By This hike begins from the Mt Waterman trailhead across the Buckhorn Day Use Area in the Angeles National Forest. After crossing HWY 2, start the hike via the fire road behind the gate and keep your eyes open for a weathered sign for Mt Waterman Loop to your left in the first 0.1 miles. When you come to the sign, get off the fire road and take the Mt. Waterman Trail.
Stay on this single track for 2 miles until you come to this trail sign.
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This photo was taken from one of our previous hikes to Mt Waterman. She carried the same backpack then too, I guess. Anyhow, this is an excellent place to take a break, especially after climbing for 2 miles. Usually, there is plenty of shade under the tall pine trees.
Take the Twin Peaks Trail from this junction. On that day, several sections of the Twin Peak Trail were blocked by fallen trees, but still, it was easy to follow, and the views from the trail were amazing!
This is a lightly trafficked out-and-back trail. We only saw one solo hiker that day.
When I see a beautiful tree, I can’t help myself. But, of course, I check for sap and ants first. Speaking of sap, I found sap and small debris stuck on the bottom of Xena’s paws after the hike. Ugh. But then again, it could’ve been worse if she had furry paws.
There is only one sign on the Twin Peaks Trail. When you see this sign, you’ve arrived at the saddle. Start climbing behind the sign.
Up to this point, the trail is up and down, but overall, it feels pretty easy.
The toughest part of the hike is the last mile to the peak. And that is about to begin. Embrace yourself. You are about to scramble on loose gravel and sometimes sandy trails in the next mile.
The trail was a little bit more noticeable on the way down, but when going up, you can’t make out the trail most of the time. You just have to scramble and keep on moving up. Look how steep the last part of the trail is! For almost a mile, no less.
There are cairns left by previous hikers to guide you. Use them to find your way up.
That sure was a challenge physically and mentally. During one of our short breaks, Xena made a nest to take a nap. In the middle of climbing! Her face though when I asked, “Ready?”. Ha!
Snow is the quickest way to cool down when there is no stream. Xena absolutely loves finding snow patches to lie on while hiking.
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Needless to say, we were all pleased when we made it to the top. After lunch, my human and K9 pack took a nap, keeping each other warm while I walked around and took photos. These two can fall asleep anywhere, anytime.
10 miles isn’t easy, but that’s not why this hike is rated very difficult. The rating is due to the number of climbs and descending required to complete this hike. Three. The last up and down is what makes it hard. On the way back to Mt Waterman, somehow I got us lost, and we had to find our way back. Adding another steep hill to the hike. 😆
When we were back at the Mt. Waterman junction and taking a short break, I was laughing and pointing out that Xena’s been hiking the last two miles with a broken branch stuck in the pack. Ha! Then, I swallowed a bug that flew into my mouth while I was talking! That seems fair. 😂
This is a challenging hike, but very doable by seasoned hikers. It’s worth it! Not to mention the stunning views of the Angeles National Forest.
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 5.4.19
- Distance: 10 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: 3,520 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 7,705 ft
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Trailhead: 34.345466, -117.920929 (copy/paste to your GPS app)
- Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/annual) is required for parking
- Vault toilets are available at the Buckhorn Day Use Area
- Not recommended for casual hikers
Hiking Girl with Dog 
What awesome photos, have never been there. beautiful
Thank you, Sandra!
Awesome shoot and great choice of hike!
Thank you!
Love your blog, photographs and adorable dog! Wish I was closer and could try these great hikes!
Thank you so much!! 💕 Have a great week!
Hello, my name is Adam from ParagonTrails, and I just discovered your blog! The photos of Xena relaxing in her sleeping nest are adorable, and I love her little backpack. I hope you had fun on your adventure with her, and I’m looking forward to seeing more awesome photos from future adventures. Happy Trails!
Thank you, Adam! That little Xena’s backpack helps when we need to carry more than 3L of water between two of us. She is a little helper! 🙂
Hello 🙂 I am interested in buying a harness like the one XENA is wearing because I want my husky to carry her own water and things like that. I noticed that you posted a review on hurta trail pack, but this is a more recent post and Xena is wearing ruffwear, somI wonder which brand worked best for you?
Hi there! I also wrote a review on the Ruffwear Singletrak here – https://hikinggirlwithdog.com/2019/03/07/dog-gear-review-ruffwear-singletrak-pack/ – For Xena, I like the Singletrack because of its smaller size and the carrying capacity is plenty for day-hikes. Hurtta trail pack would be great for bigger dogs like yours and for backpacking. Those pockets are roomy and can carry a lot!
Reading about the steep scrambles, the tricky trail markers, and the unexpected obstacles on your Twin Peaks hike reminded me so much of the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek in Nepal. The way the trail weaves through thick rhododendron forests, the constant ups and downs that test your legs and mind, and those moments when the path disappears beneath loose gravel or mud — it all feels so familiar.
On the Poon Hill trek, it’s not just the physical strain of climbing hundreds of stone steps; it’s also the mental game of navigating foggy mornings and slippery terrain, trying to stay focused while your body begs for rest. Like you mentioned about finding shade under pine trees, I often found solace beneath the towering oaks and rhododendrons, catching my breath and savoring the quiet moments between the climbs.
And just like when you got a little lost on the way back, there were times on the trail when the way seemed unclear, and I had to rely on cairns or friendly guides to keep moving forward. Those small challenges become part of the story — the memories that stick with you long after the trek ends.
Your description of Xena’s little naps mid-hike and the joy of spotting snow patches made me smile, because despite the hardships, these moments of simplicity and connection to nature are what make every tough step worthwhile.
It’s incredible how, whether in the mountains of California or the Himalayas of Nepal, the wilderness challenges us in similar ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but always rewards us with unforgettable views and stories to tell.
https://www.himalayaheart.com/trip/10-days-ghorepani-poon-hill-trek