Hike Buckhorn Campground to Mount Waterman

Sunday, June 10

Buckhorn Campground to Mount Waterman

This hike is incredibly gorgeous. Expect to see wildflowers along the trail. You might also get a glimpse of the Big Horn Sheep that inhabit this area. It is 6 miles roundtrip, with a 1,300 elevation gain/loss.

Bring: Water, snacks, camera, shoes with good tread, poles are helpful if you have them. Wear sunscreen, hat, bug net (if you have one), and bug spray.

Meet at the trail head at 9:00 AM for an 9:15 AM departure. Adventure passes MUST be displayed to avoid a ticket. Day passes are available at any ranger station, and most sports stores (Sport Chalet in Stevenson Ranch usually has them). Cost $5. For a day pass, $30. For an annual pass.

• Directions: From Santa Clarita, take the 5 south to the 210 east (direction Pasadena). Exit the 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), and turn left over the 210 freeway. Take the Angeles Crest Highway to the turnoff to the campground, which will be about 34.3 miles. The road to the campground does not have a name. All you will see is a gate (that will be open) that has a sign on the right side of it that says, “No Parking Anytime.”

The road to the campground is located between mile marker 58.19 and 58.25, on the left side of the road. If you see mile marker 58.25, you have gone too far. The GPS coordinates for the turnoff are 34°20.601N and 117°55.273W. There will be a sign for Buckhorn Campground on the right side of the road with a small arrow sign pointing to the left. Your total drive time will be about an hour and a half.

Once you turn on the road to the campground, proceed down the road about 0.4miles. You will then see the first campsite. Continue driving on the road, and follow the signs to the trail head at the far end of the campground. Signs will say either “Burkehart Trail Head”, “Trailhead Parking”, or “Day Use Parking”. MATT will meet you in the day use parking and you can carpool to the trail head of Mt. Waterman, across the street. This will be the best way to combine campers and hikers and co-ordinate the time so you all arrive at the trail head at the same time.

Leader: MATT

Rated: Moderate