Angeles National Forest Headquarters

What a disgrace! The Angeles national forest is littered up, trashed, and graffitied. Are you guys asleep at the wheel? Who's bis charge up there? Why don't you guys get busy cleaning up all this trash and graffiti instead of cutting down trees? Just look around inspiration point, or the river area off highway 39.. disgusting and unlawful. Also we have community members out there in W-wood with trash bags every year DOING YOUR JOB. Get out of the office, and clean this place up!! Baldy road, hwy 39, hwy 2/ inspiration point. Get your people out and get to work removing litter and graffiti left by the scumbags of LA. Start paying attention to this instead of ignoring an ongoing and worsening problem!

Went there to buy America the Beautiful annual pass. The staffs were very helpful and answered all questions patiently. Everything was complete within 5 minutes.

I've only gone inside once to ask questions. Great displays inside and there's a plant garden in the back (not sure if it's available to the public). The building is only open M-F and low staff.

Called at 8am to ask the times the America the beautiful pass was being sold. They told me until 2pm. Got there at 12:30pm the same day and was told the lady that does it already closed the register early and they have no way of opening it back up. I guess they just do whatever they feel like over here??

Checked the .gov site, and Google map. Both indicated the office is open. Came here on 6/25/2021 at 9am trying to get a veteran pass only to find out the office is still closed due to covid. Would be nice to have clear indication that the office is closed on the websites.

Review in progress... Fire Chief is Robert Garcia. Federal office is in the city of Arcadia, truly an architectural gem---one cannot help notice this building from street, 210 freeway or air. Be sure to check fire ratings and the website for safety and messages. “This change in fire danger is in the best interest of the public we serve and will assure appropriate restrictions on the forest. We will continue to assess fire danger in the coming months and modify restriction as needed.” Fire Chief Robert Garcia Fire grades are a six level system. The “Low” fire danger level is the lowest level of a 6 level system. Myriad of factors determine level, including: moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and nationwide firefighting equipment and personnel needs.

I tried to replace lost All Access Pass. The person at reception refuse to accept copy of the same, Approval of Claim of Service Connected Disability/Disability Rating from US Dept. of Veterans Affairs, submitted and approved by Forest Service in back in 2009. He insisted that the document should indicate lines stating "Permanent disability", because he was "directly instructed" by his boss to do accordingly, "as written on the document I was given", he said. Checking with requirements available online, on paragraph 2) describing the 2nd document approved to certify eligibility, I went back to show it to him. He said that I should have called first so he can tell me that the document described is "not good enough", and that he need to see "doctor's document stating words 'permanent disability' should be there". He apologized because everybody who could have overridden his judgement is gone for the Memorial Day weekend, but would have gladly issued the card if he was directed to. He dismissed the published requirement for eligibility, because "that is different from the form I was given", he said, and continued "I do not know where that came from", even if came straight from Forest Service site. Question: is there a local directive for the Main Office for Los Angeles National Forest to raise minimum national standards for eligibility enforceable only in that office? Can a Clerk processing these request deprive a qualified recipient on a whim, and arbitrarily disqualify a document specifically included on existing guidelines, and require additional documents other than what was published because "that's what I was told" rationale? Follow up question: Was the uniformed officer in the Glendora office for Forest Service wrong in gladly accepting the same request with the same documents, just as wrong as the person taking care of the Mailed-in Request I submitted back in 2009, who sent the card i cannot find anymore?

Don't come here for information about Angeles National Forest. They'll just keep referring you to smaller ranger stations and online info rather than helping you. They don't even have the classic national forest maps. Must be more of a logistical station than one for visitors.

