Twin Peaks Loop via Waterman Mountain Trail
11.8 mi
Distance
5 hrs 31 min
Time
terrain
1,472 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Twin Peaks in San Gabriel Wilderness.
This trail goes by Waterman Mountain.
This is an alternate route for Waterman Mountain Loop.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Hiked the loop clockwise on 12/17/22 – Great weather to take in the views of Baldy, San Gorgonio, Wilson, etc. on the way out to Twin Peaks. Went up West Twin after (the official)Twin Peaks using snow buried use trails and then picking a more direct route back down to Twin Peaks Saddle based on sets of fresh deer/bear tracks which was a fun way to come down with micro spikes instead of crampons/ice axe. The snow was firm enough on most of the route to lessen the work but then slushy climbing back to the Waterman/Twin Peaks Junction. After going up to the Waterman Summit, it was all downhill back to the Buckhorn day use area. On the way down, the sunset reflecting off the ocean in the distance was spectacular. Didn’t have to chain up and the bears at the day use area left the car alone! Quite an adventurous day with an after dark finish. Logged 13.92 miles/4094 feet (a few side excursions between the Twin Peaks to see the valleys).
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Public Tracks
Hike Mt Waterman & Twin Peaks
A hike to Mt Waterman and the Twin Peaks brings you to the remote and beautiful center of Angeles National Forest. From these peaks you'll get panoramic views of all the major summits in the forest. It's also an interesting hike because the Twin Peak summit is rugged and remote, and in contrast, Mt Waterman is above a ski area. The hike isn't extremely long, but the up and down of the hike can be tough. If you don't want to do all 11 miles, I have a nice 5 mile option that uses the same trails and lets you bag Mt Waterman.
