Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
7,340.00 ft (2,237.23 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
15.80 mi (25.43 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Pleasant View Loop is a 15.8-mile route in Angeles National Forest northeast of Azusa and Los Angeles. It is a strenuous loop with steep climbs, long descents, and spectacular views throughout. Starting from Islip Saddle, the route features aromatic pine trees, beautiful ridgeline trails, majestic mountain and desert views, as well as  two mountain summits! The Angeles Crest Highway / CA-2 (Highway 2) provides easy access to the trailhead. The area is a popular location for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. 

From Islip Saddle, the Pleasant View Loop climbs north through pine-shaded forest for 1.8 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Mount Williamson (8214 ft) is the first summit reached off the PCT via a use trail. Continue northwest along Pleasant View Ridge from Mount Williamson. Pallett Mountain (7740 ft) is your second summit at mile 4.6. You'll reach a trail junction at mile 5.1 where you'll take the Burkhart Trail southwest towards the PCT. After reaching the PCT, turn left and head south to return to the junction leading back to Islip Saddle.

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

ANIMALS COMMON TO THE AREA: Rattlesnakes, Woodpeckers, Cooper’s Hawk, Mountain Chickadee, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Black Bears, Lizards, Hummingbirds, and more!

PLANTS COMMON TO THE AREA: Various Pine Trees (Pinyon, Jeffrey, Sugar, California Incense-Cedar, etc), Ferns, Lupine, Mountain Mahogany, Coffeeberry, Buckwheat, and more!

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

TRAILHEAD INFORMATION AND POTENTIAL FIRE CLOSURES: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Expansive Views. Two Mountain Summits. Solitude.

Cons

Very steep and strenuous.

Trailhead Elevation

6,800.00 ft (2,072.64 m)

Highest point

8,234.00 ft (2,509.72 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Vault toilet
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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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