Overview

The Silver Moccasin Trail is a 53-mile National Recreation Trail that traverses the rugged San Gabriel Mountains just northeast of Los Angeles. Starting at Chantry Flat (2,000 feet) near Arcadia, the route climbs through canyons and along exposed ridges to summit 9,399-foot Mount Baden-Powell before descending to Vincent Gap near Wrightwood. This is a challenging but rewarding thru-hike that connects the Gabrielino Trail, Silver Moccasin Trail proper, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Established in 1942 by the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts following ancient Native American trails, the SMT offers solitude and wild character despite its proximity to the massive LA metropolitan area. Expect significant elevation gain (approximately 15,000 feet cumulative), dramatic ecosystem transitions from oak woodlands to high-altitude pine forests, and the satisfaction of completing one of SoCal's forgotten classic backpacking routes.

Permits & Regulations

No wilderness permit is required for overnight backpacking in the Angeles National Forest portions of this trail. However, you must display a valid Adventure Pass ($5 daily or $30 annual) or America the Beautiful Pass in your vehicle at trailheads. The pass can be purchased at Adams' Pack Station at Chantry Flat or most outdoor retailers.

A free California Campfire Permit is required for all stoves and campfires, available online at readyforwildfire.org or at Forest Service offices. Campfires are only allowed in established fire rings at designated camps. Check current fire restrictions before your trip, as restrictions escalate quickly during hot, dry conditions.

Dispersed camping is not allowed in Angeles National Forest due to high visitation pressure. Camp only at designated trail camps with established facilities. Group size limits and stay limits (typically 14 consecutive days maximum) apply. Bear canisters are not required but bear boxes are provided at major camps like Little Jimmy.

Best Season

The optimal window for thru-hiking the Silver Moccasin Trail is late April through June and September through October. Spring offers reliable water sources, cooler temperatures, and occasional wildflower displays, though snow may linger on north-facing slopes near Baden-Powell into May. Fall brings stable weather, stunning fall colors in the higher elevations, and fewer crowds.

Avoid summer (July-August) if possible. The San Gabriels experience brutal heat at lower and middle elevations, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in canyons and even mid-elevation sections sometimes matching LA basin heat. Water sources become unreliable, and rattlesnakes are most active.

Winter (November-March) brings heavy snow above 7,000 feet. The Baden-Powell section requires microspikes, ice axe, and winter navigation skills. Angeles Crest Highway often closes after storms, complicating access. If you attempt a winter thru-hike, expect icy conditions starting around mile 1 on the Baden-Powell climb, with snow piled high enough to obscure the trail near the summit.

Water & Resupply

Water planning is critical on the SMT. While the first half of the trail from Chantry Flat to West Fork has reliable streams and springs, the middle and eastern sections become increasingly dry, especially outside spring.

Key water sources: - Little Jimmy Spring (mile 37-ish): Reliable year-round, located 0.25 miles east of Little Jimmy Campground. This is your most dependable high-elevation water source. Always filter or treat. - Guffy Campground area: Seasonal water availability - Lamel Spring: Seasonal, can dry up in late summer - West Fork: Reliable stream water

Trip reports consistently note that there are no water sources between Guffy and Lamel Springs and water becomes scarce after Little Jimmy heading toward Vincent Gap. Carry 3-4 liters capacity for dry stretches, especially in late season.

Resupply: Wrightwood (near the Vincent Gap terminus) is the only practical resupply town. This hiker-friendly mountain community offers a well-stocked grocery store, restaurants, gear at Mountain Hardware (1390 Hwy 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397), and excellent trail angel support. Mountain Hardware accepts resupply packages for hikers. The town has lodging options if you want a zero day. There is no practical resupply access mid-trail.

Hazards & Challenges

Bobcat Fire damage (2020): Portions of the trail were damaged in the 2020 Bobcat Fire that burned 115,796 acres. As of June 2023, restored sections have reopened, but expect washouts, downed trees, and trail condition variability, particularly between Little Jimmy and Islip parking areas. Check current conditions with Angeles National Forest before starting.

Heat exposure: The combination of extreme summer heat and limited shade on exposed ridgeline sections creates serious dehydration and heat exhaustion risk. Start climbs in early morning and plan longer breaks during peak heat.

Elevation and snow: The 7,400-foot climb to Baden-Powell presents altitude challenges for sea-level dwellers. Snow lingers on north slopes and the summit area through May. Ice can make the final mile to the summit treacherous without traction devices.

Wildlife: Black bears are active throughout the San Gabriels. Use bear boxes at camps or hang food properly. Rattlesnakes are common at lower elevations, especially in warm months—watch your footing and hand placements. Mountain lions are present but rarely encountered.

Navigation: While the main trail is generally well-marked, the Bobcat Fire damaged sections and multiple intersections with the PCT, side trails, and Angeles Crest Highway crossings (eight total) require careful navigation. Download offline maps and carry a physical map.

Creek crossings: West Fork and tributary crossings can be challenging during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain. Generally these are rock-hop or wade crossings, but flow can be dangerous during major storms.

Getting There

Western terminus (Chantry Flat): From I-210 in Arcadia, take the Santa Anita Avenue exit north. Follow Santa Anita Avenue through residential areas for 5 miles until it dead-ends at Chantry Flat Recreation Area. The access road is open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Parking fills quickly—arrive by 6:00-6:30 AM on weekends or risk parking along the road (must be completely behind the white line or you'll be ticketed/towed). Adventure Pass required.

Eastern terminus (Vincent Gap): Located on Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) near Wrightwood. From I-15, take CA-138 west to CA-2 west. Vincent Gap has parking and restrooms. Note that Angeles Crest Highway closes seasonally due to snow, typically December through April/May depending on snowpack.

Shuttle options: Few commercial shuttles serve this route. Mountain Hardware in Wrightwood may have current shuttle service information or trail angel contacts. Most hikers arrange private shuttles, use ride-sharing, or coordinate car shuttles with hiking partners. The drive between trailheads takes roughly 90 minutes via Angeles Crest Highway when open.

Nearest airports: Los Angeles International (LAX) and Burbank (BUR) are both approximately 60-90 minutes from Chantry Flat.

Tips

Camp selection strategy: Little Jimmy Campground is the crown jewel—16 sites (first-come, first-served) at 7,500 feet with vault toilets, fire rings, bear boxes, and vintage backcountry ovens. Claim a site early in the day. West Fork Camp (7 sites) and Spruce Grove Camp (7 sites) also offer picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. All are hike-in only.

Timing: Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 3-5 days. Faster hikers can do it in 2-3 days; families or those wanting more mileage flexibility typically take 4-5 days. Starting westbound (Chantry to Vincent Gap) front-loads the elevation gain and gets the harder climbing done when you're fresh.

Baden-Powell strategy: Summit early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer or to enjoy sunrise views. The final 2-3 miles to the summit are the steepest—relentless switchbacks through ancient limber pines.

Water cache: Some hikers cache water at Angeles Crest Highway road crossings, but this requires advance logistics and isn't always reliable due to theft or wildlife.

The forgotten trail: Few hikers know this route exists despite being minutes from 10 million people. Enjoy the solitude, but also recognize that help is farther away than on popular trails. Carry emergency communication and comprehensive first aid.

Post-hike celebrations: Wrightwood's restaurants and Mountain Hardware's hiker-friendly atmosphere make for excellent post-trail festivities. The hardware store maintains a list of locals who host hikers—Southern California trail magic at its finest.

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