Hikes in Angeles National Forest

The Sturtevant Falls Trail is a beautifully scenic hiking route in Southern California that will take you to one of the most popular waterfalls within the Angeles National Forest. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along the peaceful banks of Big Santa Anita Creek and enjoy the lovely canyon views, before arriving at the impressive site of Sturtevant Falls and the serene pool below. Make sure to purchase an adventure pass and display it in your vehicle when setting out on this hike.

Hiking to Switzer Falls via the Gabrielino Trail is a fun experience in the Angeles National Forest that will take you along a fairly easy path to reach a stunning waterfall. While out on the trail, you will follow closely alongside the banks of Arroyo Seco, climbing slightly uphill to eventually arrive at both the Upper and Lower Switzer Falls. Hikers should always display a valid adventure pass in their vehicle when setting out on this hike.

The Sturtevant, Mount Wilson, and Winter Creek Trail Loop is a long and challenging hiking route that will take you through the rugged landscape of the San Gabriel Mountains. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill across undulating terrain to reach the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, before descending past Sturtevant Falls for a return along the banks of Big Santa Anita Creek. Make sure to purchase and display an adventure pass prior to setting out on your excursion to avoid getting a fine.

The Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone Trail is a challenging hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that features some rugged mountaintop terrain and beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will pass by the cascade of the San Antonio Falls, before traversing the treacherous Devil’s Backbone Ridge to reach the top of Mount San Antonio, often referred to as Mount Baldy or “Old Baldy” due to the bare nature of the summit. Make sure that you have an adventure pass displayed in your vehicle when undertaking this excursion.

The Mount Baden Powell Trail is a tough, uphill hiking adventure in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California that will be sure to make you break a sweat. While out on the trail, you will steadily work your way up the mountainside, navigating a seemingly endless set of switchbacks to reach the summit of Mount Baden Powell. Make sure that you bring plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled on this leg-burner of a hike!

The Sunset Peak Trail is a wonderful hiking route that can be found in the picturesque Angeles National Forest of Southern California. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along Sunset Ridge, traversing some rocky terrain in order to reach a beautifully scenic summit viewpoint. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead closes seasonally, so make sure to check its status prior to setting out on your adventure.

Hiking up to the summit of Mount San Antonio via the Baldy Bowl Trail will definitely give you a run for your money, but will also produce some gorgeous views that stretch out across the SoCal landscape. While out on the trail, you will work your way past the San Antonio Falls and into the mountains, pushing your way uphill to reach the summit of “Old Baldy” itself. Make sure that you have a valid adventure pass displayed in your vehicle when setting out on this hiking excursion.

Hiking the Rattlesnake Peak Trail is a rough and rugged outdoor experience in Southern California that will take you to the summit of the second most challenging peak in the Angeles National Forest. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse steep and overgrown paths that will take you up a ridgeline to the scenic summit of Rattlesnake Peak at 1,772 m above sea level. Some sections of this trail are poorly marked and overgrown, so make sure to bring a GPS to help with navigation.

Hiking to the summit of Iron Mountain via Heaton Flats Trail is a physically demanding experience in Southern California that is just as treacherous on the way down as it is on the way up. While out on the trail, you will be faced with a constant uphill climb through rough and rugged terrain, before finally reaching the summit for an incredible view of the Angeles National Forest. This challenging trail should not be underestimated and should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers.

The hike to Trail Canyon Falls is a pleasant adventure in Southern California that features a scenic canyon landscape and a charming waterfall. While out on the trail, you will meander alongside a stream and utilize ropes to traverse the steep terrain near the serene Trail Canyon Falls. Make sure that you wear proper hiking footwear for this excursion, as there are some stretches of rocky, rugged terrain that you will need to traverse.

Hiking to Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill and Castle Canyon Loop is a beautifully scenic, albeit challenging, adventure that will expose the history and natural beauty of Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will traverse the mountain landscape north of Altadena, passing by the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory before arriving at Inspiration Point for some incredible views. Make sure that you have an adventure pass visible in your vehicle prior to setting out on this hike.

The Chantry Flats to Hoegee’s Camp Hike is a fun adventure in Southern California that traverses the undulating terrain of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will follow along the path as it cuts through the mountains to the northwest, where you will enjoy some beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Make sure that you have a valid adventure pass visible in your vehicle for this hike.

Hiking the Big Horn Mine Trail is a great family-friendly experience in Southern California that will take you along the lower slopes of a mountain for some wonderfully scenic views. While out on the trail, you will gain a small amount of elevation along the slopes of Mount Baden-Powell, all while experiencing the crisp mountain air and views of the surrounding peaks. Make sure to purchase and display a valid adventure pass prior to setting out on your hike.

The Waterman Mountain Loop Trail is a fantastic hiking route in Southern California that features a decent amount of elevation gain and some spectacular views. While out on the trail, you will explore the forested slopes of Waterman Mountain and traverse an undulating ridgeline, before pressing on to the summit for an unforgettable view. Make sure that you are in possession of a valid adventure pass prior to beginning your excursion.

Hiking the San Antonio Falls Trail is a laid back, family-friendly experience in Southern California that will produce stunning views of a waterfall with little required effort. While out on this hike, you will make your way along Falls Road for a short distance, before arriving at the viewpoint to take in the beauty of the San Antonio Falls. Although it is possible to hike this route year-round, it is best done in the spring when the cascades of the falls are at their strongest and most visually appealing.

The Mount Wilson via Little Anita Canyon Hike is a challenging excursion in Southern California that will take you through the rugged terrain of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will climb into the mountains above Sierra Madre, eventually arriving at the summit of Mount Wilson, next to the observatory. This trail passes through some unforgiving mountain terrain, so make sure that you come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and the proper gear to undertake such a tough journey.

The Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall Hike is a great intermediate-length adventure for families who want to get out and explore the natural beauty of Southern California. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the lush terrain of the El Prieto, Fern, and Falls canyons, before arriving at the site of the Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall. Be sure to display a valid adventure pass in your vehicle when out hiking this trail.

The Bailey Canyon Trail to Jones Peak is a winding, uphill hike that will take you to the summit of a mountain for beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will traverse a seemingly endless amount of switchbacks into the mountains, before arriving at the top of Jones Peak. Make sure that your adventure pass is visible in your car prior to starting your hike.

The Stoddard Peak Hike is a great excursion for those times when you feel like spending the day exploring Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation into the mountains, summiting two false peaks before arriving at the top of Stoddard Peak itself. Make sure that you wear proper hiking boots with good support, as the upper portion of this trail features a mini scramble to reach the summit of Stoddard Peak.

The First Water via Mount Wilson Trail is a great little adventure in the Angeles National Forest of California that features scenic canyon views. While out on the trail, you will make your way into the mountains north of Sierra Madre, before reaching the end point next to the relaxing sound of running waters at First Water. Make sure to display your adventure pass in your vehicle before beginning your excursion.