Pops and I came early to the ANF-HQ to get our America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass, he got the Senior Lifetime Pass for when we do our leisurely National Park trips with him and I also renewed my America the Beautiful Annual Natl. Park Pass. You ask why have two if my father already has one; No. 1 - Pops being 87, there are some physical limitations and medical limitations on what he could do so he doesn't go with us all the time. The pass is non-transferable and requires the signatory to enter the Natl. Park (and yes, they do check for ID) No. 2 - It's the right thing to do to support not just ANF but the National Park service. The HQ open on the dot at 8 AM, the dude who helped us was quite efficient, we were in and out of there in no time! Select your desired Pass, Pay and you'll get your park pass immediately - there's no waiting time unlike ordering it online! (I believe it's between 3-5 business days) Easy-peasy-lemon-squezy, you can go on your merry way to enjoy your adventure the same day! Enjoy!

What a lovely park! I was in Los Angeles recently and had planned to go to Joshua Tree National Park, but wasn't able to get out there so I decided to check out this place instead and I was not disappointed! The scenery here is beautiful and I love that it was a quiet (not busy) park that isn't far from the city yet you get all the solace you need out here. I'm not sure if it was quiet because I went on a weekday? I get the feeling it isn't a busy park even on weekends, but not entirely sure. For anyone who is familiar with Mt. Washington in NH, this place gives me the same vibes (although not that high). It has long, windy roads going up and a lot of places you can pull off to take pics. Great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and be one with nature ! Highly recommend.

came here by accident. I was trying to find hidden springs tunnel but ended up here at Angeles national forest, and I'm glad I did. I needed to be alone and need some alone and quiet time, and what a gorgeous place. if you love nature landscape sceneries then this is a perfect spot! despite the hot weather when I came here, it was relaxing. Lots of hiking trails. I ended up entering one hiking trail for 3 minutes because the view of was fantastic and it was a great place to shout and yell out my emotions.

Hell no, unless you want to get car sick! Not a good alternate to anywhere. You will get sick to your stomach!

Inept beyond words. How you gonna tell me you have America the Beautiful Passes on the phone and then not have any in stock.

Located right off Santa Anita Ave near the 210 FWY, the Angeles National Forest Headquarters is a great place to stop by to get information about the forest as well as obtain park passes. Once you drive past the gates, there is a parking area located towards your right. They also have a sign that displays the current fire level. We were here to purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which costs $80. The Pass grants access to over 2,000 parks across the US and can cover the pass holder and up to three adults whenever sites charge per person fees. It's a pretty good deal if you plan to take several trips to visit the National parks. When we entered the building, there were lots of pamphlets and information boards on the tables and along the wall. The ranger sat at the desk towards the back on the right and he helped us out when we told him we wanted to buy the pass. The Pass purchaser will need to sign the back of the card. There is also an optional secondary field for a another person's signature. Typically, when using the pass at the Parks, your card and driver's license will be verified by the Ranger before being granted entry. Overall, this is a convenient place to gather information about the nearby parks and hiking locations. In the past, we also came here to get a campfire permit, but it looks like you can get them online now. The only downside is that the office is not open on weekends and they're closed between 1 pm to 1:30 pm. But, the Rangers there are knowledgeable about the forest and parks!

The best tuna sandwich - EVER!!! You will not be disappointed. Skip the burger and everything else on the menu. Go tuna all the way - chef is famous for it. Located in the general store next the the Park Ranger help offices in the camp ground. Follow signs to Crystal Lake, Falling Springs up San Gabriel Canyon Road. Perfect day trip and time for hiking too. Under an hour from downtown LA you must take the trek up to the Angeles National Forest!!!

It's National Get Outside day, everyone, which should be every day anyway but in this case means free parking in the ANF. Woo-hoo! We in the L.A. area are incredibly fortunate to have this gigantic natural wonderland right in our backyard. As opposed to Disneyland, here you can find REAL: -waterfalls -bears -forests -exotic ferns -thrilling rides (on ski slopes, hiking trails, roads) -gorgeous wildflowers -cool visitor centers (Chilao is my fave) -an observatory -coyotes -fishing -camping -stargazing And it's pretty much free. Yes, to park you must usually pay for an Adventure Pass (which funds cleaning up trash from vandal visitors.) But several days of the year, it's 100% free. Check here for details: https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/passes-permits Be prepared, please: check road and weather conditions before you head into the mountains, fill up the tank, and take emergency supplies. But most of all, take your sense of wonder at the beauty of Mother Nature. Enjoy!

