Hikes in Angeles National Forest

The Glendora Ridge Motorway Hike is a laid back, intermediate-length adventure in Angeles National Forest that will lead you along a ridge with scenic views. While out on the trail, you will follow along an old road that can no longer be accessed by vehicles, creating a pleasant path for both hikers and mountain bikers alike. Hikers should take note that the road leading up to the trailhead is closed seasonally, and will require you to reach it by foot during the winter months.

The Dawn Mine Hike is a fun adventure in the Angeles National Forest that will take you through a scenic canyon to visit an historic mining site. While out on the trail, you will work your way through the Millard Canyon and experience views of the Millard Falls, before investigating the old gold rush site at the Dawn Mine. Make sure to have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle or else you might receive a fine.

The San Gabriel Peak Trail is a short, but rugged, adventure in the Angeles National Forest that will take you up to a scenic summit viewpoint. While out on the trail, you will traverse a gravel road and break off onto a footpath with loose terrain, before making the final push uphill to the viewpoint to be inundated with stunning scenery. There is a fair amount of rugged and uneven terrain along this route, so bring sturdy footwear and hiking poles for stability.

The Mount Wilson Road to Idlehour Campground Hike is a long and challenging excursion in Angeles National Forest that will take you to a few secluded backcountry campsites. While out on the trail, you will make your way through Eaton Canyon and climb uphill through the mountains, before arriving at the awesome Idlehour Campground along Eaton Creek. This hike can be done either as a lengthy day-hike, or can be extended into a multi-day backpacking trip by opting to stay at one of the campsites along the trail.

The Rubio Canyon Trail is a short, but deceptively challenging, hiking route in Angeles National Forest that will take you through some rugged terrain to reach a series of waterfalls. While out on the trail, you will traverse the rocky and loose terrain alongside Rubio Creek, often scrambling over rocks or using rope installations to reach viewpoints for the Moss Grotto, Grand Chasm, Thalehaha, and Leontine falls. Make sure to purchase and display your adventure pass in your vehicle prior to setting out on your hiking excursion.

The Sunset Ridge Road Hike is a wonderful adventure in Southern California that follows a fire road past Sunset Peak. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the road as it traverses a ridge and passes below the summit of Sunset Peak to provide some nice views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers should take note that seasonal road closures can limit access to this trailhead at certain times of the year.

The Inspiration Point and Grassy Hollow Hike is a fantastic family-friendly adventure in the Angeles National Forest that offers sweeping views of the surrounding Southern California landscape. While out on the trail, you will gain a small amount of elevation and enjoy beautiful mountain views, before arriving at the informative Grassy Hollow Visitor Center. Make sure to display your adventure pass in your vehicle, or else you may receive a fine.

The Vincent Gap to Mount Baden-Powell Hike is a challenging, yet beautiful scenic excursion in Angeles National Forest that traverses three rugged summits. While out on the trail, you will make your way up a switchbacking path, before visiting the summits of Mount Baden-Powell, Mount Burnham, and Thropp Peak for stunning views of the Southern California landscape. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water for this leg burning adventure.

The Condor Peak Trail is a difficult hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that will take you to the top of a rugged mountain peak for stunning views. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation as you work through the mountains, before making the steep push up to the summit, where you will enjoy some incredible Southern California views. This is a challenging adventure through some rugged and exposed terrain, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.

The Three Ts Trail is an exceptional hiking route in Angeles National Forest that is quite long, but offers amazing scenic views of Southern California. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the Icehouse Canyon to reach a saddle, before traversing Timber Mountain, Telegraph Peak, and Thunder Mountain. If you are after a shorter trail in the same area, be sure to check out the Mount Baldy Notch via Bentley’s Dream Hike.

Hiking the Mount Bliss: Van Tassel Trail is a tough adventure in Southern California that traverses a winding mountain road with views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation as you work your way into the mountains, eventually arriving at the summit of Mount Bliss for a great sightline across SoCal. Be sure to have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle prior to setting out on your excursion.

The Crane Flat Lookout Trail is an awesome, versatile adventure that the whole family can enjoy. No matter the season, eager adventurers can climb up to the overlook and old fire tower to revel in the sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

The Shoemaker Canyon Road Hike is a fairly laidback adventure in Southern California that follows along a road leading nowhere and offers scenic canyon views. The road was built during the Cold War as an escape route out of the Los Angeles area in the event of a nuclear attack, but was abandoned shortly after construction began. This left an interesting road through Shoemaker Canyon that is mostly used as a hiking route.

Hiking the Mount Lowe Campground Trail is a great adventure in the Angeles National Forest that offers some scenic views of the surrounding peaks. The trail is of moderate length and follows along a fire road, making a great option for casual hikers and beginners. Make sure to have your valid adventure pass displayed on your dashboard prior to setting out on your excursion.

Hiking the Mount Zion loop Trail is a wonderful experience in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California that offers amazing views of the surrounding canyon. While out on the trail, you will work your way through the rugged terrain of the Big Santa Anita Canyon, stopping off at several sites to take in the beautiful views of cascading waterfalls. Make sure to have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle before setting out on your hike.

The Mount Baldy and San Antonio Falls Hike is a tough, but wonderfully scenic, excursion in Southern California that will take you up into the mountains. While out on the trail, you will pass by the cascading waters of the San Antonio Falls, before climbing further uphill to traverse the summits of Mount Harwood and Mount San Antonio. This is a fantastic route if you are fit enough to handle the large amount of elevation gain.

The Orchard Camp via Mount Wilson Trail is a great hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that offers some beautiful views overlooking the city. While out hiking the trail, you will steadily gain elevation and take in the amazing Southern California views, before arriving at an historic camp along the trail. Make sure to bring bug spray along for this adventure, as there are sure to be plenty of insects along the trail.

The Gould Mesa Road Hike is a fun little adventure in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California that features a nice waterfall. While out on the trail, you will descend to the edge of a stream, following it along flat ground until you arrive at the Paul Little Picnic Site and the nearby Brown Mountain Dam, which is home to the aforementioned waterfall. As there are several stream crossings along this route, it is advised to bring waterproof hiking shoes and poles for stability.

Hiking the Grizzly Flat Trail is a fun experience in Southern California that will take you through some undulating terrain within Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through some steep terrain to reach the top of a ridge, before descending into Grizzly Flat and the banks of the big Tujunga River. Make sure to purchase and display an adventure pass prior to your hike.

The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway Hike is a great family-friendly excursion in Southern California that follows the Gabrielino Trail alongside Arroyo Seco. While out on the trail, you will traverse a mixture of quiet roads and walking paths, as you take in the beauty of this riverside setting within Angeles National Forest. This is an easy-going, intermediate-length trail that is great if you are looking to spend a few hours outdoors with the kids.