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Angeles National Forest

Hikes in Angeles National Forest

Hikes/United States/California/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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Angeles National Forest

Eaton Canyon Trail

Hiking the Eaton Canyon Trail is a fantastic family-friendly adventure in the Angeles National Forest that leads to a beautifully scenic waterfall. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the canyon and traverse several stream crossings, before arriving at the wonderful sight of the 40ft tall Eaton Canyon Falls. Be sure to check out the free and informative exhibits at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, located just next to the trailhead.
Easy
7.1 km
159 m
1.5-2.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail Loop

The Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail Loop is a popular adventure in the Angeles National Forest that is easily accessible from Pasadena and features beautifully scenic views. While out on the trail, you will work your way through the rugged terrain of the Millard Canyon, before visiting the historic Dawn Mine. Make sure to display your adventure pass on your dashboard prior to setting out on your hike.
Moderate
9.0 km
484 m
3-4h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Blue Ridge Trail

Hiking the Blue Ridge Trail is a great experience in Angeles National Forest that will take you uphill for gorgeous views of the mountainous California landscape. While out on the trail, you will work your way up through the forest to reach the top of a ridge, where you will enjoy sweeping views across the undulating landscape. Be cautious if hiking this route in cold/icy weather and make sure to bring microspikes and hiking poles for better traction.
Moderate
6.4 km
329 m
2-3h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Wilson Observatory Walking Trail

The Mount Wilson Observatory Walking Trail is a quick and easy journey in the Angeles National Forest that offers beautiful views of the mountainous landscape. While out on the trail, you will navigate a paved pathway leading around the observatory at the summit of Mount Wilson, where you will be able to take in the majesty of Southern California. This is a fantastic little adventure to pair with an afternoon exploring the museum and historic telescopes of the observatory.
Very Easy
1.9 km
53 m
0.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Islip via Little Jimmy Campground Hike

The Mount Islip via Little Jimmy Campground Hike is a fun outdoor excursion in Angeles National Forest that will see you climb high into the mountains for stunning views. While out hiking the trail, you will gain elevation through a beautiful stretch of forest terrain, before passing by the campground and pushing on to the summit of Mount Islip for views that sweep across the mountainous Southern California landscape.
Moderate
10.1 km
509 m
3-4.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Spruce Grove Campground Trail

The Spruce Grove Campground Trail is a great intermediate-length hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that features scenic views and a charming waterfall. While out on the trail, you will make your way through the Santa Anita Canyon, before visiting Sturtevant Falls and continuing on to the Spruce Grove Trail Camp. An adventure pass is needed when hiking in the Angeles National Forest recreationally, so make sure to have one displayed on your dashboard.
Moderate
12.9 km
542 m
4-5.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Baldy via Bentley’s Dream Hike

The Mount Baldy via Bentley’s Dream Hike is a fun adventure in the Angeles National Forest of California that explores the rugged terrain around the Mount Baldy Resort. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the mountainous landscape along Baldy Road to reach the Mount Baldy Notch, where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding area. Be sure to pop into the Top of the Notch restaurant at the top of the trail for a quick mid-hike snack.
Moderate
9.5 km
491 m
3-4.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Strawberry Peak Trail

The Strawberry Peak Trail is a challenging Southern California hiking route that will see you reach a summit vantage point with stunning views. While out on the trail, you will gain elevation across the mountainous landscape and push on to the summit of Strawberry Peak, where you will enjoy an incredible sightline across the peaks, valles, and woodlands of the Angeles National Forest. The road leading into the trailhead is closed seasonally, so make sure to check on its status prior to setting out on your hike.
Hard
11.6 km
545 m
3.5-5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Crystal Lake Trail

The Crystal Lake Trail is a lovely little hiking route in Angeles National Forest that loops around a charming body of water. While out on the trail, you will work your way through a beautiful woodland setting, while taking in the views of the surrounding mountain peaks across the small lake. Make sure to purchase and display your adventure pass prior to setting out on your hike.
Moderate
1.1 km
33 m
0.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak Hike

The Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak Hike is a great adventure in the Angeles National Forest that will take you up two different summits. While out on the trail, you will gain a fair amount of elevation through the forest, before pushing on to the top of Mount Disappointment and then San Gabriel Peak for beautiful views. Make sure to have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle before setting out on your hike.
Hard
7.1 km
481 m
3.5-5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Lukens via Dunsmore Canyon Hike

