Angeles National Forest

Welcome

Welcome to the Angeles National Forest!

To the millions of Los Angeles area residents who live within an hour's drive and to visitors from all over the world, the Angeles National Forest provides a thousand square miles of open space and a variety of recreation opportunities year around.

In contrast to the nearby city, the Angeles offers natural environments, spectacular scenery, developed campgrounds and picnic areas, swimming, fishing, and the solitude of quiet wilderness areas. Winding throughout the Forest are trails for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.

The Angeles National Forest is YOUR great outdoors - to visit, to care for, and to enjoy!

Mount Baldy as seen from Windy Gap on the Crest Highway   [ photo: Mike Smith ]

"Know Before You Go" into the Snow

    Fire Danger Level Lowered to Moderate

Winter conditions have set in throughout the upper elevations of the San Gabriel Mountains, luring city dwellers to experience the snow firsthand. While some desert areas have received relatively little rainfall, the high country of the Angeles National Forest has received over 25 inches of snow since Sunday. As a result, the Fire Danger is able to be lowered 2 levels from "Very High" to "Moderate" effective Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.

The "Moderate" fire danger level is the second in a six-level, graduated fire danger rating system. A variety of factors determine the level, including the moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and nationwide firefighting equipment and personnel needs.

"Know before you go" to play in the snow, by calling a Forest Service office to check on the latest conditions for your destination. Following a few winter safety guidelines will help ensure a safe trip to the mountains. Maintain a longer following distance while driving on slick or snow-covered roads and carry tire chains, as they may be required. Also, dress warm and carry extra food and water in case you are stranded. Keep in mind, cell phone coverage is very limited in the San Gabriel Mountains.   read more »

Current Closures

The Buckweed Fire Closure has been extended for one more year. The extension of this closure includes both the Rowher Flat and Drinkwater OHV areas. The signed order with the supporting documents has been posted on the Forest Orders webpage.

Posey Canyon/Ridge Route remains closed. — Closure of the area around the Posey Canyon/Ridge Route Pipeline Rehabilitation Project has been extended through December 19, 2009, for resource protection and public safety. The signed order with the supporting documents has been posted on the Forest Orders webpage.

William Rock area closure has been extended until December 31, 2009 to address concerns related to the protection of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog and its critical habitat in the area. Hikers using the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail will continue to be re-routed around the closed area.   read more »

Antelope-Pardee 500kV Transmission Project Area — The signed order with the supporting documents has been posted on the Forest Orders webpage.   news release »

Motor Vehicle Use Map

There are no areas on the Angeles National Forest that are open to cross-country travel. The Motor Vehicle Use Map displays roads and trails that are open for motor vehicle use by the public on the Angeles National Forest. The free map also displays public and private land ownership, plus any seasonal closures or restrictions by vehicle type.
Note:   Rincon-Red Box OHV route is available by permit only and is subject to intermittent administrative closures.   map »

Hours Changing for Gate on Chantry Flat Road

The gate at the entrance to Chantry Flat Road will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., effective Friday, August 1, 2008. The coalition of agencies and municipalities that manage the road determined the change based on increasing fire danger and a history of human-caused fires in the area.   read more »

Forest Service to Consider Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project (BRRTP) Proposal

The Forest Service is considering authorizing and/or amending special use authorization(s) to the City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power to construct, upgrade, and add facilities to a new and existing 230-kV electric transmission system in the Angeles National Forest. The proposed project (BRRTP), would deliver electricity from renewable energy projects in Mojave Desert and Owens Valley areas to the City of Los Angeles. read more »

Forest Service to Consider Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) Proposal

The Forest Service is considering authorizing a special use permit for construction, use, and maintenance of new or upgraded high-voltage electric transmission lines in the Angeles National Forest. The proposed project, called Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP), includes a series of transmission line improvements to deliver electricity from wind projects in Kern County to southern California.   read more »

Los Planes Forestal

El Servicio Forestal de los Estados Unidos a reestrenado los planes de manejo de tierras para los cuatro bosques nacionales del sur de California (más)

Current Conditions

Visit the Current Conditions page for road, trail, and campground closures or call a Forest Service office near your planned destination to check on conditions before you leave your home.