Details
Distance/ Gain: The hike is a 6-mile loop with about 1200 feet of gain.
Rating: Moderate + (mainly for distance and altitude).
Description: Mt Waterman is better known as a ski area in the San Gabriel Mountains off Highway 2. It recently was hit by the Bobcat fire and is just now starting to recover. We will be hiking through the burn area then ascend to the ridge line. We will break for snacky time at the top nestled in between some bodies of igneous rock, with a lovely view of the Twin Peaks and the LA basin below. From that point it is all downhill via the fire road access back to the trail head.
Meet your leader: 7:00 A.M at the parking lot just before the Buckhorn Day Use Area, about 34 miles up the 2 from the junction of the 2 and the 210. (Adventure Pass required.)
Restrooms: There are some close to the parking area, as well as several other options as you travel up HWY 2.
Directions: Take the 210 to the 2 toward Palmdale (North) Trailhead is about 45 minutes from the 210.
Bring: Lots of water, snack/lunch, hiking poles and a camera. Good shoes with tread are a must. If the day is cool, bring an extra layer, in case it is windy.
Adventure Pass: Required
Dogs: Ok, if on a leash and well-behaved with other dogs / people.
Leader(s): Paul H
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There are no expected stream crossings, exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 2, Beginner/ Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Waterman Hiking Trailhead
(CA-2, Pearblossom, CA 93553)
[Driving Directions (link)](CA-2, Pearblossom, CA 93553)
NAVIGATION:
We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
GPS Trail Map (link)
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
