Hikes in Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest Hikes
Angeles National Forest hikes are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing Angelenos with the perfect outdoor getaway without having to travel too far. Located just north of the Greater Los Angeles Area and situated mostly within Los Angeles County, the Angeles National Forest is a vast area that blends the rugged nature of the Southern California wilderness with the convenience of nearby metropolitan areas. Whether you are visiting L.A. or consider yourself a local, Angeles National Forest Hikes are the best way to experience the picturesque landscapes around the city.
Established in 1908, the Angeles National Forest covers an area of 700,176 acres (1,094 mi²/2,833.5 km²), most of which is characterized by the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona mountains.
With such an undulating landscape, the Angeles National Forest is a popular destination for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and OHV drivers. Due to the arid climate of the region, it is prone to wildfires that have historically devastated stretches of the park, most notably the Loop Fire of 1966, the Station Fire of 2009, and the Bobcat Fire of 2020. Even still, the Angeles National Forest remains a beautifully scenic stretch of Southern California and there are many Angeles National Forest hikes that beg to be explored, making it the ideal jumping off point for your next outdoor adventure.
10 Epic Hiking Routes in the Angeles National Forest
Featuring hundreds of miles of multi-use trails and a diverse landscape of green forests, stunning peaks, and undulating canyons, the Angeles National Forest is an amazing place to set out on your next hiking adventure. While some of the terrain here can seem a bit on the rugged side, easy access from metropolitan areas and a wide range of trail types means that this is the perfect place to explore, no matter your age or skill level. Whether you are an accomplished trekking enthusiast or are simply hoping to get outside for a few hours with the kids, check out the following list of Angeles National Forest hikes that we’ve put together to start experiencing the natural beauty of Southern California:
- Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail: This hike can be a bit on the crowded side, but what it lacks in personal space it more than makes up for with gorgeous views from atop Echo Mountain.
- Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch Trail: If you are looking to push your physical limits while still experiencing some stunning views, this route will take you through some rugged terrain to scenic waterfall and mountain top viewpoints.
- Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail: A great intermediate length trail with a scenic waterside setting, this hike will take you along the banks of the East Fork San Gabriel River for some beautiful canyon views.
- Eaton Canyon Trail: Featuring an interesting nature center and some cascading waterfalls, the Eaton Canyon Trail is the perfect Angeles National Forest hike that the entire family will be sure to love.
- Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail Loop: Beautiful canyon views and an historic mine await on this intermediate length hike just outside of Pasadena, California.
- Lewis Falls Trail: Quick and fairly easy, the Lewis Falls Trail is a lovely waterfall adventure that serves as the perfect outdoor escape when you can’t commit to a longer journey.
- Millard Canyon Falls Trail: Another relatively short waterfall hike, the Millard Canyon Falls Trail passes through a campsite and follows alongside the banks of Millard Creek for some beautiful views of the canyon and a cascading waterfall.
- Sturtevant Falls Trail: One of the most popular waterfall hikes within Angeles National Forest, this route will take you to a charming cascade that flows into a peaceful pool of water.
- Switzer Falls via Gabrielino Trail: Featuring a campsite and several sets of waterfalls, this is a nice trail if you are looking for a beautiful day hike or an easy-going multi-day adventure.
- Sturtevant, Mount Wilson, and Winter Creek Trail Loop: A bit on the longer side, this rugged hiking route will take you to the beautiful cascades of Sturtevant Falls, the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, and through the mountainous terrain of the Angeles National Forest.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Angeles National Forest?
A good portion of the Angeles National Forest hikes are accessible year-round, although some - particularly at higher elevations in the mountains - are not suitable for use during the winter. If you are looking to experience as many trails as possible while on your next hiking adventure in the Angeles National Forest, then make sure to time your trip for the spring to autumn window to catch the best weather.
Other Outdoor Activities in the Angeles National Forest
With its close proximity to both the city and a vast expanse of wilderness, the Angeles National Forest is certainly filled with plenty of outdoor activities to occupy your time. As the area features hundreds of miles of recreational trails, hiking is definitely one of the more popular activities in the Angeles National Forest; however, other popular adventures include camping, cycling, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, in addition to water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you would rather head outdoors during the winter months, alpine activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling can be available in some higher elevation areas close by.
