Sulphur Springs Campground from Three Points

Note: As of 2/14/21, this trailhead is closed due to the Bobcat Fire. For more information, click here.

Sulphur Springs Campround from Three Points

• • Location: Three Points Trail Head, Angeles National Forest. From I-210 in La Canada Flintridge, take the Angeles Crest Highway (highway 2) northeast for 28.4 miles. Turn left on Sulphur Springs Road and into a large parking lot with restrooms, a picnic table and an information board signed “Three Points.” A United States Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest/Santa Clarita & Mojave Rivers Ranger District
  • Distance:  7.2 miles
  • Elevation gain: 900 feet
  • Suggested time: 3.5 hours
  • Difficulty rating: PG-13 (Distance)
  • Best season: Year round but hot during the summer and possible snow and ice during the winter; check conditions before going
  • USGS topo map: Waterman Mountian
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles (if there is snow);  sun hat
  • More information: Trail map here; Map My Hike report here; trip descriptions here and here
  • Rating: 7

The Three Points Trail Head in the middle country of the Angeles National Forest holds the distinction of being the Pacific Crest Trail’s closest major access point to downtown L.A. For much of its run through the San Bernardino Mountains and San Gabriels, the northbound P.C.T. goes west, but at Three Points it turns north and begins its gradual descent toward the high desert. The scenic if somewhat tame hike to the Sulphur Springs Campground is one of the easiest day trips to make on the P.C.T. for hikers who live near downtown, the San Fernando Valley or the San Gabriel Valley.

Leave the parking area and almost immediately pick up the Pacific Crest Trail on the right side of Sulphur Springs Road. It meanders along an east-facing slope dotted with granite boulders, taking in views of Winston Ridge, Pleasant View Ridge and Mt. Waterman. At 0.9 miles, it makes a sharp left turn and begins descending through pines, cedars and black oaks, meeting an abandoned dirt road. Follow the road for a short distance before the P.C.T. splits off, making a hard right and dropping back into the woods (one and three quarters miles from the start).

The trail crosses a seasonal stream and then climbs briefly to an exposed ridge, with views of Bare Mountain to the north and Pacifico Mountain northwest. At about three miles from the start, the trail passes by an attractive, pine-dotted bowl and crosses the headwaters of Little Rock Creek’s south fork. Soon after, you reach a junction. Stay right and follow the P.C.T. toward Sulphur Springs Road. Just before you reach it, look for a use trail on the right leading a few dozen yards to the campground.

Sulphur Springs Campground is attractive and secluded, with several picnic tables nestled beneath the tall pines and the trickle of Little Rock Creek nearby. After enjoying the serenity, retrace your steps back uphill to Three Points.

Text and photography copyright 2016 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.