{"id":477539,"date":"2025-12-29T11:53:35","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T11:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/477539\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T11:53:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T11:53:35","slug":"your-hiking-and-camping-guide-to-angeles-national-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/477539\/","title":{"rendered":"Your hiking and camping guide to Angeles National Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"la-sf-anf-light-blue-drop-cap.png\" <\/p>\n

Los Angeles is a place where essentially anyone can find themselves, especially outdoors lovers. <\/p>\n

The hiking trails of Griffith Park offer tremendous views of the city and landscape. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area near Culver City features lush spaces to spend a Saturday with family and friends. But for Angelenos seeking adventure \u2014 and even solitude \u2014 a vast forested expanse awaits. <\/p>\n

Angeles National Forest is a 700,000-plus acre wonderland that has long billed<\/a> itself as L.A.\u2019s \u201cbackyard playground.\u201d But it\u2019s so much more than that. <\/p>\n

For almost a decade, I\u2019ve hiked much of its 557 miles of trails, and so rarely was it just for exercise. I\u2019ve sought refuge in our San Gabriel Mountains when life got overwhelming, whether it was after my brother died and my soul ached more than I could communicate, or it was just to briefly escape news headlines that kept breaking my heart. But it was also for joy.<\/p>\n

Every hike in Angeles National Forest offers us a chance to be awestruck by our natural environment. I\u2019ll never forget the first time I saw a California newt waddling through Millard Canyon falls. I\u2019ve spotted hopping deer, hooting owls and exactly one haughty rattlesnake (as all other rattlers were much calmer \u2014 even the one my dog booped). <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve felt the temperature shift from cool to crisp on a winter\u2019s day hike in Icehouse Canyon as a cold mist wafted through the trees, and I\u2019ve sweated through my clothes on the exposed hillsides of the Strawberry Peak trail. I\u2019ve made snow angels with my dog near Mt. Waterman and swam in my skivvies in the San Gabriel River. <\/p>\n

Years ago, Angeles National Forest supervisor Michael J. Rogers pointed out what anyone who has spent time there knows too well. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a national forest that could very easily be enjoyed and loved to death,\u201d Rogers wrote<\/a> for The Times on the forest\u2019s 100th anniversary in 1992. \u201cAll of the unique values that visitors seek such as cool trees, shaded streams, solitude, beautiful vistas, watchable wildlife, fresh pine-scented air could all be lost through overuse and abuse.\u201d <\/p>\n

My intention with this guide falls in line with Rogers\u2019 message: I hope you not only appreciate what the forest has to offer but also understand your responsibility to practice the \u201cleave no trace\u201d<\/a> principles, leaving only footprints and taking only memories (and selfies). <\/p>\n

Adventure awaits in Angeles National Forest. May you find the start and continuation of it in this guide. <\/p>\n

Note: To bookmark this page for future use, press Ctrl+D (Windows\/Linux) or Cmd+D (Mac).<\/b><\/p>\n

A quick geography lesson<\/b><\/a>| <\/b>What to bring<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Getting there<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Things you should know<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Beginner adventures<\/b><\/a>| <\/b>Intermediate adventures<\/b><\/a>| <\/b>Advanced adventures<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

A quick geography lesson \"A <\/p>\n

A sweeping view of Angeles Crest Highway and the San Gabriel Mountains from the Hoyt Mountain trail. <\/p>\n

(Jaclyn Cosgrove \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

Angeles National Forest is about 700,000 acres of federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Its northern boundary extends through mountain ranges near the 5 Freeway near Gorman, eastward to the L.A. County and San Bernardino County line near Wrightwood. Its southern boundary runs near Castaic Lake southeast and eastward, ending north of Claremont, where the San Bernardino National Forest\u2019s boundary begins. <\/p>\n

It is located within a portion of the Sierra Pelona Mountains in the west, and the San Gabriel Mountains, which span about 60 miles from near Newhall to Cajon Canyon northeast of San Bernardino, according to state geology research. Angeles National Forest\u2019s elevation<\/a> ranges from 1,200 feet to 10,064 feet, its highest point being Mt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it\u2019s more commonly known. <\/p>\n

The original home of several<\/a> Indigenous<\/a> communities for thousands of years, the forest grows several species of trees, plants and animals endemic only to the San Gabriel Mountains or California, including the San Gabriel manzanita<\/a>, the big cone Douglas fir<\/a> and the endangered<\/a> mountain yellow-legged frog. An estimated<\/a> 14%, or about 29,000 acres, of Angeles National Forest is considered \u201cold-growth<\/a>\u201d forest \u2014 white fir, lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine (which has a bark that smells like butterscotch or vanilla), ponderosa pine and others<\/a> that have grown for more than a century into hulking giants.<\/p>\n

