Backpacking Bear Creek

Azusa, California

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Details

Distance

12 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Matt Peck

A fun adventure following Bear Creek through the San Gabriel's diverse scenery. This creek runs through moist dense woods, to an open dry desert landscape, and traverses through a canopy of aspens up to the base of Smith Mountain.

You can get to this trail either by hiking a mile down West Fork Trail where it juts off after the second bridge a mile down, or as a continuation of the hike to Smith Mountain, the later of which I did. Depending on where you start, the trial is semi-marked. As it winds, it can become had to know where the trail is, but hankfully some friendly individuals stacked small stones as an indicator that you're going the right way. All in all as long as you follow the stream you'll end up where you want to go and enjoy the REAL wild side of the LA.

This trail is also commonly done as an out-and-back stopping whenever one so chooses, just keep in mind the hike back to your car. I recommend either having a friend drop you off and then pick you up or parking at your desrination and hiking to the trail head, that way it's there waiting for you.

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Backpacking Bear Creek Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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