The Angeles National Forest was good it hot there 80-70 degress we usually go to my baldy and millard falls great nature spot with snow in the winter time me

It's a dangerous drive up today Saturday all the Fast and The Furious rejects decided to have a car meet, there were 2 huge accidents from the wannabe street racers. One almost hit us it spun out infront of us because of the high speed the vehicle was going that would have been accident #3 and we were only there a short time I would NOT recommend the police department or Forrest rangers need to enforce the speed limit and not allow these car meets there were over 60 cars at the car meet they were doing donuts at a turn out lane on the mountain top PLEASE HAVE MORE PATROL CARS on the mountain these low lives are ruining it for all of us.

My dad took me here to ski Mountain High when I was 12, and that's what started my appreciation for it. I'm now 21 and although I still live over 2 hours from some areas of the forest, I come here often to snowboard and to drive/hike. I also really like Los Padres Natl Forest, but after exploring both of them many times, it's very clear that Angeles has more to do...there's a greater range of elevation which makes a big difference in amount of snowfall and tree-growth. If you're not in the mood to workout but still have the desire to see the forest, just go for a drive on Angeles Crest Highway. The Highway alone will take you up to about 8k feet, which is one of the highest roads in all of CA. For your time and gas money you'll be rewarded with expansive views of the LA basin, looking towards the ocean and Catalina Island. In the other direction you will see the Mojave Desert below, and if it's really clear you might even see the beginning of the Sierras as well as Mt Whitney. I highly recommend that if you go here, you go when you have the time to explore for at least a little while. If you are accessing it from the LA area, it is completely worth it to drive the over 55 mile-long highway from La Cañada Flintridge to Big Pines. There's about 15 gates located strategically along the highway for road closures when the snow gets down to certain elevations or the road needs maintenance...so to not make it a pointless drive, ALWAYS CHECK THE CALTRANS WEBSITE FOR ROAD CONDITIONS. And even though the whole highway is generally open during summer/fall, it's still better to check because of random things closing it like a sinkhole, which happened months back. And as expected in a forest, the reception is not good. If you're hiking up to a peak you might get spotty reception or occasionally LTE, but not usually for long. This forest is a true gem of Southern California... many areas are rarely stepped on by man and you can truly get away from the city with a short drive or hike.

I recently went backpacking in the Angeles National Forest and it was gorgeous! Really blows my mind how this place is only an hour away from my suburban home, yet we were able to spend two nights there just exploring and feeling like we were the only ones there. For camping, you need to call beforehand to get a permit, but you get free reign on the land. We brought bear canisters just in case but didn't see anything larger than a chipmunk. We were counting on a stream closer to where we would set up, but the only one we saw was at the beginning of the trail. Luckily, there were a lot of snow drifts that we could melt and filter (bring extra fuel!). We visited three peaks during our time here: Cucamonga, Ontario, and another whose name I don't recall. The views are SPECTACULAR. This probably doesn't apply on a year round basis, but when we were there, heavy fog had settled in, so when we reached the top of the peaks, there would be a literal ocean of clouds surrounding us. It felt like the peak was an island; truly a unique experience I haven't had anywhere else. Not to mention the colors are remarkable once the sun starts to set. I strongly recommend hiking/camping here! I don't think it's a very popular destination yet because we didn't see anybody on Saturday and only a handful of people on Sunday, but the fact that droves of people don't come here makes the experience better. Take a break from the city life and come bask in some nature!

Yet another great thing about the greater Los Angeles ( @DiscoverLA ) area... @Angeles_NF this huge (700,000+ acres) natural area at our doorstep. Actually it's more like our backyard. I have an old Jeep that I run 90% of the time with only a top ( because that is the sort of thing you can do in SoCal ) and many a weekend morning (or night on occasion) I head up here to tool around, take a hike, picnic, relax, etc. My kids and I ran up here late one night to cool off and had an encounter with a black bear...he was just standing in the road looking at us like "WTF are you doing here?" The kids were pretty concerned since there are no windows or anything...but I think the poor guy was just thirsty.