It is home to five wilderness areas<\/a>: Cucamonga Wilderness; Magic Mountain Wilderness; Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness; San Gabriel Wilderness; and Sheep Mountain Wilderness. Wilderness areas are the \u201cmost protected<\/a>\u201d federal land in the country. Each of these wilderness areas offers something different. For example, when hiking in Cucamonga<\/a>, you might spot bighorn sheep<\/a>, while Magic Mountain is occasionally host to a California condor<\/a> passing through. <\/p>\n

\"layers <\/p>\n

The view of the San Gabriel Mountains as seen from the Mt. Waterman area in the Angeles National Forest.<\/p>\n

(Genaro Molina \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

What to bring<\/p>\n

A full tank or battery. <\/b>Consider entering the forest with either a full tank of gas or full charge on your vehicle\u2019s battery. There are no gas or electric charging stations (outside of a plug-in you might find on a forest service building). <\/p>\n

Sustenance. <\/b>If hiking, you will likely want to pack all of the water you need for the day unless you plan to filter it from somewhere along the trail. If camping, check the Angeles National Forest website to see whether your campground offers drinking water. You will also want to bring all of your food, unless you plan to visit one of the few places \u2014 including Camp Williams Cafe<\/a>, Cosmic Cafe<\/a>, the Adams Pack Station<\/a> or Top of the Notch restaurant<\/a> \u2014 in the forest to buy food and you know the establishment will be open. <\/p>\n

A thoughtfully packed bag. <\/b>When preparing for a hike, some pack the \u201c10 essentials<\/a>,\u201d which includes navigation tools, a light source and emergency shelter, while others preach a different method<\/a> of considering specifically what\u2019s needed for the day. Search and rescue team members generally recommend that folks have in their pack whatever they\u2019d need to spend a night in the woods, just in case things go awry. <\/p>\n

Parking pass. <\/b>To park in most places in the forest, you will need a $5 single-day Adventure Pass<\/a>, a $30 annual Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful<\/a> pass. You can be ticketed<\/a> without properly displaying your pass. If visiting trails near Wrightwood, you might need a Big Pines<\/a> parking pass, as many of those locations are managed by a concessionaire, Mountain High<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

Driving up Angeles Crest Highway to Mountain High.<\/p>\n

(Ryan Fonseca \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

Getting there<\/p>\n

Much of Angeles National Forest\u2019s hiking trails and day-use areas through the San Gabriel Mountains can be accessed via the 66-mile,<\/a> winding Angeles Crest Highway<\/a>, or State Route 2. The speed limit is 55 mph, unless otherwise posted. It\u2019s advisable to take it easy, though, both to enjoy the view and avoid an accident. <\/p>\n

State Route 39, another winding mountain road, takes visitors north to popular trails along the San Gabriel River and into the Crystal Lake area. The road features jaw-dropping views of the San Gabriel Valley, occasional<\/a> wildflower blooms and steep drop-offs. Best to let whoever in your party isn\u2019t scared of heights drive. <\/p>\n

\"tall <\/p>\n

Lupine is sometimes spotted on the hillsides around San Gabriel Canyon Road (Highway 39) in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa.<\/p>\n

(Raul Roa\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

In 1978, a landslide destroyed the segment of Highway 39 that connected it to Highway 2, turning it into what one public official called<\/a> \u201ca 27-mile-long cul-de-sac.\u201d Officials have said it is too costly \u2014 and dangerous<\/a> to bighorn sheep \u2014 to repair, although there have been recent<\/a> discussions about its reopening. <\/p>\n

Regardless of where you\u2019re traveling in Angeles National Forest, you should check road conditions<\/a> before heading out, especially in the winter, as officials will close forest roads to protect the public, including because of snow, or require that drivers carry tire chains. <\/p>\n

You should keep in mind while traveling to trailheads that it is considered rude in mountain driving culture not to let faster vehicles pass you. Angeles Crest Highway has several paved turnouts for this reason. Additionally, please take good care to notice signage regarding segments of the highway where daytime headlight use is required.<\/p>\n

Lastly, be aware that there are dirt fire roads and several<\/a> off-road vehicle routes through the forest. Your phone or car\u2019s mapping app might try to send you down one to reach a trail. Please do not assume a road will be passable just because it\u2019s open. When in doubt, call the ranger station<\/a> before heading out. <\/p>\n