Fantastic Adventure Tours Near the Angeles National Forest
There are countless Angeles National Forest hikes that are just waiting to be explored, but the number of options can sometimes make planning a fun hiking trip a bit confusing or complicated, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Angeles National Forest
How much does it cost to go to the Angeles National Forest?
As many areas within Angeles National Forest require maintenance, visitors will need to purchase a valid adventure pass, which costs $5 per day or $30 annually.
Can you hike in Angeles National Forest?
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Angeles National Forest, with over 804.7 km of dedicated trails.
Does it snow in the Angeles National Forest?
Snowfall is common in the Angeles National Forest during the winter months, providing a wealth of opportunity for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
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Best Hikes in Angeles National Forest
Little Jimmy Springs Hike
The Little Jimmy Springs Hike is a great family-friendly adventure in the Angeles National Forest that climbs uphill to a camp near Mount Islip. While out on the trail, you will gain a moderate amount of elevation and some beautiful SoCal views, as you work your way into the mountains to reach the Little Jimmy Campground. Make sure to pop into the nearby ranger station to pick up a trail map, and also to display an adventure pass in your vehicle.
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Mount Lowe via Eaton Saddle Hike
The Mount Lowe via Eaton Saddle Hike is a great moderate-length trail in Southern California that will take you up to a summit with some amazing views. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along Mount Lowe Road and break off onto a footpath leading up to the saddle between Mount Lowe and Mount Markham, before reaching the scenic summit viewpoint. Make sure to bring microspikes and/or hiking poles if you are planning on completing this hike in cold or icy weather.
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Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp Hike
The Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp Hike is a fantastic outdoor excursion in the Angeles National Forest that features a gorgeous riverside setting. While out on the trail, you will trek through a lovely stretch of forest and make your way into the canyon, where you will be able to take in the beauty of the upper and lower Switzer Falls. Remember to purchase and display your adventure pass in your vehicle prior to setting out on your journey.
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Jupiter Mountain Loop Trail
The Jupiter Mountain Loop Trail is a challenging hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that features steep terrain and scenic views across the landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will climb up the steep mountainside to reach the top of Jupiter Mountain for some amazing views over the Bouquet Reservoir, before descending into a saddle and looping around downhill on the return. Although this route is fairly short, it is very steep and features a pretty treacherous descent. Make sure to bring hiking poles for increased stability.
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Chantry Flats to Mount Wilson Hike
The Chantry Flats to Mount Wilson Hike is a difficult undertaking in Angeles National Forest that will see you traverse a lengthy trail through the mountains. While out on the trail, you will make your way across the undulating landscape and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountain peaks, before pushing uphill to the summit of Mount Wilson to visit the observatory. Make sure that you display a valid adventure pass on the dashboard of your vehicle prior to beginning your adventure.
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Jones Peak Loop Trail
The Jones Peak Loop Trail is a moderate length hike in Angeles National Forest that features some rugged terrain and a good challenge for experienced hikers. While out on the trail, you will climb up the steep slopes of Jones Peak for some incredible Southern California view, before descending through a canyon on the return leg. Hikers should take note that most people choose to tackle this hike in a clockwise direction, as there is a very steep section of trail leading up to the peak that would be too difficult to descend.
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Hermit Falls to Sturtevant Falls Loop Hike
The Hermit Falls to Sturtevant Falls Loop Hike is a wonderfully scenic adventure in the Angeles National Forest that features several stunning waterfall viewpoints. While out on the trail, you will follow Big Santa Anita Creek to the cascading waters of Hermit Falls, before turning back to the north to follow the water’s edge to the impressive sight of Sturtevant Falls. Make sure to have your adventure pass visible in your car prior to beginning your hike.
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Old Mount Baldy Trail
The Old Mount Baldy Trail is a lengthy hike in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California that features challenging terrain and beautifully scenic views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to the north and through Bear Flats, before pushing up the mountainside to reach the breathtaking summit of Mount San Antonio. Make sure that you arrive prepared and have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle prior to setting out on your hike.
