Know Before You Go! Angeles National Forest USDA USDA “Caring for the land and serving people” Visitor Guide “Caring for the land and serving people” -7 Lead Story Headline [Niche: about the Angeles] See P. 2 Forest near urban LA comes with colorful history For detailedinfo rec The Angeles National For- was complet- est [ has been around for more ed in 1908 than a century, changing and and is a developing along with the premiere WelcomeWelcome to the Angeles! to Southern California culture. research sta- During its history, it has tion today. the Angeles! attracted countless numbers of Railroads campers, horseback riders, and dams adventurers, hunters and de- were con- The Angeles National For- est is in one of the most popu- velopers. structed lated and culturally diverse throughout areas in the nation. The Angeles began as the the forest. The forest is a scenic out- San Gabriel Timberland Re- There was door treasure, providing a serve on Dec. 20, 1892 the “Great Hiking Era” from ged mountains in the United postcard-like backdrop for the through an executive order the 1890s to 1930s. States. Los Angeles basin. signed by President Benjamin Harrison. It was the first na- The completion of Angeles Today, the Angeles Nation- To the millions of residents tional forest in California and Crest Highway in the 1950s al Forest provides more than who live within an hour’s the second in the nation. provided improved access to 70 percent of the open space drive and to visitors from all recreational areas. The forest in Los Angeles County, over the world, the Angeles The reserve was later has rebounded from floods, though 90 percent of the for- offers a thousand square miles changed to the Angeles Na- fires and mudslides. est land is steep and rugged. of open space and a variety of tional Forest in 1908. The San Gabriel Moun- Despite being bordered by recreation opportunities year Many changes have come tains, contained almost whol- freeways, the Angeles contin- round. throughout the decades. The ly within the forest, are some ues to maintain its unique Mount Wilson observatory of the steepest and most rug- character. In contrast to the nearby city, you’ll find yourself transported to natural environ- Did You Know…? Facts and Trivia about our beloved forest ments of oak thickets, chapar- ral, high desert landscapes, * When the forest began in tions pictures and TV shows. * The Angeles has about 463 pine woods, rivers, lakes, and 1908, the surrounding Los These include “The Fugitive,” recreational residences; 25 streams. Enjoy spectacular Angeles County had a popula- “Bonanza,” “Duel,” “Star picnic areas; 36 campgrounds; scenery, campgrounds and tion of 425,000 people, about Trek: First Contact” and five ski areas; 548 miles of picnic areas, swimming, fish- 4.3 percent of today's county “Mission Impossible 2.” trails; five wilderness areas ing, or quiet wilderness areas. population of 9.8 million. and 10 lakes and reservoirs. * The Angeles has an Off Discover trails winding through the forest for hikers, * Today the Angeles is rela- Highway Vehicle network of * The forest is next to one of equestrians, mountain bikers tively small in comparison to 270 designated miles and two the largest media centers in other forests, with 700,176 designated open areas. the nation and received 350 and off-highway enthusiasts. acres. It more than makes up media inquiries in 2010. The Angeles National For- for this by hosting 3.5 to 4 * The forest has 18 dams and est is YOUR great outdoors – million visitors annually. debris basins that support the * Mount Wilson Observatory to visit, to care for, and to… massive flood control system in the Angeles opened in Enjoy! * The Angeles has furnished protecting L.A. County resi- 1908 with a 60-inch telescope, locations for numerous mo- dents. then the largest in the world. Page 2 USDA “Caring for the land and serving people” Visitor Guide OFFICE LIST Angeles offers numerous superb hiking trails Angeles National Forest The Angeles offers 557 miles of hiking to experience this scenic trail. Note: Some Supervisor’s Office and equestrian trails with many choices for parts of the trail have been rerouted. Please 701 N. Santa Anita Ave. hikers, from beginner to experienced outdoor Arcadia, CA 91006 enthusiasts. visit the Angeles website before you go. (626) 574-5613 Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All trails, except the Pacific Crest and those in Wilderness areas, are open to mountain Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail Los Angeles River Ranger District bikes. Several excellent hiking guides written – This 53-mile route snakes across the heart 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road of the San Gabriel Mountains. Beginning at San Fernando, CA 91342 for the Angeles National Forest including (818) 899-1900 John Robinson’s Trails of the Angeles can be Chantry Flats near Sierra Madre, the trail fol- Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. found in local bookstores and at some forest lows numerous steep canyons and pine stud- ded ridges then climbs to lofty Mt. Baden Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers R.D. visitor centers. 