Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,937.00 ft (590.40 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.60 mi (7.40 km)
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Mount Williamson Summit is a 4.6-mile out-and-back route to the top of Mount Williamson starting from the Islip Saddle parking area. Mount Williamson is located within Angeles National Forest's San Gabriel Mountain Range. Mount Williamson's summit is located at 8,214 feet and offers spectacular views of the Mojave Desert to the north. The climb is short, yet strenuous and steep. This area is popular for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. 

The route begins with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) located at the west end of the Islip Saddle parking area. You will follow the PCT north for approximately 1.8 miles as it climbs through a pine-shaded forest. After reaching a fork at the top of a ridge, turn right and proceed northeast along a use trail that will lead you to the summit. 

From the top, views can be seen across the Mojave Desert, the San Andreas Fault, and Devil's Punchbowl, a unique geological formation of tilted sandstone situated on the northern side of the San Gabriel Mountains. 

The trail is open year round, but may have snowy conditions during the winter months. 

TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

The Islip Saddle Day Use Area features a moderately sized parking area with picnic tables and bathrooms.
 

PARKING PERMITS AND PASSES

An Adventure Pass is required for parking at Islip Saddle. Information can be found by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/passes-permits/recreation

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Peak Bagging. Pine Forest. Views of Mojave Desert.

Cons

No water.

Trailhead Elevation

8,710.00 ft (2,654.81 m)

Highest point

8,207.00 ft (2,501.49 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
Crystal Lake Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains
Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains

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