The Mount Lukens via Dunsmore Canyon Hike is a long and challenging excursion in Southern California that climbs up into the mountains for beautifully scenic views. While out on the trail, you will gain a large amount of elevation on the way to the summit of Mount Lukens, before loping around and descending through the canyon. Be sure to arrive early for parking, as this is a popular area for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
Hard
15.9 km
852 m
5-7h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Mount Lowe Railway Loop Trail

The Mount Lowe Railway Loop Trail is a great hiking route in Angeles National Forest that climbs into the mountains and visits historical sites. While out on the trail, you will make your way through Millard Canyon and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, before visiting some historical ruins scattered throughout the area, such as Ye Alpine Tavern. Make sure that you present a valid adventure pass in your vehicle prior to your hiking excursion.
Hard
15.8 km
842 m
5-7h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Little Jimmy Campground Hike

The Little Jimmy Campground Hike is a fun little trail in Angeles National Forest that will take you up to a campsite. While out on the trail, you will gain a small amount of elevation and enjoy some scenic views as you hike through the forest to reach the Little Jimmy Campground. If you are planning on camping in the area, make sure to practice proper outdoor etiquette and to pack out any trash/waste.
Easy
6.6 km
276 m
2-2.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Gabrielino Trail

The Gabrielino Trail is a fantastic family-friendly hiking route in Angeles National Forest that utilizes a multi-use path through scenic canyon. While out on the trail, you will traverse a variety of terrain that is both man-made and natural, passing through the beautiful Fern Canyon before turning back for the return leg. As this is a multi-use trail, make sure to keep an eye out and leave enough room for others to safely pass.
Easy
15.0 km
291 m
3.5-5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Sunset Ridge Saddle Loop Hike

The Sunset Ridge Saddle Loop Hike is a great activity in the Angeles National Forest that will take you to view a scenic waterfall. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the scenic Millard Canyon and take in the views of the surrounding landscape, before looping around past the cascading waters of Millard Falls. Make sure to present your adventure pass in your vehicle prior to setting out on your excursion to avoid being fined.
Moderate
7.1 km
411 m
2.5-3.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

El Prieto Loop Trail

The El Prieto Loop Trail is a great hiking route in the Angeles National Forest that traverses the rugged hills outside of Altadena, California. While out on the trail, you will follow along a loop, of which the lower half is a rocky path and the upper is a fire road.Hikers should note that this is a multi-use trail commonly utilized by mountain bikers, so make sure to keep an eye out and allow others to safely pass.
Moderate
4.3 km
167 m
1-1.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Telegraph Peak via Manker Flats Hike

The Telegraph Peak via Manker Flats Hike is a long and challenging adventure in the Angeles National Forest that climbs up to the tallest of the Three Ts summits. While out on the trail, you will traverse Baldy Road and pass by the Mount Baldy Notch, before pushing uphill across Thunder Mountain to reach the scenic summit of Telegraph Peak. Don’t forget you have your adventure pass visible in your vehicle when you set out on your hike.
Hard
18.3 km
1,046 m
6-8.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Slide Mountain Trail

Hiking the Slide Mountain Trail is a fantastic experience in the Angeles National Forest that will see you traverse a lengthy trail to reach a scenic lookout. While out on the trail, you will walk along the old Golden State Highway, before branching off to the southwest for a steady climb up the gradual slope of Slide Mountain for some incredible views. The fire lookout tower atop the mountain isn’t always staffed, but if it is, you might be permitted to clamber up for an even more amazing viewpoint overlooking Southern California.
Moderate
17.4 km
780 m
5-7.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Crystal Lake, Mount Islip, and Windy Gap Loop Hike

The Crystal Lake, Mount Islip, and Windy Gap Loop Hike is a challenging adventure in the Angeles National Forest that leads through some rugged terrain to reach a scenic summit. While out on the trail, you will round the shores of Crystal Lake and push up a steep ridge, before arriving at the top of Mount Islip for some incredible SoCal views. This hike is best done in the window between March and October; however, if you do plan on tackling Mount Islip in the winter, be sure to bring microspikes/crampons and hiking poles for stability.
Hard
16.3 km
862 m
5.5-7.5h
No Ratings
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Angeles National Forest

Windy Gap, Mount Islip, and Big Cienega Trail

The Windy Gap, Mount Islip, and Big Cienega Trail is a rough and rocky trail in Angeles National Forest that traverses a rugged summit for amazing views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to the Windy Gap and track west to reach the stunning viewpoint atop Mount Islip, before a downhill return along the Big Cienega Trail. Microspikes/crampons and hiking poles will be needed if you plan on completing this trail during the colder months when ice and snow will be present along the trail.
Moderate
10.5 km
693 m
4-5.5h

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