Trailhead: South Fork Trailhead

Trail: High Desert Trail from South Fork to Devil’s Chair

View of the trailhead for the High Desert Trail from the parking area at South Fork (12-30-2017).

Route Description: From the parking area at South Fork (north of the campground), follow the High Desert Trail south along the South Fork of Big Rock Creek which is dry late in the year. Within sight of the trailhead, there is a junction. Follow the High Desert Trail to Burkhart Trail. Although many might find the signage confusing, the arrow is pointing in the correct direction continuing up along Big Rock Creek.

View of the junction near the South Fork Trailhead (12-30-2017).

The trail will cross the creek before passing the campground. Across the creek, the trail will make a u-turn and wind it’s way up to a saddle before descending down and crossing Holcomb Canyon where there was still enough water in the creek to filter when I hiked this in December of 2017. As a result, I think the creek is a possible a year-round water source. I say a possible year-round water source because I saw water in the San Gabriel River at West Fork this year but not last year. The trail then heads uphill to a junction with the Devil’s Chair Trail.

Junction of the Devil’s Chair Trail and the High Desert Trail–A.K.A. South Fork Trail–(12-30-2017).

Follow the Devil’s Chair Trail to Devil’s Chair and then retrace your steps to South Fork.

Track Map for South Fork to Devil’s Chair from December 2017 using Backcountry Navigator (US Forest Service-2013 map) from my phone.

Stats: 6 miles, 1350′ of gain and loss.

Last Hiked:12-30-2017

Points of Interest:

• Devil’s Chair

Devil’s Chair (12-30-2017).