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Fall Creek Trail
The Fall Creek Trail is a lovely outdoor adventure in the Angeles National Forest that leads to a charming waterfall. While out on the trail, you will follow along the banks of the Big Tujunga River, before branching off to take in the views of the cascade. Make sure to have your adventure pass displayed in your vehicle before starting your hike.
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Fish Creek Narrows Hike
The Fish Creek Narrows Hike is a laidback adventure in the Angeles National Forest that is well-suited for a fun family excursion. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way along the winding banks of Fish Creek as they navigate through a tranquil and scenic canyon setting. Make sure that your adventure pass is visible in your vehicle when out hiking this trail.
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Poop Out Trail
The Poop Out Trail is a tough hiking route in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California that will be sure to get your legs burning! While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation and traverse several rocky scramble sections, before looping around on the return. Make sure to bring plenty of water for this one!
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Haines Canyon to Mount Lukens Trail
The Haines Canyon to Mount Lukens Trail is a challenging uphill hike that will take you into the mountains near Tujunga, California. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation and increasingly beautiful views, as you work your way through the undulating terrain alongside other hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Be sure to arrive prepared and have your adventure pass displayed in your vehicle prior to starting your hike.
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Cobb Estate to Switzer Station Hike
The Cobb Estate to Switzer Station Hike is a lengthy adventure that will take you into the rugged wilderness of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail you will leave behind a former estate that is allegedly haunted, before traversing the undulating mountains to experience the beauty of Switzer Falls. Be sure to display an adventure pass in your vehicle before starting your hike.
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Echo Mountain Loop Trail
The Echo Mountain Loop Trail is a tough climb into the mountains outside of Altadena that will take you to the top of Echo Mountain for beautiful views.The Echo Mountain Trail is a beautifully scenic, albeit challenging, adventure in the Angeles National Forest that features rugged terrain and beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will pass through the Cobb Estate and climb up into the mountains through a fire break, passing by the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory before arriving at the summit of Echo Mountain. Be sure to display your adventure pass in your vehicle before setting out on your hike.
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Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike
The Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike is a difficult undertaking in Southern California that will see you climb into the mountains of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation through the steep undulating terrain, while taking in the stunning landscape views on the way to the summit of Mount Wilson. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Mount Wilson Observatory when you get to the end of the trail!
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Mount Lukens via Stone Canyon Hike
The Mount Lukens via Stone Canyon Hike is a rough and rugged adventure in the Angeles National Forest that follows the toughest route up to the summit. While out on the trail, you will cross over Big Tujunga River, before making an unrelenting climb through switchbacks to reach the stunning viewpoints at the top of Mount Lukens. Remember to display your adventure pass in your vehicle prior to setting out on your hiking excursion.
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Muir Peak Loop Trail
Hiking the Muir Peak Loop Trail is an epic adventure in Southern California that will see you traverse some rugged terrain for beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill into the mountains to reach Inspiration Point, before continuing on to the top of Muir Peak. Make sure to have your adventure pass visible in your car prior to setting out on your hike.
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Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point
The Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point is a challenging hike within the boundaries of the Angeles National Forest of Southern California. While out on the trail, you will climb up the lower slopes of Echo Mountain and past the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory, before pushing on to Inspiration Point for some beautifully scenic views. This is a tough hike, so be sure to come prepared with protection from the sun, supportive footwear, and plenty of water.
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Gould Mesa Hike
The Gould Mesa Hike is a nice and easy hiking route in Southern California that follows along a quiet river. Although busy, the relaxing waterside setting is very peaceful and makes for a fun day on the trails as you hike to the Gould Mesa campground. Remember to display your adventure pass before starting your hike!
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Crystal Lake to South Mount Hawkins Trail
The Crystal Lake to South Mount Hawkins Trail is a wonderful hiking route in Southern California that offers views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will make your way through some scattered forest cover, before trekking along the N Crystal Lake Road to reach the summit of South Mount Hawkins. Although this route does see a lower volume of foot traffic, the parking lot will fill up quickly as there are plenty of hikes and other activities in the Crystal Lake area. Be sure to arrive early to secure a parking space!