3 hikes near L.A. where you can frolic in the snow

Last week, I stared out the window at the mountains like a little kid, watching the rain come down. Our plan was to be out from about 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to ensure we weren’t in high elevation if the water from the melting snow refroze on the roadway.. On Sunday, I felt grateful for the snow plow drivers who cleared Highway 2 so we could enjoy the 50-degree day in the mountains. To determine whether snow chains are required, visit this map, click “Options” on the first QuickMap tab, then “Road Conditions,” and under the menu “Chain controls.” The trailhead of the Burkhart Trail near Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest. Buckhorn Campground Distance: Varies Elevation gained: 300 to 500 feet Difficulty: Easy to lower-level moderate Accessible alternative: Large turnouts along Highway 2 east of Camp Valcrest Starting from the Buckhorn Campground entrance, it is about a mile hike to the Burkhart Trail starting point, where there’s a restroom and picnic table. 3. Cooper Canyon Trail Camp via Cloudburst Summit Distance: 3 to 5.2 miles, depending on your route Elevation gained: About 750 to 1,000 feet, depending on your route Difficulty: Moderate, made more challenging in snow; crampons needed Accessible alternative: Chilao Visitor Center and campground As you’ll see on this map I made, you can take two different routes downhill to the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp: Either a wider fire road or the Pacific Crest Trail, which will be narrow in places.