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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very easy hike, and a summit that small children can attain. It is a strolling trail through some chaparral near the trailhead, but that changes quickly. It becomes a boulder strewn forest in no time. A forest, I might add which is strikingly beautiful and unique to this part of the Angeles. This is prime mountain biking country, and the trail is a bit worn and wide in places. So if you do bring small children on a busy day, watch out for bikers. This is also bear country, with lots of current ursine activity, so be wary of them as well. I always try to make noise to avoid unexpected encounters. If you blink, you might miss the top, but once you are near you will have great views of Big Tujunga Canyon to the West, Twin Peaks and Mt. Waterman to the East, Pacifico staring you into the face to the north. I took this as a sunset hike, which was beautiful. The boulders off to the left of the summit were a nice place to enjoy the twilight. Trailhead: Take the Angeles Crest Highway East from La Canada to Three points. There is no sign for this, but it is approximately 1.5 miles from the restaurant and 5 miles east of Chilao. The sign for the road says Santa Clara Division Camps, Sulphur Springs, and PCT parking. The closer sign says Bandido campground, and Horse Flats campground. Follow the road for two and a half miles to the turn off to Horse Flats Campground. Drive to the east end of the loop road and park near the trailhead. This is where the Silver Moccasin trail meets the Mt. Hillyer trail. It should be very easy to find. (Lat:34.34944 Lon:-118.01583) Trail Guides for Mt. Hillyer Trail - from Horse Flats: Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) Trails of the Angeles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest (626)574-1613 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ron on 5/28/2008 Did this hike yesterday (26 may 08) with my two boys (10 & 7, the wife had to work) Started from the parking lot down from the Chileo Visitor Center. Nice overcast day with a little left over snow from the recent storm. Boys loved playing at Horse Flats and climbing on all the giant bolders. Another great day in the mountains!
Reviewed by Ron on 4/23/2008 The wife and I did this hike today (4-23-08), we started about a 1/4 a mile down from the visitor center at Chilao. We started at 0825 and were back at the car at 1130. We had never been on this trail so it was a pleasant surprise, nice trail to horse flats and then up through the boulders. It was a nice day and a very scenic hike. We didn't find a summit register and walked past the summit to where the trail drops down towards the Santa Clara Divide Road to extend the hike. We snooped around again on the way back but didn't find anything. What a nice way to spend our 25th wedding anniversary! 
Reviewed by SL on 1/3/2008 When me and pooch are looking for a quick fix, we hike here. Alot of open space for us to play chase. It reminds me of Castle Rock in Big Bear, but flatter. It's quiet every time we go. This hike is like your local foothill wishing it was way the hell away from the city. ps. pick up after your pooch, don't be lazy!
Reviewed by Tala on 11/18/2007 Chose this one because it was nice and short. However, the gate was closed at the Christian camp, so this added about 1 mile each direction on the road. We actually missed the trail to the peak, instead ended up on the ridge trail. Using a GPS, we went off trail over the ridge and found where the trail should have been, but no trail was evident. It was a nice hike anyway, and the ridge trail is easy to find and follow.
Reviewed by Travis on 8/20/2007 I hiked this except took a different route than shown on the topo. I followed the trail straight up to the ridge and then followed the ridge north. I was not aware of the other route and did not notice the turnoff from the main trail. Loved the Granite Boulders and morning views. The route I took is definitely for everyone, including children. Here is more info including Map of my route: www.gpsmountaineering.com/mounthillyer
Reviewed by PKA on 7/16/2007 My girlfriend and I went as far as the Horse Flat Campground from Chilao for a sunset hike. Its hard to believe that such a place exists so close to downtown LA. I leave Hillyer and the surrounding trails for other days, but this little stretch is worth another visit or two all by itself. The San Gabriel range provides a great deal for us all.
Reviewed by cycletod on 3/4/2007 hiked this trail this morning with my daughter. we left chilao about 8 and made it to the top and back by 11. lots of snow patches. beautiful morning for a stroll past horse flats and on up the rocks. i would recommend this trail to any body.
Reviewed by Dwight on 2/10/2007 A friend and I hiked this trail starting at the locked gate at Chilao Visitors Center at the highway. This added one mile each way to our hike. We had to park at the small parking area on the highway between Chilao and the Devils Canyon parking area. The hike is well described in the various books (McKinney; Robinson; Stienstra). We started at 8am and it took us 2 hours with the added mileage. On the way up we didn't see anyone but we ran into mountain bikers and a scout troop on the way down. The weather was outstanding, with a light cloud cover and sunny skies. Not typical for winter. No snow or ice. The trail was very well maintained, and marked well. The summit is a pile of boulders on the left of the trail, Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||