I really love the Angeles National Forest. The Angeles National Forest is being affected by the shutdown as evidenced by the first Ranger Station north of the 210 freeway in La Canada. They have cones set up so you can't park there and access the Mt. Lukens Truck Road. Fortunately, my son and I were headed up to a private compound called the Clear Creek Outdoor Education Center which is very close to the intersection of Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway. He joined Key Club which I am thrilled about because it's something he decided to do on his own. It's the largest service program for high school students. They had a project scheduled today to work on the main trail down to Clear Creek from the compound. The Station Fire pretty much ruined most of the trails at the time of the Station Fire in 2009, so all trails require rebuilding. I was really thrilled to be the driver to get my son there because he isn't old enough to get his Driver's License. There's no AT&T coverage up there so I got to stay which is not a fun thing for a teenager, but I made my self scarce and explored a little. If you have kids in LAUSD I would highly recommend signing them up for programs up there. This is their website for more info: http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/Clear_Creek/SecondFAQS.html

My favorite place to go to, just to get away from the city and the desert The weather is always cooler here and always shady. It's perfect for a day out to explore or just chill with family

Let me just say I have never gone to anywhere like this before, but I sure am happy and thankful my friend persuaded me to tag along. Oh my gosh I just loved being in such beautiful scenery! The nature aspect of it all was just amazing! I truly enjoyed myself. I would have given it a full 5 stars if it wasn't for losers vandalizing certain parts of rocks. The graffiti wasn't necessary, but other than that it's so nice! I want to go back!!! Also a word of advice or like a tip, please fill up your tank because me and my friend went on half a tank and kept going up and up, and by the time we got back down we were nearly on 'E' so please fill up your tanks!! Also, take plenty of water! Have fun!!!

So close yet so far from home. I took a motorcycle ride this weekend to Angeles National Forest and it was so beautiful and serene. In the time we were there we were able to watch a deer several squirrels and the fattest lizard ever. This thing was huge. We went to the general store and my companion had the chili and I had a cup of English Breakfast Tea. We were served by the owners son (about 8) who recognized my friend right away confirmed his order and had it ready to go in no time. I loved seeing the father and son work together The views were beautiful and the smells as you ascended the mountain were amazing. I swear I smelled like trees for the remainder of the day. I can't wait to get back to nature and trees again soon. But here is the thing. Los Angelinos please pick up your trash and stop breaking things that aren't yours to break. The amount of trash had a direct correlation to how far down the hill we got and we go to these places to get away and enjoy nature, why is it acceptable to some people to leave trash behind.

When living in the concrete jungle you sometimes need to get out into nature. Angeles is the perfect place for that. This forest is huge and had a lot of different areas to check out. My husband and I took a day trip to go hiking for my birthday and had a lovely experience. For being so close to LA, we only saw a handful of people and most of them from a distance. The terrain is desertlike and dry, but it is still incredibly beautiful. I have also driven through the forest to get up to Acton, taking the Angeles Forest Highway, and found it a much more pleasant drive than taking the highway up and around the forest. It is well worth the extra bit of time it takes to drive through because it's so refreshing.

I'm a fifth generation California and I must say that my love and respect for the wildlands here is immense. I've spent much time in every national Forest in the state and have helped volunteer for cleanup's, trail management and birdwatching adventures (in LA) locally. I like to encourage respect and consideration for the words and the wild creatures. When I was growing up we were always taught pack out what you pack in with her hiking or driving make sure to pick up an extra bit of trash, to take out, for the sake of the land, the animals and the people who come to enjoy the place after you. Learn the skills of quiet and slow this way you will see many more things and much more life than if you're talking loudly, using stereos or generators and or running around. These things will all scare the wildlife and diminish your experience. Enjoy the natural land, parks and national forests and honor their antiquity and their blessing for the future.

My favorite local hiking area - the PCT passes through here, and you can bag a bunch of SoCal's highest peaks. Great for escaping the crowds and smog. Edited to add: If you plan on parking your car and wandering around or hiking, you'll probably need an Adventure Pass - $5/one day or $30/year.

