Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail

Located 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading northeast for 35 miles. Parking is located 1 mile past the Mt Waterman Ski Resort on the north side of the road.

After parking walk south toward the yellow gate, passing the sign for Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard club. Once through the gate continue about 800 feet down the road until you come to an opening, here you should see a set of tow-ropes strung along the trees in different directions. Members of the Buckhorn Ski and Snowboard Club use the tow-ropes like chairlifts, powered by motorcycle engines the ropes are strung together in a pulley system taking skiers and snowboarders to the top of the different “ski runs” on the hill.

From the base of the ski hill turn east towards the Buckhorn Lodge and begin following a ridge trail that begins to switchback up the hill. About a quarter of a mile from where you started you will reach an engraved wooden bench dedicated to Buckhorn and his friends.

The trail turns south climbing 1 mile to the top of the ski hill. If the trail is too covered by snow to follow just look for the rope tows, they lead to the top.  At the top of the hill you will see a shack where multiple of the tow-ropes converge, at this point you have hiked 1.6 miles and reached the half way point of your adventure. From here you have two choices of getting back down; 1 turnaround and follow your tracks back down the ridge, or 2 link up with the Mt Waterman Hiking Trail traveling west. To make a complete loop head west  and follow the Mt Waterman Hiking Trail for 1 mile back to the main highway and the parking area.