This was definitely my favorite hike for 2023! On November 27th, I decided to go check out Mt. Waterman. 🏔️ I recently heard it was finally reopened after 1.5 years. The reason there had been no access was because Highway 2 was closed at Red Box. 🚧 It poured rain the day before, which is great for hiking, but they actually closed Highway 2 that morning. ☔ I didn't get the notice until I was exiting the 134 frwy. 😅 I ended up finding an alternative route via Hwy 2 to Angeles Crest Hwy to Upper Big Tujunga Hwy and back onto Hwy 2. 🚗 It was a really long, scenic drive, but the rest of the day made it totally worth it.
The hike started in dense fog and eventually cleared up halfway through the day. 🌫️ The hike also starts off in a major burn area caused by the 2020 Bobcat fire. 🔥 It proceeds across the front-south side of Mt. Waterman, and I eventually started the steep slope up to the peak via the East side near Mt. Waterman Saddle. ⛰️ At the peak, there are a few piles of boulders, but the surveyor's marker can be found on the top of one of the highest boulders. 🗻 From there, I beelined it across the top ridge directly west back to the truck. This ridge run was the best part of the trail! 🌲 Not affected by the fire, it was heavily forested and had beautiful views on both sides. There are also a large number of boulders to navigate around and not a very clear trail. It was exciting and different than what I have been accustomed to because it wasn't traveled in a very long time. Overall, this was one of my favorite hikes of the year, and I am excited to share it with you all! 🥾