Kratka Ridge

Kratka Ridge, photo by Sharon Moore

Old ski lift cabin on the summit of Kratka Ridge, photo by Sunny Yi

Old ski lift on Kratka Ridge, photo by Sunny Yi

Kratka Ridge, photo by Steve Russell

Kratka Ridge, Photo by Sharon Moore.

Peak Name

Kratka Ridge

14K

Elevation

7515

feet

Status

active

Region

South Of Angeles Crest Hwy 2

Range

San Gabriel Mountains

Nearby peaks

Location

34.346827,-117.899299

Description

This peak and the ski area that operated here below the ridge until 2000, Kratka Ridge was named after a local family the USGS surveyor camped with when he was there, showing how in those days it did not take a lot to get a peak named after you. This peak is part of a ridge that runs all the way to Waterman Mountain and can be combined with a cross country use trail hike to that peak as well.

Route 1 is a short hike that begins at the Vista Picnic Ground, but don’t expect any signage, so follow the mileages in the driving directions. Route 2 begins across the street from the Buckhorn Campground exit, a short walk from Buckhorn Spring. Parking in that turnout is easy and the ridge climb to the top is a moderately steep cross country journey.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1

Elevation Gain

700′

Navigation Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

1 1/2 miles round trip on road and use trail

Estimated time

1 1/2 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, easy

Leader Rating Required

“O”, normal conditions

Driving route

From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Keep straight.
Continue about 4.5 miles to the junction with the Mount Wilson Road at the Red Box Ranger Station. Keep straight.
Continue 22 miles farther on Angeles Crest Highway to the Vista Picnic Ground on the right (south). Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (6800′), hike south through the picnic ground about 200 yards to the ridge.
Turn west, picking up an old logging road along the north side of the ridge.
Continue about 1/2 mile to a shallow saddle with a rocky prominence on the right.
Turn left here and follow a use trail directly up the slope, then follow an old dirt roadbed around to the right to the top of the ski lift.
Directly behind the ski lift, climb the ridge about 200 yards, past a picnic table, to the summit.

Route Notes

Printable Route

Road Type

Paved

Google Maps Link to Trailhead

Route 2- From Buckhorn Campground

Elevation Gain

965′

Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Distance

2 miles round trip cross-country

Estimated time

1 1/2 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, easy

Leader Rating Required

“I”, normal conditions

Driving route

From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Keep straight.
Continue about 4.5 miles to the junction with the Mount Wilson Road at the Red Box Ranger Station. Keep straight.
Continue 20.9 miles farther on Angeles Crest Highway to the exit from Buckhorn Campground. Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (6550′), cross the highway and hike east up the ridge, passing elevation 7420′ on the left, to the summit.

Route Notes

Printable Route