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Top trails (281)
- Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch TrailHard•4.8(7193)#1 - Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch TrailLength: 9.9 miThere is often snow and ice on the trail during the winter and into spring. Proper snow gear like crampons and ice axes, and the knowledge of how to use them, are highly recommended. Without proper gear, hiking this trail in the winter can be very dangerous. A strenuous loop to the 10,068' summit of Baldy. Any Southern Californian can point out the white-topped Mt. Baldy - actually its real name is Mt. San Antonio. Baldy is a SoCal icon that stands out boldly as a snow-covered backdrop for...
- Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill TrailModerate•4.7(9360)#2 - Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill TrailLength: 5.3 mi•Est. 3h 1mThis trail is nice for running and hiking but can be crowded. This route follows the Lower San Merrill Trail towards Lake. At the beginning, take the second trail further back towards the mountain. At the top, turn right for Echo Mountain. The majority of the trail is along the side of the mountain with some narrow switchbacks - it may be difficult for those that have trouble with heights. There are a couple of benches along the way with nice views and interesting resort ruins (Cobb Estate)...
- Trail Canyon FallsA short drive from downtown Burbank, Trail Canyon Falls is a beautiful, easy-to-navigate, waterfall hike in Angeles National Forest. The first half of the hike is shaded and includes a couple of water crossings. The second half is more exposed with limited shade. Once you park in the parking area off Big Tujunga Canyon Road take the North Trail Canyon Road to Trail Canyon Trail Path. The trail meanders through the mountains following the creek and is a pleasant hike. Trail Canyon Falls is off...
- Switzer Falls via Gabrielino TrailModerate•4.7(6027)#4 - Switzer Falls via Gabrielino TrailLength: 3.7 mi•Est. 1h 48mThis is a relatively easy hike into one of the loveliest sections of the San Gabriel mountains in the Angeles National Forest. The hike meanders back and across the stream running down the spectacular Arroyo Seco Canyon. The stream is lined with oaks and alder, with the water cascading over granite into mirror-like pools. The hike travels high above the 50 foot high Switzer falls, then drops back to the stream, where hikers can double back to stand at the base of the falls. After seeing...
- Strawberry Peak Trail via Redbox CanyonHard•4.7(5666)#5 - Strawberry Peak Trail via Redbox CanyonLength: 7.0 mi•Est. 3h 52mThe first leg of this route along the Strawberry Peak Trail is well-defined, but the last leg deviates from the established trail and follows a social trail to the summit. There are a lot of false summits, but great 360 views once you reach the top as a reward for your hard effort. Downloading the map ahead of time is helpful for navigating.
- Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail LoopLocated deep into Millard Canyon is the Dawn Mine. Now a fascinating historical resource, the mine was a successful operation in the first half of the 20th century. Visitors to the San Gabriel Mountains can now visit it via this spectacular hike. This hike is popular for a reason. The trailhead is easily accessible from Pasadena, and although challenging, most physically fit hikers should be able to complete it. Not to mention, the views, historical significance, and waterfalls keep hikers...
- Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita CanyonHard•4.7(4206)#7 - Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita CanyonLength: 14.2 mi•Est. 9h 11mThis route follows the Mount Wilson Trail and the Mount Wilson Toll Road to the summit. The summit of Mount Wilson is marked by several radio towers and a cafe. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. There are signs at all major trail junctions. The trail is rocky, exposed, and steep in several sections, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
- Mount Baden-Powell TrailLess than a two-hour drive outside of Los Angeles, Mount Baden-Powell Trail is a strenuous hike up to the 9400-foot peak of Mount Baden-Powell. The hike, up 40 switchbacks, takes you through an amazing range of vegetation. Along the way you will see Oaks, Jeffery pines, Sugar Pines, Incense Cedar, Lodgepole Pines, White Fir, and near the summit the gnarled Limber Pines. The sight from the summit is breathtaking, looking over the Mojave desert and Southern Sierra so definitely take some time...
- Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone TrailHard•4.8(2922)#9 - Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone TrailLength: 13.4 mi•Est. 8h 23mThe Mount Baldy via Devil’s Backbone Trail is one of the most popular trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is a great hike with expansive views of Southern California and the Mojave Desert. The trail passes the famous San Antonio Falls, Baldy Notch, and ends at Mt. Baldy. Mt. Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. There is often snow and ice on the trail during the winter and into spring. Proper snow gear like...
- Brown Mountain Dam WaterfallModerate•4.6(4129)#10 - Brown Mountain Dam WaterfallLength: 8.5 mi•Est. 3h 7mStart by following the Gabrielino Trail into the foothills alongside Arroyo Seco. You will pass the Gould Mesa Trail Camp and enter into Angeles National Forest. About a mile later you will pass the Paul Little Memorial where there is a picnic table to stop at. The dam and waterfall are just past this site.
Showing results 1 - 10 of 281
Helpful reviews of trails in Angeles National Forest
Entering Angeles National Forest Park amidst the clouds, the water flows quietly, quietly, and powerfully. I chose a really nice day for hiking. However, vehicles coming down the road on the way back, please control your speed and stay in your lane. It is very dangerous on the narrow road.
Did this clockwise but will try it counterclockwise the next time as many reviewers suggest. Beautiful loop hike with breathtaking views. Glad I had a hiking pole for downhill support. This loop is a combination of narrow walking paths and fire roads. Also, it’s a little chilly at the peak so bring another layer. Looking forward to return when it’s more clear at the peak to see the mountain range towards the Angeles national forest… it was totally clouded in. Easy and free parking at the trailhead
This is a 6165 ft high peak , It is beautiful hike but it is also quite challenging especially in the last mile or so where there are a lots of rocks and sand be ready, take water and some snacks. is about 7.65 miles ound trip which should take you about 3.5 hrs with small breaks and 15mnt break at the Peak. I would also suggest a hiking stick or any type of sticks. National Parking Pass is required to Park your vehicle because this is a part ot the Angeles National Forest.
Volunteer trail crews are currently working to repair/ restore this and other trails in the area. Most, if not all of these trails should be open by Summer 2024. If you want to be one of the first people to see this area after years of closure, join one of the volunteer groups. Look up Angeles National Forest, then click volunteer.
This is my favorite summit in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 360° view from the top is unparalleled in the Angeles National Forest. It’s a fairly challenging hike, but the effort-reward balance is the best in the entire range. The route to the summit of Baden-Powell via Dawson Saddle is my favorite way to get to the peak, but the trail from Vincent Gap is iconic because of the abundant switchbacks. They can be very tedious, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a near perfect representation of a great hike in the mountains: Remote; strenuous without being an all-day, merciless ass-kicking, and a breathtaking view. There is a bench at roughly the 1-mile mark that offers a nice respite from the steep climbing along with great views while you catch your breath. The trail is well-maintained and shaded for most of the hike. Arrive early to beat the crowds because this route shares a parking lot for the extremely popular Big Horn Mine hike.
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Frequently asked trail questions about Angeles National Forest
Where is the best place to hike in Angeles National Forest?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Angeles National Forest is Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 7,193 reviews. This trail is 9.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,071 ft.
What is the longest trail in Angeles National Forest?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Angeles National Forest is PCT: CA Section E - Agua Dulce to Tehachapi Pass. This trail is estimated to be 109.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Angeles National Forest?
There are 281 trails in Angeles National Forest. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 157,065 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Angeles National Forest?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Angeles National Forest has you covered. PCT: CA Section E - Agua Dulce to Tehachapi Pass boasts the most elevation gain with 17,139 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Sturtevant, Gabrilieno, Shortcut Canyon, Silver Moccasin and PCT [CLOSED], which will get you 14,747 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Angeles National Forest?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 97 camping trails in Angeles National Forest and the most popular is Mount Baden-Powell Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 5,261 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Angeles National Forest?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 65 running trails in Angeles National Forest and the most popular is Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall with an average 4.6 star rating from 4,129 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Angeles National Forest?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 53 biking trails in Angeles National Forest and the most popular is Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall with an average 4.6 star rating from 4,129 community reviews.