Things you should know<\/p>\n

Communicating while away. <\/b>You should assume you won\u2019t have cellphone reception anywhere in Angeles National Forest. For safety while you\u2019re out of your mobile service area, you should share this form<\/a> with a family member or friend to ensure someone knows where you\u2019re headed. You should also print the form and place it on your dashboard so, in the event of emergency, rescuers can find you more quickly than having to track down details of your whereabouts from your family. If you forget to bring the form, simply write down the details of your day or overnight trip, including when you expect to return, and leave them on your car dash.<\/p>\n

Emergencies. <\/b>Emergency services in Angeles National Forest include 23<\/a> fire stations such as the Clear Creek Fire Station<\/a> and the Monte Cristo<\/a> Fire Station off Highway 2. Volunteer search-and-rescue crews<\/a> respond in most hiking emergencies. If you are ever rescued by helicopter, you will not be charged by these groups<\/a>. That said, they\u2019re always in need of donations<\/a> to stay afloat<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Fire restrictions.<\/b> Forest officials will, at times, limit campfires and stove usage because of elevated wildfire risk. Before heading out, check the Angeles National Forest alerts webpage<\/a> to discern what\u2019s allowed on your trip. If campfires are allowed, you must still secure<\/a> a free campfire permit and have a copy with you. <\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

A vehicle heads north on Highway 39 into a winter wonderland with a good accumulation of snow at the 5,000-feet level in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa in January.<\/p>\n

(Raul Roa \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

Weather. <\/b>Checking the forecast is not always top of mind for your average Angeleno, but hikers and campers must assess the weather<\/a> before leaving for the forest. Temperatures in Angeles National Forest can range from below freezing overnight in winter, especially above 6,000 feet, to above 100 degrees in summer. Even after checking the forest, remember that elevation will play a role in temperature. Generally, for every 1,000 feet you gain, the temperature can drop from around 3\u00bd to 5 degrees, something meteorologists call \u201cenvironmental lapse rate<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n

Eaton fire closures. <\/b>Please note that the following guide does not include any of the trails burned in the Eaton fire, as they remain closed. Once they\u2019re open, this guide will be updated. <\/p>\n

Leave no trace. <\/b>Whenever you hike, camp or otherwise visit Angeles National Forest, please practice the \u201cleave no trace\u201d principles<\/a>, which include packing out everything you pack in, respecting the animals (which means not taking selfies with them), and overall ensuring these lands are protected for generations to come. <\/p>\n

With that said, take a deep breath, and imagine being surrounded by the fresh scent of pine as mountain chickadees<\/a> chirp all around you. Yes, friend, that\u2019s possible \u2014 and all within a short drive of L.A. Let\u2019s go on an adventure!<\/p>\n

\"Forest <\/p>\n

(Ruby Fresson \/ For The Times)<\/p>\n

For Angelenos seeking a relaxing respite (easy)<\/p>\n

It might seem daunting to drive into the hulking mountains surrounding L.A., but there are many easy-going and family-friendly adventures to be had in Angeles National Forest. Many families and friend groups spend time visiting vista lookouts and at one of several<\/a> day-use picnic areas, which often feature picnic tables and grills (when allowed). <\/p>\n

Here you\u2019ll find some kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible trails and other opportunities, including campgrounds where you can easily drive up and spend a weekend. <\/p>\n

\"Large <\/p>\n

Large boulders at the Mt. Hillyer summit.<\/p>\n

(Jaclyn Cosgrove \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

Hiking trails<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf07For great views: <\/b>the Mt. Wilson Observatory<\/a> paved walking paths; Crystal Lake<\/a> walking path.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf33To be among tall trees: <\/b>Joatngna Trail<\/a> (the Elfin Forest Trail); the paved Buckhorn Campground<\/a> paths.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca7For cool rivers, lakes and cascading falls: <\/b>the West Fork National Scenic Bikeway<\/a> (paved for the most part); San Antonio Falls<\/a> trail (paved, but uphill); Gould Mesa Campground via the Gabrielino Trail<\/a> (including about one mile of paved trail to start).<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udea8To see massive rock formations: <\/b>Mt. Hillyer via Silver Moccasin Trail<\/a> (great for older kids); Mt. Hillyer Trail from Horse Flats Campground<\/a> (easier, flatter option!).<\/p>\n

Campgrounds<\/p>\n

These campgrounds are in the \u201ceasy\u201d category because they\u2019re straightforward to reach. Additionally, they all usually offer piped (i.e. drinking) water, but you should check on the campground sites linked here to ensure it is available before heading out. <\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

Crystal Lake Campground is a 120-site campground north of Azusa. <\/p>\n

(Raul Roa \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n

The campgrounds below range from $12 to $30 per night for single sites ($5 per additional vehicle), with some requiring payment by cash or check. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted; feature picnic tables and fire rings; have vault toilets; and allow dogs. <\/p>\n