For Summitpost members, Stockton Flat offers a somewhat remote, relatively quiet place to stay and stage ascents of local peaks from.

From Stockton Flat, you can climb Telegraph peak and Thunder Mountain via Coldwater Canyon, which offers some nice class 3-4 climbs in the winter, conditions permitting. I've never seen another soul in the canyon when I climb, and I enjoy the solitude.

You can take the creekbed west, which offers direct access to Mt Harwood's steep north face couloirs, Pine Mountain, Dawson Peak, and Mount San Antonio. An ascent of Mt San Antonio by the main canyon leading west is mostly class 2 with some scrambling, and despite this being the San Gabriels, there is some solid rock along the way which offers good and solid foot and handholds. A stream runs through this canyon, and there are some nice small waterfalls that cut through the rock.

To the north lies the small HPS peak named Gobbler's Knob, and the Pacific Crest Trail.

There are no facilities in this campground. When the creek has water running through it, water resupply is easy. When that runs down, Coldwater Canyon to the south offers a more reliable natural source of water.

Mount Harwood from Stockton Flat

Campfires can be made at yellow-post sites in the area. See THIS LINK for more information regarding the matter.

Getting There

While there are multiple methods of entry into this area, the most obvious and easiest way is via Sierra Avenue.

From south of Cajon Pass, take the 15 freeway north, exit Sierra. Sierra has multiple names on maps, such as Lytle Creek Road, Stockton Flat Road, Baldy Road, etc. The number for this road is 3N06. Take 3N06 up through the canyon (northwest).

Stockton Flat is the prominent flat area reached just before 3N06 makes a left turn (heading south) and ascends the mountain to Baldy Notch. There is a knocked-down white gate at this point. You know you've gone too far if you cannot see the riverbed on your right side.

Waterfall in canyon leading to Mt San Antonio

Images