33708 Crown Valley Road For those who desire the ultimate hiking Powell before making its final descent to Vin- Acton, CA 93510 cent Gap on the Angeles Crest Highway near (661) 269-2808 trail experience, three trails on the forest have Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. national significance: Wrightwood. San Gabriel River Ranger District Gabrielino National Recreation Trail – 110 N. Wabash Ave The Pacific Crest Trail – This 2,650-mile Glendora, CA 91741 hiking and equestrian trail stretches from This 28-mile adventure begins at the mouth of (626) 335-1251 Mexico to Canada. About 176 miles of the Arroyo Seco Canyon, travels northeast to Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Redbox and curves down to Chantry Flats . Pacific Crest Trail pass through the Angeles Big Pines Information Center National Forest with terrain varying from high north of Sierra Madre. (The section between Highway 2/Big Pines Highway desert to subalpine. Some hikers and a few Paul Little Picnic Area and the Bear Canyon Wrightwood, CA 92397 Trail Cutoff is closed to the public.) The Ga- (760) 249-3504 equestrians travel the entire trail in one season CLOSED SEASONALLY but most visitors com from around the world brielino Trail is classified as moderate to strenuous with an elevation change of 4,800 Chilao Visitor Center Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) feet. La Canada, CA 91011 (626) 796-5541 For more information, please check the CLOSED SEASONALLY Angeles National Forest website, under Clear Creek Information Center “Recreation.” Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) La Canada, CA 91011 (626) 821-6764 Weekends: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Grassy Hollow Visitor Center Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) Wrightwood, CA 92397 (626) 821-6737 Weekends and holidays Know the area. Learn about the 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. area you plan to visit by using Know the necessary skills need- guidebooks, maps, the internet, ed for your adventure and be Mount Baldy Visitor Center and by calling a Forest Service prepared to use them. If you do Mount Baldy Road Mount Baldy, CA 91759 office near the area. Get familiar not have the technical skills you (909) 982-2829 with your planned route! may need, go with someone else Weekends; 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. who has the experience. If you Before you lace up your boots, Know the weather conditions are going to an area where you The U.S. Department of Agriculture jump into the car and head for the and forecast. Before leaving need to use a compass and read a Forest Service prohibits discrimination in forest, take a minute to gather home, check the weather and detailed map, make sure you all its programs and activities on the basis important information and sup- plan your trip accordingly. If know how! of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, plies. It will make your trip more weather conditions unexpectedly age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status enjoyable, and could even save worsen on your trip, turn back. Know the regulations and rules (not all prohibited bases apply to all pro- your life! The secret is to KNOW Visit: www.wrh.noaa.gov. for the area you are visiting. grams). Persons with disabilities who BEFORE YOU GO… Some areas require you to have require alternative means for communica- tion of program information (Braille, large Know what equipment, cloth- reservations or other permits. print, audiotape, etc.) should contact Know your physical capabili- ing, and shoes to bring. Pack a USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720- ties. Don’t plan trips that are hat, sturdy shoes, and extra cloth- 2600 (voice and TDD). beyond your skill and ability. For ing you can layer for warmth. To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil example, find out how strenuous Bring a flashlight, pocket knife, For all Emergencies Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, your planned trail route is, and first aid kit, sunglasses, sun Call 911 14th and Independence Ave., SW, Wash- select routes within the capabili- screen, insect repellant, blanket, ington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720- (Typically cell phones do ties of the slowest and least expe- map, compass, and waterproof 5964 (voice or TDD). USDA Forest Ser- not work in areas of the vice is an equal opportunity provider and rienced person in your group. matches. employer. Forest) Page 3 USDA Visitor Guide “Caring for the land and serving people” Campgrounds, picnic areas offer fun for families Family campgrounds people.