Location and surroundings
Burnt Peak is a summit in the Sierra Pelona Ridge, part of the Transverse Ranges in California, United States. Administratively it lies in Los Angeles County. At 1,761 m, it is the highest named peak in the ridge and the high point of the range. The mountain rises in forested uplands inside Angeles National Forest, with open ridges, dry slopes and broad views typical of this part of Southern California.
Neighbouring peaks
Several named summits lie close to Burnt Peak, showing how central it is in the ridge:
- Little Burnt Peak — 1,660 m, 0.7 km north
- Sawmill Mountain — 1,672 m, 1.9 km northeast
- Sawtooth Mountain — 1,577 m, 3.3 km southeast
- Schumacher Point — 1,199 m, 5.8 km north
- Redrock Mountain — 1,355 m, 6.3 km southwest
- Liebre Mountain — 1,758 m, 8.9 km northwest
- Warm Springs Mountain — 1,193 m, 9.7 km south
- Red Mountain — 1,213 m, 11.7 km southeast
Liebre Mountain is the nearest peak of almost the same height, while Little Burnt Peak and Sawmill Mountain are the closest neighbours. Burnt Peak is the highest point among them.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest surrounding peaks include Dome Mountain to the west at 21.5 km, Grass Mountain to the east at 15.6 km, and Slide Mountain to the west at 19.2 km. Other high points in the wider view are Bald Mountain to the northwest at 15.3 km, Jupiter Mountain to the southeast at 17.2 km, and Whitaker Peak to the southwest at 18.9 km. From an open summit, these ridges and peaks frame the horizon across the Transverse Ranges.
The range
Burnt Peak is the high point of the Sierra Pelona Ridge, which is part of the Pacific Coast Ranges and the Transverse Ranges of the North American Cordillera. The ridge has 18 named peaks, and Burnt Peak ranks first by elevation within it. The ridge’s highest point is Burnt Peak itself, so it also serves as the range high point. In this part of Southern California, the mountains are compact, dry and closely spaced, with ridgelines that rise sharply above the surrounding valleys.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 20 °C, and coldest in December, at about 5 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month. The surrounding area receives about 350 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in January at about 75 mm and the driest in June at about 0 mm. Expect dry summer conditions, winter storms, strong sun and occasional wind on the ridges.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing all year, Burnt Peak can be visited in most seasons, but conditions are usually most comfortable in the cooler months and in the shoulder seasons. The drier part of the year is late spring through summer, while winter brings most of the annual precipitation. For hiking, the best window is often when temperatures are moderate and the ground is not affected by winter rain or heat. On exposed ridges, plan for sun, wind and rapid weather changes.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a dry Southern California ridge landscape with chaparral, grassland patches and scattered woodland on the slopes. In Angeles National Forest, the terrain can support deer, coyotes, birds of prey and smaller mammals adapted to warm, seasonal conditions. The open ridges and brushy hillsides are typical of the Transverse Ranges, where summer heat and winter rain shape the vegetation. Fire history is part of the setting, and the summit area is also used for communication infrastructure.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Burnt Peak, a certified guide is usually not necessary for experienced hikers, but it can be useful for visitors who want local route planning, navigation support or winter safety advice. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Some peaks in the United States require permits or registration with the land agency, depending on the area.
Safety and preparation
Burnt Peak is not a technical high mountain, but it does demand normal mountain preparation: enough water, sun protection, navigation skills and awareness of heat, wind and fire-related closures. The ridges are exposed, and summer temperatures can be high even at elevation. In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park. Carry a charged phone, tell someone your plan and be ready for patchy reception away from the summit.
History and name
Burnt Peak is known as the highest peak of the Sierra Pelona and has long been used for fire lookout and communication installations. The summit also carries a VOR air navigation beacon. Its other recorded names include jbl bwrnt pyak and جبل بورنت پياك. The name reflects the mountain’s local identity in the Sierra Pelona ridge system, where several nearby summits share the same rugged, dry character.
Interesting facts
Burnt Peak is the highest of 18 named peaks in the Sierra Pelona Ridge and the ridge’s high point. The nearest peak of almost equal height is Liebre Mountain, 8.9 km to the northwest and only slightly lower. Little Burnt Peak lies just 0.7 km to the north, making the summit part of a tight cluster of ridges and points. The mountain is also inside Angeles National Forest and has communication infrastructure on or near the summit.
FAQ
How high is Burnt Peak? Burnt Peak rises to 1,761 m.
Where is Burnt Peak located? It is in Los Angeles County, California, in the United States, within the Sierra Pelona Ridge of the Transverse Ranges.
Is Burnt Peak the highest point of its range? Yes. It is the highest mountain in the Sierra Pelona Ridge and the highest of its 18 named peaks.
What are the nearest peaks to Burnt Peak? The closest are Little Burnt Peak 0.7 km north, Sawmill Mountain 1.9 km northeast, and Sawtooth Mountain 3.3 km southeast.
Is there water on the way to Burnt Peak? Plan to carry your own water. This is a dry ridge environment, and in warm weather you should bring about 1.5 to 3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Burnt Peak? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How is mobile phone coverage on Burnt Peak? There are 8 mapped communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest about 10 m south. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys or behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.