Great place for a drive around and up the mountains for a nice view and random stops for photos but not so much a place for a hike. Would come back for a nice drive around the mountains but I wouldn't come here for a hike. It's super dangerous for hiking without the correct gear, so unless you're a pro and know the area very well - I wouldn't recommend it. Also there's not really specified areas to start walking or to park. You kind of just have to explore. Lots of motorcyclists and racers in this area as well. Beware of the cold! Dress very warm.

Breath taking views , long beautiful trails. Feel good to smell nature and real air and escape from the city for hours . Area for camping and bonfires/bbq good to bring a crowd with you . They have beautiful rivers running down loud . Had the most amazing time yesturday hikkinh with my family we felt inlove with our first visit ! Thinking of coming back again many times !!! By the way it feels really safe and clean but trails can be very tricky so hikers make sure to pay attention to signs and area you came in from ;) lol

Can people really be allowed to live around Lake Hughes if its a national forest? I didn't see any bears or mountain lions as I drove Pine Canyon Road from Sandberg to the winding road alongside Castaic Lake around sunset. I don't remember if I saw Hidden Lake. I wish I knew that I could have cut across using Temple Highway. Off Three Points Road is the private property of National Concrete with environmental health warnings required by Proposition 65. Scared of running out of gas, I was so relieved to see civilization when it was over. Sometimes it was hard to turn the car around but the view is gorgeous. There were no guard rails and picnic tables. This must have been how the county looked like before human settlement. We were supposed to take Forest Road N804 but we weren't sure if Ridge Route Road would continue to be paved after passing a sign that the road was no longer maintained by the county.

Very little makes me happier than escaping the concrete jungle back into nature. This forest provides me with a significant portion of my forays into the non urban wonderland. I have hiked, biked, and snowboarded across a lot of the Angeles National Forest. It is a very relaxed bit of nature bordering on the great urban blight errr concrete jungle known as Los Angeles. My favorite parts of the forest are all of the waterfalls and vistas overlooking LA. Absolutely awesome! I just dare you to take a night hike up to a mountain top or just bask in the sight of a waterfall pouring out from dozens of feet up as it descends out of the mountains. Pro Tip: You MUST have a parking pass to visit and park in the Forest. These adventure passes cost $35 and a second is $10 if you purchase it at the same time. There is a lot of history and interesting sights to see let alone sites to visit here. Want to go camping? Want to run into some wild creatures? Lets just go here to get away for a few hours and enjoy something that you rarely ever get to see or run into. I love the sounds of nature without the din of modern society racing around us as folks are off to their whatever deals. Not surprising to me is the fact that a lot of the parking areas fill up very quickly. So I suggest that you head out early into the mountains let alone its often much cooler and thus easier to hike, bike, or whatever. If you want to do something typical, I suggest that you drive Angeles Crest Highway sometime. It will take you through a number of special hidden trailheads and camping areas. Talk about handy. Regardless of anything else, this place is beyond awesome and absolutely wonderful. I am always trying to find a way to go somewhere new and exciting... this place definitely holds that for me. I am sure it could hold the same for you as well. Give it a try and you will absolutely enjoy this beyond belief I bet... So if you want to go hiking up here sometime, just give me a shout... I am sure that I would love to join in on a trek somewhere or other... =)

Beautiful drive and great views Down side trash and spray paint Come on people show some respect

I absolutely love this spot! I did the Sturtevant Falls trail that was 1.8 miles to the waterfall. It was amazing! The whole hike and trail was great and clean! It reminded me of Costa Rica (minus the exotic animals)! I brought my two small dogs and I saw families with children, also.

