Mt Hawkins Loop Hike (Hawkins, Middle, and South Mount Hawkins)

13 miles - Hard Effort
5-7 Hours (Total)
3,750 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 8,850 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

This challenging and lightly-trodden loop hike offers three summits along the route: Mt Hawkins, Middle Hawkins, and South Mount Hawkins. The hike offers sweeping views of the peaks of Angeles National Forest, an interesting history, beautiful trails, a long descent down Hawkins Ridge, and three different peaks to bag from the Sierra Club's 100 Peaks list. Escape the crowds on the nearby peaks and give the Mt Hawkins loop a try.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn by Turn Directions
How to Get to the Mt Hawkins Trailhead
Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

Many other guides take in only Hawkins Ridge and South Mt Hawkins. This guide is about 1.5 miles longer and also offers Mount Hawkins, which offers great views and is worth the extra mileage.

Getting to the Trailhead

The hike starts in the Crystal Lake campground area, at the Windy Gap Trailhead. The area can be confusing, with lots of roads and some inaccurate trailheads listed on Google Maps. Finding the big trailhead parking lot is not a big deal once you know where you are going. Here are the actual parking lot coordinates:

34°19'36.3"N 117°49'56.2"W
34.326736, -117.832283

If your automotive GPS can't get to those coordinates easily, just navigate to the Crystal Lake Visitor's Center and then follow the map below.

Crystal Lake Visitor's Center, 9877 N Crystal Lake Rd, Azusa, CA 91702

Once you're at the Visitor's Center, use this map to get to the Windy Gap trailhead parking lot.

Mt Hawkins Hike Parking Map

Sometimes the gate to the campgrounds (just past the Visitor's Center) is closed. If that's the case, park in the big lot just east of the Visitor's Center and walk up to the trailhead (about 10 mins).

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 2 — The parking lot across the street from the Windy Gap trailhead is massive.

You need a parks pass or Adventure Pass to park at Crystal Lake.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 3 — There are bathrooms by the trailhead parking.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 4 — The trailhead is right across the street from the big parking area.

Gear For the Hike

This is a tough backcountry hike and, I recommend being prepared for all conditions. Water is seasonal, and there's no great sources right off the trail, so I recommend bringing everything that you will drink (probably around 2-3L).

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Mt Hawkins Loop Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

The hike does the bulk of the climbing in the first half, hitting Mt Hawkins first. From there it's a long downhill stretch with two small climbs to Middle Hawkins and South Mount Hawkins.

Hike Landmarks

Landmark	Distance	Elevation
Trailhead	0	5840
Windy Gap	2.5	7588
Mount Hawkins	4.5	8850
Middle Hawkins	5.8	8505
South Mount Hawkins	8.5	7783
Windy Gap Trailhead	13	5840

3D Map

Hike Brief

South Mt Hawkins Fire Tower — You['ll see the ruins of this fire tower on South Mount Hawkins, which burned down in the Curve Fire. Photo Fire Lookouts: The Early Years (Volume 1)

There used to be an all-wood fire tower on South Mount Hawkins. It was originally erected on nearby Mt Islip in 1927, but then moved to South Mount Hawkins in 1937. The tower burned down in the 2002 Curve Fire. You'll be able to see the concrete base and ruins of it on the hike. The Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association tried to raise money to rebuild it, but the road to the tower was abandoned by the Forest Service and the plans were scrapped.
The 2002 Curve Fire destroyed much of the area that this hike goes through. You'll still see burnt trees and cleared hillsides, evidence of the destruction. The area has bounced back nicely though.
Mount Hawkins, South Mount Hawkins, and Middle Hawkins are allegedly named after Nellie Hawkins, popular waitress at the Squirrel Inn from 1901 to 1906 who, according to historian John Robinson, "charmed and attracted miners, hunters, and campers." She must have been quite something.

Squirrel Inn 2 — The Squirrel Inn in 1904. Is that forth blob from the right Nellie Hawkins? Could be! Photo: Azusa Herald - October 20, 1937

