Silver Moccasin Trail, National Recreation Trail in Los Angeles County, US.
The Silver Moccasin Trail is a hiking route through the San Gabriel Mountains spanning 53 miles from Chantry Flat to Vincent Gap on Angeles Crest Highway. The path features multiple entry points, campgrounds, and junctions with other forest trails while climbing to 9,399 feet at Mount Baden-Powell.
The route originated from Native American paths through the San Gabriel Mountains before the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts established it as an official trail in 1942. This Scout connection has defined the path ever since.
Boy Scout groups travel this route during multi-day hiking expeditions to earn the Silver Moccasins Award, a recognition for physical achievement. The trail serves as a meaningful backdrop for young people to test their endurance and build outdoor skills.
The trail demands solid physical preparation and several days to complete, with varying difficulty levels depending on which section you choose. Water sources and shelter are limited, so advance planning and self-sufficiency are important.
The trail passes through distinct ecological zones with dramatic elevation shifts, moving from dry chaparral slopes to dense pine forests within hours of hiking. This variety of landscapes over a short distance is uncommon in Southern California.
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