This review is specifically for all the people who say they don't like LA because it's a "crowded and ugly" city.... CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL FOREST! It's only 10 miles from downtown LA and 20 miles from Studio City/Sherman Oaks. You know all those mountains you see when you look to the north? -- that's the Angeles Forest, folks. Don't let the above Arcadia address fool you... it's just 6-8 miles north up the 2 fwy from the 134 or the 5. It's seriously the best attribute I have ever known a city to have and I've lived in 4 metropolitan cities and visited over 30 cities in my lifetime. With hundreds of different hiking trails spanning more than 550 miles, it will take you years to see all of this park. There's bouldering, rock climbing, streams you can swim in, camping sites galore, skiing, sledding, and the fact that the mountain range reaches over 7,000 feet, the sites you can experience up there are truly amazing. It feels like you're in the middle of Montana without a trace of the LA skyline! For you New Yorkers who claim Central Park is the greatest park ever, I seriously doubt you've checked out Angeles National Forest. At three times the size of the city of Chicago, the immensity of this park blows every other city park away. The one downfall is you have to get a parking pass if you want to park your car anywhere there, so call ahead to find out where you can purchase one: http://www.hike-la.com/los_angeles_county_permits_fees.html. Or you can go to any REI store in LA to buy one.

*** Attention: this is my 600'th review!! *** ( okay now on to the review ) Ah this place is a new find, and so far it's my favorite place in Arcadia! ( besides In 'N out down the road.... ) Came here to hike to the two waterfalls -- we hiked to Sturtevant Falls and Hermit Falls. OKAY, Hermit Falls comes with a natural waterpark -- there are two "slides" formed from the rock and rushing water to propel you into the watery pools!! It's so cool you should check it out. They also have a 10 foot, 40 foot, and 55 foot cliffs to jump off... so take the leap if you dare!! ( and know how to land right!! ) Must be so liberating. I jumped off the 10 foot cliff and still screamed. Sturtevant Falls is a much easier hike.. it seems shorter and getting there is almost ALL downhill. We swam under the waterfall because to be honest, the waterfall wasn't that strong. Reminded me of a nice wading pool. Parking pass is $5 (and that allows you to park on their small lot, OR find parking up the windy road and walk up to the start of the trail). Or, you can pay $10 for their private "enclosed" lot. Apparently you can purchase the parking passes from stores like Big 5, or you can just purchase them on sight at the Ranger station ( which is what we did). Anywho, this place is a MUST visit if you like to 1) swim 2) jump off cliffs 3) breathtaking views 4) wade in pools of warm-ish water 5) hike with friends 6) and yeah basically, visit a freaking WATERFALL in LA!

Please don't go here. Stay out so I continue to have the solitude I seek and find in ANF. No but seriously, it kinda blows my mind that this vast resource we have at our doorstep in Los Angeles is in my opinion so underused. We live in the second largest metropolitan area in the nation and for the population down in LA, you really don't get THAT many people up in ANF. I feel like most people probably go to the beach in SoCal instead of the mountains, so I get it. ANF is filled with some gorgeous trails and other recreational opportunities like picnic areas and fishing. The Pacific Crest Trail even runs through here. There are certain spots in the forest/mountains where you even get a little taste of Sierra, seriously. I've spent a good amount of time in the high country in ANF and there's still some canyons and different spots I come across that still surprise me. Some of the trail camps are in great shape and don't get too much traffic. For the most part, people are friendly. Be wary of motorcycle traffic on the highway and let them pass you if they want. If you're gonna drive slow, pull off into a pullout so others can pass, don't hold up traffic! And remember, be nice and give a friendly hello when you pass people on the trail!

Nice place but had some unwanted rattle snakes come into camp so they became dinner. Also had some dogs come through camp they were friendly. Other then that it was a good night. The next morning we had bigger rattle snakes come in so we left.

I only recently discovered this place and I'm now hooked. It's a nice drive if you want to go from one end to the other and you can stop for short hikes, to take pics, and to have a picnic. There's a two hour drive into a small town where you'll find some nice bars and gift shop. If it's winter time you can ski but I've only been during summer. There are places to camp all throughout the drive through the mountains and there's restrooms. There are a number of scenic of road stops you can pull in to as well. Some places do not have cell reception.

