Los Angeles: Vulture Crags
Jagged sandstone cliffs, glorious wildflowers, and deep canyons seem endless on this 9-mile out-and-back ridgeline run in Cleveland National Forest.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.3
Waypoints
VCT001
Location: 33.6997985839844, -117.635009765625
Begin on the Modjeska Grade Rd., and hike N to Santiago Truck trailhead
VCT002
Location: 33.7027206420898, -117.63639831543
At gate, go L toward the electrical towers, following the lesser-traveled ridge trail
VCT003
Location: 33.704418182373, -117.631507873535
Rock shrine with 360-degree views
VCT004
Location: 33.7040748596191, -117.629890441895
Turn L, keeping on rocky ridge
VCT005
Location: 33.7037734985352, -117.621040344238
In season, hillside blooms in vibrant bright purple lupin and red Indian paintbrush
VCT006
Location: 33.7007637023926, -117.613891601562
Fine lookout with a big, flat, grassy area to enjoy the mountain views
VCT007
Location: 33.6997833251953, -117.608711242676
L @ Y up to the ridge
VCT008
Location: 33.6980934143066, -117.606346130371
Small unnamed peak with great view
VCT009
Location: 33.6948852539062, -117.59748840332
Old roosting site for endangered California condor; look across canyon to Vulture Crags
VCT010
Location: 33.6907157897949, -117.581703186035
Good turnaround spot. For a weekend outing, keep going; trail continues to wind upward and deeper into remote canyons of Cleveland National Forest.