Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,360.00 ft (1,328.93 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.60 mi (20.28 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.

Twin Peaks via Three Points is a 12.4-mile out-and-back to the top of Twin Peaks. The trailhead is located off of Highway 2 within Angeles National Forest. You will cross a beautiful high desert terrain dotted with granite boulders and pine and cedar trees on the way to Twin Peaks. It features colorful wildflowers, scenic rock outcroppings, and expansive views across the San Gabriel Wilderness. The trail is strenuous, beautiful, and suitable for trail running, hiking, and backpacking.

From the Three Points Trailhead, follow the trail down to Highway 2, cross the highway, then follow signs for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). At the first trail junction, leave the PCT and continue on the Mt. Waterman #1 Trail. Waterman Mountain #1 Trail is a scenic and well-graded singletrack trail. The trail reaches another junction at mile 5.2. At this point, you will turn east on the Twin Peaks Trail towards the Twin Peaks Saddle. 

Located in the northern part of the San Gabriel Wilderness, Twin Peaks' summit is rugged and steep, climbing approximately 1200 feet from the saddle to the top! To navigate over large rocks en route to the top, some minor bouldering might be necessary. 

Once you have reached the top, take a moment to enjoy the view. When you are ready, descend carefully and be aware of loose rocks. Continue back the way you came to the trailhead on the Waterman Trail. 

WATER

There may be seasonal water along the Waterman Trail, but that is not reliable and visitors should plan to carry all that they need. 

MORE INFORMATION

Forest Service Info About Waterman Mountain #1 Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/recarea/?recid=42020&actid=104.

San Gabriel Wilderness Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/angeles/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5194633.


 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Solitude. Expansive Views. Pine Forest.

Cons

Lack of Water.

Trailhead Elevation

5,920.00 ft (1,804.42 m)

Highest point

7,744.00 ft (2,360.37 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Vault toilet
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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

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