The boyfriend took me hiking here this last weekend, I can see why he loves it so much. BEAUTIFUL views, really nice people, and did I mention that it's dog friendly?! So we got to take the pooch too, who also had a great (but quite tiring) time :) We took one of the roads less traveled to the top, only ran into a few people most of the day. It was really great exercise and against all odds what with the sweating, quite romantic. We saw NO animals at all except for one (1) squirl. A few lizards too but really nothing other than that. It was such an awesome day to go too. We got to see all the trees changing into their Fall colors.. the little waterfalls that were in between streams... *snif* I miss it already. So green and fresh. Can't wait to go back soon!

Just discovered the Crystal Lake Cafe. Must visit! Great food and cozy spot adjacent to Crystal Lake campground.

Went here for a 2 hour hike. There are little streams of waterfalls, and a nice big river. Im not sure if you're aloud to swim but after a 2 hour hike the water was tempting :) Its a slow river so it was safe to get in for awhile. The nature of this place is beautiful.. as you keep walking you discover more and more within the forest.. Before you head to the top.. stop at a mobile gas station near or the education center and get a parking pass so you'll be able to leave your car. Other than that enjoy!!

I guess I really am a SoCal girl. See, I've only seen snow twice-once visiting family in Israel and once when I actually saw it fall while living in London. It's really quite sad. So the boy promised me that as soon as it rained this winter in L.A. he would show me snow, and that it would only take about 30 minutes to get to it. 'Ok, cool, whatever,' I thought, figuring that would never happen because it rains here about twice a year. But after last week's downpours and being able to see the snowcapped mountains from work, it was on. We made our way up the 2 and up the mountains. The views are gorgeous and the roads well maintained. Snow plowed off the road and ample signs meant I was throwing snowballs, sinking 6 inches into the ground, and developing frostbite before I knew it. We passed small waterfalls and families on sleds and Mt. Wilson's observatory on our way to find a side road that was closed off and covered in an untouched blanket of snow. It was just me, Mark, and Pip (as I dubbed the little squirrel who shared the road with us) and it felt so clean, pure and fresh to be surrounded by such pristine beauty and nature. I ruined that by having to pee on a tree, but I suppose Pip does that too, along with his other woodland friends, so let's just say I was really getting in touch with nature. It's a beautiful stretch of generally untouched land and my experience was just the very tip of all it offers. Known as the "land of many uses" there's no doubt it has a million ways to make people appreciate nature and remember how important it is to preserve areas like this when not 100 feet from it's border there are big apartment complexes and Jack in the Cracks just down the road.

After having trekked across many dry terrain trails in the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains, it was a refreshing change to hike in this area. Lush and forested, it is well shaded. It can get a bit chilly, especially late fall-winter, so dress in layers. The drive up Angeles Crest Highway is quite steep and windy (not for the faint of heart) and affords the viewer splendid panoramic vistas from the mountaintop. Bring a camera and prepare to take photos. There are plenty of look out posts. The forest is relatively close to the San Gabriel Valley, but feels worlds away.

This park is a great place to go when you want to hide away from people and just drive with music turned up loud around crazy, winding roads. Lots of turnouts for stopping to take in the view. It's cool that so close to Los Angeles you can find enough snow for a snowball up there MOST of the year, though the heavier it is the more likely they are to close off parts of the road to drivers. The temperature shifts quickly in winter months as you make your way up from dry brown cacti stuff into the green freshness of the pine trees, where sometimes if you're lucky you'll find yourself right in the middle of a cloud of mist hovering by. If you get carsick easily or are a nervous driver, I wouldn't recommend it.

This is why people around the world envy So Cal. I personally ride a motorcycle and the Angeles National Forest represents one of the best LA county has to offer. The endless miles of twisties is once again open for your carving pleasure. Do watch out for the occasional friendly neighbor CHP motorcycle patrol while shaving your rear tire. You will find yourself in Wrightwood in 45 mins to an hour. Yes, the Crest now goes all the way through. No more turing around at Azusa!

