Top Five Hiking Trails In Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest, located just a stone’s throw from Los Angeles, offers outdoor enthusiasts an array of picturesque trails. Whether you’re an advanced hiker looking for a challenge or a newbie seeking a serene nature walk, this forest has something to offer.
RVnGO has curated a list of the top five hiking trails, suitable for a range of hiking levels. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore!
Top Five Hiking Trails In Angeles National Forest
1. Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) Trail
Location: Eastern part of Angeles National Forest
Distance/Time to complete: 10 miles round trip; approximately 6-7 hours.
Skill Level: Advanced
Intersecting Trails: Devil’s Backbone Trail, Bear Canyon Trail
Mount Baldy, formally known as Mount San Antonio, is not just the crown jewel of the San Gabriel Mountains but is also the highest point in Los Angeles County. This iconic summit, often capped with snow during the winter months, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike for the determined trekker.
The trail is characterized by its steep inclines, challenging switchbacks, and high altitude. However, the strenuous journey is well-rewarded with unparalleled 360-degree vistas at the summit. On a clear day, you can see the Mojave Desert to the north, the Channel Islands to the south, and the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountain ranges, and sometimes even the Sierra Nevada to the east.
There are two primary routes to the summit:
- Via the Baldy Bowl Trail: This route, also known as the Ski Hut Trail, takes you through Baldy Bowl and offers views of the old ski hut where you can take a breather.
- Via the Devil’s Backbone Trail: This path provides a more scenic, albeit slightly perilous experience. The narrow ridge offers heart-stopping views on both sides, especially during the winter months when it’s covered with snow.
For an extended adventure, experienced hikers often opt for the Baldy Loop. This involves ascending via the steeper Baldy Bowl Trail and descending through the gentler Devil’s Backbone, giving you the best of both worlds.
2. Switzer Falls Trail
Location: Near the Switzer Picnic Area off the Angeles Crest Highway.
Distance/Time to complete: 4 miles round trip; approximately 2-3 hours.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Intersecting Trails: Bear Canyon Trail
The Switzer Falls Trail is one of the Angeles National Forest’s hidden gems, offering hikers a refreshing retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. As you traverse this trail, you’re treated to a blend of riparian habitats, historic ruins, and cascading waterfalls that culminate in the magnificent Switzer Falls.
As the trail unfolds, the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the melodious chirping of birds and the soft gurgle of the Arroyo Seco stream. Oak and alder trees canopy the path, providing generous shade, making it a cooler hike even during the summer months. The trail occasionally opens up to sunlit clearings, revealing an array of wildflowers during spring, including lupines, monkeyflowers, and California poppies.
The highlight of the trail, of course, is Switzer Falls itself. The waterfall consists of two tiers, with the upper falls dropping a stunning 50 feet and the lower ones about 20 feet. After a rainy season, the falls are particularly powerful and offer a mesmerizing sight. Nearby boulders provide the perfect spots for rest, picnicking, or simply absorbing the beauty of the surroundings. If you’re feeling adventurous, a somewhat steep path can take you to the base of the falls for a closer look.
3. Bridge to Nowhere Trail
Location: East Fork Road, Azusa
Distance/Time to complete: 10 miles round trip; approximately 5-6 hours.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Intersecting Trails: None
The enigmatic Bridge to Nowhere Trail is as much an exploration of the San Gabriel Mountains’ raw beauty as it is a journey into a curious chapter of Californian history. The story goes that the bridge was part of an ambitious road project in the 1930s, which was ultimately abandoned after massive floods washed away sections of the road, leaving the bridge isolated and seemingly purposeless.
Embarking on this trail, one immediately realizes that it’s not your typical hike. The path meanders alongside the scenic East Fork of the San Gabriel River, challenging hikers with numerous river crossings. These crossings, depending on the season and recent rainfall, can range from simple rock-hopping to wading through knee-deep water. The dynamic river landscape is surrounded by sheer canyons and rugged cliffs, creating a dramatic backdrop throughout your journey.
While the trail offers stunning views and challenging terrains, it’s the destination that captures the imagination of most hikers. The Bridge to Nowhere, standing tall amidst wilderness, is an architectural marvel seemingly out of place. The 120-foot long, concrete arch bridge spans across the East Fork, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons.
4. Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Location: Near Pasadena, off the Altadena Drive.
Distance/Time to complete: 3.5 miles round trip; approximately 2 hours.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Intersecting Trails: Mount Wilson Toll Road
Eaton Canyon is a verdant oasis nestled amidst the urban sprawl of the greater Los Angeles area. The trail is an adventure through diverse terrains, rich ecosystems, and geological wonders, culminating at the stunning Eaton Canyon Falls.
The terrain challenges hikers with sandy paths, riverbed rocks, and a few stream crossings. While the water flow varies seasonally, the stream remains a constant companion, nurturing an array of aquatic plants and wildlife. Look closely, and you might spot tadpoles, frogs, or even the occasional water snake.
One of the geological highlights of the trail is the exposed striations in the canyon walls, showcasing layers of sedimentary history and revealing the tectonic forces that shaped the region. These rock formations, combined with native cacti like the prickly pear and cholla, make for excellent photography spots.
As you approach the trail’s climax, the ambient noise transforms into the unmistakable sound of cascading water. Eaton Canyon Falls, a 40-foot waterfall, is a sight to behold. The water tumbles over sheer cliffs into a serene pool below, surrounded by moss-covered boulders and overhanging foliage. It’s an idyllic spot for relaxation, contemplation, or simply enjoying the refreshing mist.
5. Sturtevant Falls Trail
Location: Chantry Flats Recreation Area
Distance/Time to complete: 3.3 miles round trip; approximately 2-3 hours.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Intersecting Trails: Gabrielino Trail, Upper Winter Creek Trail
The Sturtevant Falls Trail takes hikers on a captivating journey through one of the San Gabriel Mountains’ most pristine canyons. Rich in both natural beauty and history, this trail offers an immersive experience in Southern California’s wilderness.
The hike starts with a descent into the lush Big Santa Anita Canyon, where a canopy of alders, oaks, and occasional big-cone Douglas firs provides shade, making it a comfortable hike even on warmer days. The trail is accompanied by the babbling Santa Anita Creek, which enhances the serenity of the surroundings.
As you meander along the well-maintained path, remnants of the area’s bygone era emerge. Old stone cabins, constructed in the early 1900s when the canyon was a popular resort destination, can be spotted, harkening back to a time when visitors sought the same tranquility current hikers do. Rustic handrails and check dams along the creek are other vestiges of the human touch in this otherwise wild setting.
Conclusion
Angeles National Forest, with its diverse landscapes and panoramic views, promises a unique hiking experience for everyone. Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the serenity, or the scenic views, the forest will not disappoint.
Always ensure to check trail conditions before heading out, respect nature, pack out what you pack in, and most importantly, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Happy hiking!