The Squirrel Inn, which is a great name, is no longer there, so don't go looking for squirrel pie after your hike. Today the Coldbrook Campground stands on the site where it was located.
There's an unofficial fourth Hawkins peak called Sadie Hawkins Peak. It's not an official peak or particularly exciting, but I'll show you where it is if you want to look.
This loop used to be hiked by the Sierra Club as a "Sadie Hawkins Day" outing (but they also bagged Throop Peak). You can read a funny LA Times account of the hike from 1946 where the reporter who was tagging along bellyaches about how hard the hike is.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 7 — Cross the road.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 8 — The trail continues on the other side of the road and has another trail sign. Next stop, Windy Gap, 2.1 miles UP.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 9 — As you climb you'll be able to see down toward Crystal Lake. Or the marine layer as you see here.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 10 — When you reach South Mount Hawkins Road, cross over to continue the trail. You'll be coming back down this road (from the right) at the end of the hike.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 11 — Here's the trail across from the road, which again, is very well marked.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 12 — Right after that last junction you'll reach the junction of the Big Cienega Trail, which is a hard left. Just go straight to continue on the Windy Gap Trail.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 13 — This section of trail has some long windy switchbacks and is steep, but easy to establish a rhythm on. As you can see, the trail is well maintained. As you climb you'll start to get views of Mt Wilson behind you.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 14 — After 2.5 miles you'll reach Windy Gap. Make the hard right here.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 15 — From Windy Gap we'll be taking the PCT to Mount Hawkins. Head toward Hawkins Ridge Trail. Notice that all the PCT emblems are stolen, everywhere.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 16 — This section of the PCT is really beautiful as you hike gently up a ridge. Lots of great views of the high peaks in Angeles National Forest.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 17 — When you reach the junction of Hawkins Ridge Trail on your right, go straight to bag Mount Hawkins. We'll be coming back here right after we bag the peak.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 18 — Follow the PCT as it winds around the north side of Mount Hawkins (seen in the upper left of the photo here).

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 19 — Look for the use trail cutting back to the right which goes to the Mount Hawkins summit.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 20 — While not a main trail, the path to the summit is easy to follow.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 21 — Here you are, the summit. In the distance are Mount Waterman and the Twin Peaks, Strawberry Peak, and Mt Wilson.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 22 — Looking back you'll see Mt Baden Powell and Mt Baldy.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 23 — You'll also get a nice view of Hawkins Ridge, Middle Hawkins and South Mount Hawkins, which will be the next stops on this loop hike.

From the summit of Mt Hawkins, head back to the Hawkins Ridge Trail junction.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 24 — When you hike back to the Hawkins Ridge junction, beware of the side trail to Lily Spring, which is off to the right and is easily mistaken for the main trail.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 25 — When you get to Hawkins Ridge Trail, head left onto it. It's about 2 miles until you get to South Mount Hawkins.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 26 — The Hawkins Ridge Trail is probably the most primitive of all the trails today, but it's still very easy to follow.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 27 — Okay, here's the start of the climb to Middle Hawkins. To bag the summit, go on the steep trail that's straight. When you're done, head back to this junction and hike back on the main trail.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 28 — The climb to Middle Hawkins is steep and might be painful after all the descending that you just did.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 29 — Here you are, the summit of Middle Hawkins. Soak it in and head back down to the junction to continue on the ridge trail.

The OSM maps show the Hawkins Ridge Trail going straight down the ridge from Middle Hawkins summit, which is not the case (at least anymore). I recommend heading back down the way you came from Middle Hawkins and then continuing on the trail. The GPX file and map in this guide correctly documents the trail, even though it doesn't match the OSM trail.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 30 — Once you're back on the trail it follows the eastern slope of Hawkins Ridge.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 31 — Expect spectacular views as the trail winds its way along the ridgeline. The bump in the distance is Sadie Hawkins. When you get close, just go off trail and climb up if you want to bag it.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 32 — This part of the trail is one of my favorites, with sweeping views south and west.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 33 — The trail heads through a meadow. You can see evidence of the 2002 Curve Fire here.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 34 — After the meadow you'll pop out to face South Mount Hawkins, the last peak of the hike.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 35 — Avoid the old road up the hill and hike on the path to the left.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 36 — When you get to the saddle, go straight and bear left. You'll be coming back down to this junction on the way down.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 37 — After bearing left at the junction, you'll see a trail and a road. We're taking the trail up, and the road back down.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 38 — Heres the start of the last stretch of trail up to South Mount Hawkins.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 39 — This last section of trail is small and primitive, but easy to follow.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 40 — You'll reach the old road and pop out at the summit. There's a radio shack to the right, and the tower ruins to the left.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 41 — Explore the old ruins of the fire tower while you enjoy the views.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 42 — My favorite ruin is the old toilet with views of Mt Baldy in the distance.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 43 — When you're done at the summit, head down the fire road back to the saddle. The start of the road is in the back of the summit.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 44 — When you get back to the saddle, head left onto the old road.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 45 — This used to be the road to the fire tower, and was abandoned by the Forest Service after the fire tower burned down. So it's not much of a road anymore.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 46 — You've got a nice long cruise down the old road. Some people find this boring, but I've hiked much worse. The views are great and the long "cruisey" downhill will be welcomed by your legs.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 47 — Some sections of the old road have washouts, but hikers before you have picked out paths through the debris.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 48 — When you get to the junction with the Windy Gap Traill that you passed through earlier, go left.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 49 — Head back down the Windy Gap Trail that you were on at the beginning of the hike.

Mt Hawkins Loop Hike Directions 50 — And soon you arrive back at the trailhead where you started!

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.