Burkhart Trail

The Burkhart Trailhead is conveniently located within the Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest. This provides easy access to the trail, and the campground offers amenities like latrines and water spigots. Parking is available at the campground.

Yes, the Burkhart Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you pack out any waste. Be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Cooper Canyon Falls is particularly spectacular in April and May due to snowmelt, making spring an excellent time to visit. The trail also offers welcome shade and fall colors, making it enjoyable in warmer months and autumn. Winter hiking conditions can vary, so check forecasts.

While there isn't typically an entrance fee for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument itself, a Forest Adventure Pass may be required for parking at some trailheads within the Angeles National Forest, including Buckhorn Campground. It's always best to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the most current regulations before your visit.

The duration depends on your chosen route. The popular 4.6-mile round trip to Cooper Canyon Falls from Buckhorn Campground can take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the Komoot route, but allow more time for enjoyment. Longer sections, especially those extending to Burkhart Saddle or the Pleasant View Ridge trail, will take significantly longer, potentially a full day.

The difficulty varies greatly. The 4.6-mile round trip to Cooper Canyon Falls from Buckhorn Campground is generally considered easy to moderate. However, sections beyond the falls, particularly towards Burkhart Saddle and the Pleasant View Ridge trail, can be much more challenging, with steep climbs and less maintained paths. Beginners should stick to the falls section.

The trail is primarily natural ground, winding through diverse landscapes. You'll find mostly shaded sections with numerous trees, including redwoods, and often follow a babbling creek requiring a few crossings. The path can weave through wooded areas, carve along mountain or cliff faces with steep drop-offs, and feature areas with rocks and boulders. Some parts may show burn scars, but new growth is also visible.

A major highlight is the beautiful Cooper Canyon Falls, which flows almost year-round. Beyond the falls, you'll encounter grand views of front country peaks and forested slopes, reminiscent of the High Sierra. The trail also offers diverse plant life, including Jeffrey and Coulter pines, and the soothing presence of a creek.

Yes, the Burkhart Trail connects with several other notable routes. It intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail (specifically PCT - California Section D and Pacific Crest Trail / Silver Moccasin NRT), offering an opportunity to experience a segment of this renowned long-distance route. It also connects with the Silver Moccasin Trail (NRT) and the High Desert National Recreation Trail.

The most popular segment to Cooper Canyon Falls is typically hiked as an out-and-back route. While longer sections can connect to other trails, the core Burkhart Trail itself is not a loop.

If you're hiking the popular 4.6-mile round trip to Cooper Canyon Falls from Buckhorn Campground, be aware that the trail primarily descends into the canyon on the way to the falls. This means your return trip will involve a continuous uphill climb of about 1,000 feet, which can be more strenuous than the initial descent.