Will Thrall Peak - 11 miles

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Will Thrall Peak is located in the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest. It can be found on the Southeastern end of Pleasant View Ridge located in the central Back Range of the mountains. Back Range peaks are afforded wonderful northerly views of the Antelope and Victor Valleys of the Mojave Desert. On exceptional days the Southern Sierra Nevada peaks can be seen. Looking south you will see Cooper Canyon lined with Jeffrey Pines, Cedars, Oaks and Alder Trees. Beyond the canyon you can see several peaks including Twin Peaks and Mount Waterman.

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Will Thrall Peak is located in one of the more remote areas of the San Gabriels so it is less commonly hiked compared to more popular nearby mountains such as Waterman or Williamson. Access from Buckhorn Campground allows the hiker a very pleasant hike descending into Buckhorn and then Cooper Canyons. A good portion of this trail follows a tree lined stream until you eventually begin the hike out of the canyon and on up to Buckhart Saddle.

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We will meet at the end of Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada Flintridge at the corner of Milmada Drive & Flanders Road at 7:00 AM. We will then form up carpools and caravan the 33 miles to the trailhead at Buckhorn Campground.

Buckhorn Campground - South Burkhart Trail
From the 210 freeway in La Canada exit Angeles Crest Highway (SR2) and head north towards the mountains. You will travel 33 miles eventually passing Mount Waterman Ski Area. After another ½ mile watch for the Buckhorn Campground Entrance. Turn left here and follow the one way road down into the campground. Tree signs will guide you further down to the trailhead parking area just below the camping area.

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Burkhart Trailhead

This is an 11 mile roundtrip with a starting elevation of 6460'. Follow the trailhead (10W02) down for 1 3/4 miles past the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) junction staying right and continuing along the Burkhart Trail. In another quarter mile you will cross Little Rock Creek, elevation 5600'and shortly come to another trail junction with Rattlesnake Trail. (Currently closed due to the Mountain Yellow Legged Frog). Turn left onto the Burkhart Trail and follow it for 3 miles to the Burkhart Saddle at an elevation of 6959'. From the saddle or the 5 mile marker turn left or west up the steep use trail for 1/2 mile to the summit at 7845. The use trail is easy to spot and is primarily short switchbacks gaining nearly 900 feet.

Return to the trail head by the same route.

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Send email (kennethwr@gmail.com) with questions or concerns about this hike. The morning of the hike I can be reached by text at 310-977-1682 (Ken). Rain or other bad weather will cancel.

Disclaimer:
For all trips, wear boots or sturdy shoes, and bring lunch, lots of drinks, warm clothing (depending on altitude) and the 10 hiking essentials. The trip "leader" is a volunteer and not a real leader (i.e. not liable for the group). Think of it as hiking with a group of friends.

Joining this group is entirely voluntary and participants assume the full risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in a strenuous hike, with the appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions. This group and the individual organizers make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.