Stoddard Peak, Angeles National Forest

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

• Adventure (parking) Pass required.
• NO restrooms.
• Parking lot is small BUT you can drive down the dirt trail road for more parking or park along main road. Pay attention to signs!!!
• Road is very rocky, uneven and dusty. Use caution with your car if you decide to follow it down. 
• There are private cabins at the beginning of the trail. Please be respectful.
• Turn off is easy to miss--refer to pix below. 
• Last 1/4 of hike, up the hill to the peak, is sort of over grown and will have brush. Long sleeves and pants recommended.

This was my first time on this trail. I hiked with a group of women who are also members of Girls Who Hike LA. My goal for this year is to attend at least one group hike a month with this awesome community.  

This hike is a nice, moderate, mid-level hike. 6.2 miles round trip--though with missing the turn, I think we did about 7 miles. From the parking lot, take the road along the left. TO the right of the parking lot is a preserve sign and boulders blocking an asphalt fire road. That is NOT the trail you take to Stoddard Peak. After you head down the dusty, gravel covered road, you will pass a woodsy, cabin community. There are residents and private property. As always, please be respectful. 

Most of the trail is uphill and covered in bark and acorn hats combined with slippery gravel and rocks.



There is a nice amount of tree canopy at first but eventually the trail becomes full sun. As the landscape changes, be aware of the turn off (see pix below). It is very easy to miss. We missed it the first time but another hiker had a map that we could consult to realize our mistake. 

The trail is primarily dry but there are at least 2 creek crossings near the beginning of the hike. The water was very shallow and I can imagine it drying up in the heat of summer. The creek was wide in one spot so we moved to the left to cross at a narrow spot. 

The tricky part is the last quarter mile or so. You turn right from the trail and head up the hill. The brush is very over grown and the trail is easily missed. This is where you need to be sure you are wearing long sleeves and pants, suitable for hiking. This part of the trail is also full sun.

As you reach the first peak, you may be tempted to stop here. This is NOT Stoddard Peak. The trail for SP continues along 2 peaks before you reach Stoddard. The 2nd peak requires you to gingerly go around the back of a large boulder peak. You will follow it around the boulder and continue on to the next peak.

Don't miss this turn out!!

Stoddard peak has  triangular metal sign that seems to be some sort of marker. In the center of that last peak, there is a rusted old can. Open it up to reveal a log book. Be sure to sign your name!

Get up that hill!!!

NOT Stoddard Peak
BUT one of the peaks you will pass
on your way to it. 

I normally do not like hikes without some sort of water feature, especially a water fall, at the end. This hike, though, was great. Of course I was in good company but also because it's not that strenuous and there was a creek to cross and the views at the top of Stoddard Peak are breath taking.
Oh, depending on what time and season you do this hike, the water levels may vary, parking can be scarce and the mountain can be cold. I was freezing in the parking lot while we waited for other group members to arrive. I warmed up quickly enough though.

Standing atop Stoddard Peak.