The Silver Moccasin Trail is a 53-mile National Recreation Trail through 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 the 9,399-foot summit of Mount Baden-Powell, then descends to Vincent Gap near Wrightwood. It is a demanding thru-hike that links the Gabrielino Trail, the Silver Moccasin Trail proper, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts established the route in 1942 along ancient Native American trails, and the SMT stays surprisingly quiet and wild given how close it sits to the massive LA metropolitan area. Expect significant elevation gain (approximately 15,000 feet cumulative), a long ecosystem transition from oak woodlands to high-altitude pine forests, and bragging rights on one of SoCal's forgotten classic backpacking routes.
No wilderness permit is required for overnight backpacking in the Angeles National Forest portions of this trail. You must, however, display a valid Adventure Pass ($5 daily or $30 annual) or America the Beautiful Pass in your vehicle at trailheads. The pass is sold at Adams' Pack Station at Chantry Flat and 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; they escalate quickly during hot, dry conditions.
Dispersed camping is not allowed in Angeles National Forest because of 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.
The best windows for thru-hiking the Silver Moccasin Trail are late April through June and September through October. Spring has reliable water, cooler temperatures, and occasional wildflower displays, though snow may linger on north-facing slopes near Baden-Powell into May. Fall brings stable weather, fall color in the higher elevations, and fewer people.
Avoid summer (July-August) if possible. The San Gabriels get brutally hot at lower and middle elevations, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in the canyons; even mid-elevation sections sometimes match 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, which complicates access. On a winter thru-hike, expect ice starting around mile 1 of the Baden-Powell climb and snow deep enough near the summit to bury the trail.
Water planning is critical on the SMT. The first half of the trail, from Chantry Flat to West Fork, has reliable streams and springs, but the middle and eastern sections get progressively drier, 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 gets scarce after Little Jimmy heading toward Vincent Gap. Carry 3-4 liters of capacity for the dry stretches, especially in late season.
Resupply: Wrightwood, near the Vincent Gap terminus, is the only practical resupply town. This hiker-friendly mountain community has a well-stocked grocery store, restaurants, gear at Mountain Hardware (1390 Hwy 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397), and strong trail angel support. Mountain Hardware accepts resupply packages for hikers, and the town has lodging if you want a zero day. There is no practical resupply access mid-trail.
Bobcat Fire damage (2020): Portions of the trail were damaged in the 2020 Bobcat Fire, which burned 115,796 acres. As of June 2023, restored sections have reopened, but expect washouts, downed trees, and variable trail conditions, particularly between Little Jimmy and the Islip parking areas. Check current conditions with Angeles National Forest before starting.
Heat exposure: Extreme summer heat plus limited shade on the exposed ridgeline sections is a real 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 is hard on hikers coming from sea level. Snow lingers on north slopes and the summit area through May, and 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, so watch your footing and hand placements. Mountain lions are present but rarely encountered.
Navigation: The main trail is generally well-marked, but the Bobcat Fire damaged sections, and the many intersections with the PCT, side trails, and Angeles Crest Highway crossings (eight total) call for careful navigation. Download offline maps and carry a physical map.
Creek crossings: West Fork and tributary crossings can be tricky during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain. Most are rock-hop or wade crossings, but flow can turn dangerous during major storms.
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, where your car must be completely behind the white line or you will be ticketed or 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 information or trail angel contacts. Most hikers arrange private shuttles, use ride-sharing, or set up car shuttles with hiking partners. The drive between trailheads takes roughly 90 minutes via Angeles Crest Highway when the road is open.
Nearest airports: Los Angeles International (LAX) and Burbank (BUR) are both approximately 60-90 minutes from Chantry Flat.
Camp selection strategy: Little Jimmy Campground is the best camp on the route: 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 have picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. All are hike-in only.
Timing: Most thru-hikers finish 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, so you do the harder climbing while you are fresh.
Baden-Powell strategy: Summit early in the day to beat afternoon thunderstorms in summer, or to catch sunrise views. The final 2-3 miles to the summit are the steepest, a long run of switchbacks through ancient limber pines.
Water cache: Some hikers cache water at the Angeles Crest Highway road crossings, but this takes advance logistics and caches are not always intact thanks to theft or wildlife.
The forgotten trail: Few hikers know this route exists despite being minutes from 10 million people. Enjoy the solitude, but remember 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 a good finish to the trip. The hardware store keeps a list of locals who host hikers, a rare bit of Southern California trail magic.
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