I find it hard to believe anyone rated this anything less than a full 5 stars. It's a National Forest. It's beautiful, it's gigantic and it's literally in LA's backyard just begging to be explored. Don't let the address fool you, it spans North of Ontario all the way over to a chunk North of Santa Clarita. There's camping, cabins, fishing, hiking, bicylcing, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking, swimming, boating, winter sports, and a heck lot of nature. Plenty of reasons why everyone from LA and the surrounding areas should be able to enjoy some aspect of its greatness!

If you want to escape the hectic city of Los Angeles and quite your mind for a couple hours this is the spot to go to! It's not your typical "forest" it's very dried out due to the drought but the mountains and the views are amazing

This mountain range has 1000's of miles of hiking and biking trails and once you've gone just a few short miles you are totally surrounded by vertical cliffs filled with the flora and fauna of the region. There are well trodden trails for the very beginner to enjoy and find their outside lungs, for the more experienced hiker you will be able to find some of the most beautiful and untouched landscape's in southern California. One of my favorite hikes would have to be Mt Baldy in early winter or early spring (just enough snow to make it fun), Leaving from the village you walk around the church and your assent on the summit is pretty much on with just under 1000ft a mile gain its a good workout. Reaching the peak gives you amazing 360o panoramic views, on clear days you can see tanker ships on the pacific and the islands beyond, as you look over the city you have to feel sorry for the millions that have no idea what is on their doorstep.

Very nice hiking trails and scenic areas...must go!

After spending a week in the city i needed a break for some fresh air. We drive up here for a small hike and to find some acorns. The adventure pass store was closed to we had to park in the dirt parking lot where you leave 5 bucks in a box. i was bummed the burger joint was closed but we weren't really there for burgers anyway. There are a lot fo picnic areas with grills and even some camping areas. We hiked to the helicopter landing for a the view and then wondered around checking out all the plants. The rails are nicely maintained and clean. great fun.

I am crazy about this forest. There is a lot interesting sights to see. This place is awesome for enjoy forest. You can do hiking or have camping is amazing.

I am here all the time on my mountain bike. My favorite trail is Sunset Ridge, for which I would recommend long sleeves (poison oak), and pads. So many places to hike and bike up here. Entrance from Pasadena is off of Loma Alta just west of Fair Oaks. Forest Adventure Pass is required to park inside, but I usually just park on the street and bike to the National Forest through the Sam Merrill Trail and then back out the Angeles Forest side to my car.

This would have been a 5 star review but for the number of snakes we encountered. About every 15 minutes that we were out there, we would hear loud rattling from under the brush on the side of the road. Besides the snakes and the bugs, the views and the air up there was incredible. Without proper snake gear however, I would recommend you just stick to your car and drive through the mountains.

Camped at Horse Flats campground. Great! Less than an hour drive from Hollywood. They have picnic tables, fire pits, shady trees. Not the most scenic hikes around there, but nice hikes all the same. Great campground, as long as you get one of the shady spots.

One of the best hikes I've done before. Great experience with beautiful scenery & waterfalls. Highly recommended.

Can't believe this beautiful place is right on my back yard! I usually took the 2 freeway,(the Angeles Crest Highway) and it will take you up to Mt. Wilson. The drive itself reminds me of the drive along the highway 1/ Big Sur sans the coastline but as beautiful. My pit stop is the antenna complex and the observatory. I believe if you go on you'll end up in Idyllwild or something. On top you can see Pasadena, Downtown LA and the ocean. On the way down we can still see the remnant of charred tree, a remainder of how fragile and precious this natural treasure, lest we're not careful or if some idiot decided to play with fire.

You can also get there going straight north in Pasadena through north Altadena without going to Arcadia. Get out your Thomas Guide. If you are into Ornithology this is a great place to see unusual birds that don't usually visit the city. There's also a nice waterfall (if there has been good rain). A nice stream where you can cool your feet after the hike. Stay on the trail unless you are a very, very experienced hiker with a compass. Lots of people have gotten lost there for days until the park rangers could find them. We don't see snow in the basin, but sometimes in winter you can find it up there. Up that way you can also grow Lilacs.