Activities
| Camp | Camping
| Destinations | Mountains | CA National Forests<
national.forest.angeles
 Photo Credit © Cindy C of ODC
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This public forest land
proximity to the large metro region of Los
Angeles can make it a haven for weary city dwellers needing
an quick escape. Be warned that the valley views are often hindered by dense
smog rising up from the coastal basin below. But on a clear spring
day, it can make L.A. county look almost like paradise, with
ocean views seen from 70-100 miles away. Fire restrictions are
often extremely high in these parts, so open back country campfires
are seldom allowed. It is rumored that this is one of the largest
'dead body dumping grounds' on the west coast, but what do you expect from a metropolis like LA.
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Wilderness areas within the forest:

Required
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 Photo Credit © Cindy C of ODC
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| Desert |
Country |
Mountain |
| high desert terrain on eastern slopes
facing Antelope Vlly |
rolling hills & wildflower meadows,
lakes, Grapevine, Interstate 5 |
pine forest, scenic drives along
Hwy. 2, ski resorts |
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Angeles Backpacking
- convenient & close to Los Angeles
- drive to your trail head in a short amount of time
- open ground fires are usually not allowed (unless low fire
danger is in force)
- wilderness hiking, camp or fire permits are required
- permits are required for overnight back country camping
- check with the correct ranger district for all back country
camping restrictions
- Pacific Crest Trial runs through this mountain range
- many other loop trails are available
Angeles Ranger Stations:
Angeles Forest Headquarters
Arcadia CA
626-574-1613 |
Los Angeles River District
Flintridge CA
818-790-1151 |
San Gabriel River District
Glendora CA
626-335-1251 |
Santa Clara / Mojave Rivers
District
Saugus CA
661-296-9710 |
Trail head parking spots located at:
- Mill Creek Summit, near Mount Pacifico
- Pine Canyon (near Three Points CA)
- E of Buckhorn Campground on Angeles Crest Hwy 2
- E of Chilao Campground on Angeles Crest Hwy 2
- Smith Mountain on Hwy 39
- West Fork on Hwy 39
- East Fork, E of Hwy 39
- Ice House Canyon, near Mount Baldy
- Guffy Campground, near Wrightwood CA

Pacific Crest Trail Association
Angeles Forest Maps & Los Angeles Hiking Maps
- Angeles National Forest Map (USDA NFS)
- Angeles Front Country Hiking Map (Tom Harrison)
- Angeles High Country Hiking Map (Tom Harrison)
- Angeles Forests OHV Map
- Cucamonga Wilderness Map (USDA NFS)
- Cucamonga Wilderness Hiking Map (Tom Harrison)
- Mount Baldy Hiking Map (Tom Harrison)
- Mount Wilson Trail Map (Tom Harrison)
- Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Map (USDA NFS)
Primitive Tent Camping Los Angeles
Sorry guys! No primitive or open car camping on back roads is allowed in Angeles National Forest due to population & high fire danger. Backpacking or Campground camping only in Angeles Crest Area. If your looking for uncrowded small campgrounds, secluded camp sites & plenty more dirt roads to paradise, you hafta check out Los Padres National Forest - to the NORTH of Los Angeles, off I-5 @ Gorman or Frazier Park; Los Padres forest borders Kern County .
Star Gazing Los Angeles
Due to large urban area & city lights, star gazing Los Angles is not the best. There are some fantastic views at night, over the LA BAsin's city of lights, from the end of the Mount Wilson Road. Best bet for night skies is the area around Wrightwood CA.
Mount Wilson Observatory
626-793-3100
San Gabriel Mountains
Mount Wilson: 60", and 100" Hooker telescope
Griffith Park Observatory