Pallett via Burkhart Trail and Pleasant View Ridge

The route typically starts near Buckhorn Campground. Parking is available there, but you will likely need an Adventure Pass for your vehicle. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for cleaning up after them. Be mindful of the challenging terrain and potential hazards like poodle-dog bush, which can irritate paws.

Spring (April-May) is excellent for wildflowers and seeing Cooper Canyon Falls at its fullest due to snowmelt, though higher elevations may still have snow and ice. Fall offers cooler temperatures and clear views. Summer can be very hot and exposed, requiring extra water. Winter can bring significant snow, making parts of the trail impassable without proper gear like crampons.

While there isn't a specific hiking permit for the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness itself, you will need an Adventure Pass for parking at the trailhead, which is located within the Angeles National Forest. These passes can be purchased at ranger stations or authorized vendors.

The terrain is highly varied and challenging. The lower Burkhart Trail is mostly shaded and follows a creek, often muddy. As you ascend, it becomes a steep, continuous climb with sparse shade, loose dirt, and narrow paths. The Pleasant View Ridge section is particularly rugged, with steep ridgelines, 'use trails,' and sections that can feel like 'choose your own adventure.' Expect significant elevation changes throughout.

Highlights include the serene Buckhorn Campground, the scenic Cooper Canyon Falls on the lower Burkhart Trail, and the rewarding summits of Will Thrall Peak and Pleasant View Ridge, which offer expansive mountain and desert vistas.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of several official trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the High Desert National Recreation Trail, the Silver Moccasin Trail (NRT), and the PCT - California Section D. The Burkhart Trail itself is a significant component of the route.

The scenery is diverse, transitioning from lush, wooded canyons reminiscent of the High Sierra with sequoia and pine trees along the lower Burkhart Trail, to open, rocky slopes with sweeping mountain vistas. Higher up, you'll get panoramic views of the San Gabriels, the desert, and the Antelope Valley, including the unique tilted rock layers of Devil's Punchbowl. You'll also see areas recovering from past wildfires.

Portions of the trail, particularly the upper Burkhart Trail and Pleasant View Ridge, may show burn scars from the 2020 Bobcat fire and effects from the 2023 Hilary storm. This can mean blowdowns (fallen trees), narrow paths on loose dirt, and steep drop-offs. Be cautious of poodle-dog bush, which can cause skin irritation, and be prepared for potential hard snow and ice on northern slopes during cooler months.

This route is generally considered difficult and is not recommended for beginners or young children. The significant elevation changes, rugged terrain, and steep sections require a good level of fitness and hiking experience. The lower Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls is more moderate, but the full route is very strenuous.

While this trail can offer solitude, especially on weekdays, if you're looking for alternatives, the Angeles National Forest has numerous other trails. For a less strenuous option, consider just hiking the lower Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls. For other challenging hikes in the area, consult local trail guides or the Angeles National Forest website for options that might suit your preference for solitude.