilderness Area here and the Sheep Mountain Wilderness Area to the east both have a large area without trails or roads, leaving them mostly undisturbed by a human presence. Both areas have significant populations of Bighorn Sheep due to this remoteness.
The countryside is magnificent here, towering above Devils Canyon, Bear Creek, and San Gabriel River Canyon. Nearly the entire San Gabriels can be seen from atop these peaks. The peaks and most of the slopes below them are covered with Jeffrey and ponderosa pine.
DISCLAIMER:
Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.

I just loved this place and this hike was one of my favorite. The amount of exploring that can be done is endless. Now the only thing is finding your back can be a little confusing if you are doing the whole loop. My crew and I just did Lady Waterman (name before US Forest Service naming) and with all the jeep roads it got a little confusing finding our way back. Regardless of confusion there are giant boulders that can be climbed and extremely fun! Here is my Adventure Video.
Distance 6.2 Miles Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 1225 ft
Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Fire road/​Trail
Hike Type: Loop
Activities: Hiking, Running & Mountain Biking
Animals: Dog Friendly
Fee: Adventure Pass

Cute place, but I would highly highly suggest coming here during the DAY! My husband took me here for a «night hike». No! This is not your ideal location for a night hike. There’s that scary light-​less, soul-​sucking, hair-​raising, hell-​descending train tunnel that you have to cross though before you can go on the hike, and the path is relatively narrow, with some portions dangerously close to the cliff when you can’t see, plus the plants on both sides brushing against you when you didn’t see them because it’s too dark at night, aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh. So, no. Do not come here on a night hike unless if you have neither a healthy fear of heights or a healthy fear of darkness.
Otherwise, this place is beautiful. At least from what i saw before the sun went down, this place is beautiful.
There were a lot of mosquitoes before you pass through the tunnel, but after the tunnel there weren’t any mosquitoes. i would still bring deet if I hike here again.

This is a general post of the area. Mt. Waterman is an operational ski resort. Sadly, they don’t have snow making capabilities so they rely solely on natural snow, which isn’t often and hence, they seem to only open infrequently. That is unless we have a great winter, which we haven’t had in a while. Let’s hope we do this year. Great little hidden location and only one hour’s drive from the city.
Twin Peaks is great hike through the Wilderness Area of The San Gabriel Mountains. Although it too was impacted by the Station Fire in 2009, it’s still a beautiful hike through a very remote area. Be careful with dead falls. Lots up there since the fires.

When I lived in Malibu this was my local ski spot, and the new owners have improved it greatly. It’s only 39 miles from La Canada, and has a great variety of runs.
Pros: Close to LA, best balance of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.
Cons: Long, winding road that can be closed without notice. No local facilities or services. Steep run to the bottom.
Hot Tip: Newcomb’s Ranch, 5 miles west, is a great place to hang out
in any weather: draft beer, a roaring fireplace, good food and a pool table.

Wanna get away from the city? There may be skiers here in the winter, but come late spring, this territory is tip top hiking high country. You’ll be hiking among great big bouldering rocks and pleasant pine trees with enough fresh aromas to make your day. This hike borders the San Gabriel Wilderness, the largest area of undeveloped forest in the Angeles National Forest. That means that wildlife is ever present, and if you get lucky, you may see some Bighorn Sheep (of which, sadly, I have not yet seen ao vivo).
Take the Angeles Crest Hwy (2) in La Canada up 34 miles to mile markers 58.3, and park in the turn out. Cross the street to the fire road, and you will see a sign for the Waterman Trail. Take this! Follow this trail 2 miles up to junction with a sign. To the right is a trail to Waterman, and to the left is a trail heads down to a saddle between Waterman and Twin Peaks.
The first part of this hike is going up to Waterman Mountain, so take the trail to the right. Follow this trail for about 0.7 miles. You’ll loop around one bump and start heading toward the southwest main bump. At one point the trail will split with a trail to the slight left start inclining — this will take you to the peak in 5 min. Climb up some of the boulders and rest and enjoy the spectacular views in every direction!
Walk back down to the junction. If this was enough workout for you, you can go left back to the trailhead where you started. If you have got the energy and motivation, make a right to start the 2^nd, and more difficult & rewarding, climb to Twin Peaks.
You will head down this trail about 1 mile, when you’ll come to another junction (too many junctions!). Stay left and keep doing downhill. In another mile you will reach the saddle with a sign (Twin Peaks Saddle). Are you ready for the tough part? Now you have 1.3 miles to gain 1300 feet. You’ll start at a decent slope but nothing too killer. After 0.4 miles you will start getting into really steep stuff. The trail is still there, but make sure to pay attention as you might miss parts.
After a painful mile up, you’ll reach the saddle between the two twins. Head up left and in a few minutes you’ll arrive at your destination. Great views of Devil’s Canyon, Bear Canyon, and all of the San Gabriel Mountains are yours.
When done, return the way you came. Since you came down to go up, you’ll still have to go up before coming down to the trail head! This is a damn good workout.
Waterman Only:
5 miles
1300 feet gain
Waterman & Twin Peaks
11.5 miles
4300 ft gain
Splendid hike!