Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
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 Ridge Wilderness is a federally protected area of the San Gabriel Mountains located within Angeles National Forest. The area encompasses approximately 26,757 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service. 

The Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness lies on the northern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, where the mountains meet the Mojave Desert, in the newly designated San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. In this area, there are high peaks, rugged chaparral covered hillsides, stands of pine trees, and stunning views of the desert basin. It has several well-maintained trails, including a portion of the Pacific Crest National Recreation Trail (PCT), which provide opportunities for exploration.

THINGS TO DO

The Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness area can be enjoyed in many ways, including:

  • Trail running

  • Hiking

  • Backpacking

  • Camping

  • Nature viewing

  • Bird watching

POPULAR TRAILS
Burkhart Trail

High Desert National Recreation Trail

Pacific Crest National Recreation Trail 

PROMINENT PEAKS

  • Pleasant View Ridge (7,983’)

  • Mount Williamson (8,214’)

WHEN TO VISIT

This area can be explored year-round, however, snow may be present on the high peaks and on top fo the ridge in the winter. 

WILDLIFE IN THE AREA
Rattlesnakes, woodpeckers, Cooper’s Hawk, mountain chickadees, mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, lizards, hummingbirds, etc.

PLANTS COMMON TO THE AREA
Pine trees such as pinyon, Jeffrey, sugar, and california incense-cedar. There are also ferns, lupine, mountain mahogany, chaparral, yucca, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Unique landscapes. Scenic Views. Solitude. National Recreation Trails.

Cons

Very rugged terrain.

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Bird watching
Horseback riding

Location

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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