Mount Hillyer via Silver Moccasin Trail

There are a couple of popular starting points. One common access is from between the Chilao Visitor Center and Chilao Campground. Another option is a shorter route available from Horse Flats Campground. Both areas offer parking for trail access.

Yes, as this trail is located within the Angeles National Forest, you will likely need an Adventure Pass for parking. It's always a good idea to check the latest regulations with the Angeles National Forest service before your visit for any specific permit requirements or fees.

Generally, trails in the Angeles National Forest, including this one, are dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you pack out all waste to keep the trail clean for everyone.

The trail offers a rewarding experience throughout much of the year. Spring and fall typically provide the most pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so an early start is recommended. Winter hikes are possible but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations.

The trail typically starts as a dirt single track, winding through pine forests and chaparral. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes more rugged with large granite boulders and thick tree trunks, especially on the Mount Hillyer Trail section. While generally moderate, some parts can be steep, and footing might be unstable due to frequent use. Trekking poles can be beneficial for stability.

You'll be treated to diverse scenery. Early on, enjoy westward views overlooking Chilao Campground and Big Tujunga Canyon. The path also goes through shaded areas of Jeffrey pines and aromatic sage. Near the summit of Mount Hillyer, you'll find sweeping eastward panoramas over pine treetops toward Mount Waterman and Twin Peaks, as well as views of Pleasant View Ridge, Winston Ridge, and Winston Peak. The landscape is colorful with manzanita, buckwheat, and coyote bush.

Yes, while the Komoot route starts near Chilao, a common route from between Chilao Visitor Center and Chilao Campground is about 6.25 miles round trip with approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain, taking around 3 hours and 15 minutes. A shorter option is a 1.33-mile route to the summit from Horse Flats Campground, involving a 575-foot ascent.

Yes, the route is a segment of the historic Silver Moccasin Trail, a 53-mile route in the San Gabriel Mountains. This specific Komoot tour also utilizes sections of the Silver Moccasin Trail (NRT), Mount Hillyer Trail, Silver Moccasin NRT, and Horse Flats Road.

No, Mount Hillyer is notable for being one of the easier summits to reach in the high country of the San Gabriel Mountains. While the trail is rated moderate and can have steep, rugged sections, it's a popular choice for those seeking mountain views without extreme difficulty.

The Silver Moccasin Trail, of which this route is a part, was originally a series of Native American paths. It was later established by the Boy Scouts of America in 1942, with scouts earning the Silver Moccasin Award for completing the full 53-mile route. The area also has connections to historical figures like the bandit Vasquez, who reportedly used local rock formations as a hideout.

Given the moderate difficulty and varied terrain, we recommend bringing plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability on rugged sections. Always check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.