Burnt Peak

Overview

Burnt Peak is located in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California. Burnt Peak is located east of I-5 , southeast of Gorman, and west of Lancaster. It is not as tall as many of the highest peaks in nearby mountains, however, it is ranked 94th on the Prominence List for California. Burnt Peak has several communications towers on its summit and also has an FAA facility on the summit. From the summit on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Burnt Peak does get snow cover during the occasional winter storms in the area. The hillsides are mostly brush covered and are home to deer and mountain lions. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby at the trailhead for Burnt Peak. Parking and hiking in the nearby areas may require the Adventure Pass , however, it is not required to access or hike Burnt Peak.

Getting There

I approached Burnt Peak from Lancaster and Lake Hughes. The area can also be approached from I-5 near Gorman and Highway 138. Take Pine Canyon Road from Lake Hughes west about 5 miles to the Bushnell Summit. Turn left on a dirt forest service road that is signed as 7N23. 7N23 parallels Pine Canyon Road for a couple hundred feet before turning more westerly. Follow this road for 2.1 miles as it climbs steeply up to the trailhead at elevation 5,240ft. As you reach the trailhead area, you enter a large flat area with plenty of parking. 7N23 continues to the right. 7N08 goes to the right and straight ahead is Burnt Peak and the access road to the summit. You can also get to the trailhead by using 7N08 or from finding the other end of 7N23 and driving up to the trailhead.

Red Tape

There is no Red Tape for access or climbing Burnt Peak. On the summit the communications towers and the FAA facility are off limits, so enjoy the views and don’t mess with the stuff.

For more information about the area contact one of the national forest offices at: Angeles National Forest Contact Information .

Camping

There is camping nearby at Lake Hughes and in the Angeles National Forest Cottonwood Campground .

I car camped at the trailhead. There is a large area with parking for several vehicles. The PCT passes through this parking area.

The summit area of Burnt Peak has flat spots that you could use to pitch a tent among the communication towers also.

When to Climb

Burnt Peak is accessible all year round. During the summer it can be incredibly warm at times, so be prepared. During the winter an occasional snow storm can blanket the area and cause difficulties.

Mountain Conditions

Check the weather forecast before heading into the area for thunderstorms in the summer and snowstorms in the winter. There are frequent forest fires in the area, so contact the Angeles National Forest for current conditions also.

Weather Link for: Lancaster, California

Weather Link for: Gorman, California

Images

View Burnt Peak Image Gallery - 14 Images