The Angeles National Forest was established by Executive Order in December, 1892. It covers over 650,000 acres and is the backyard playground to the huge metropolitan area of Los Angeles. The Angeles National Forest manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.
The land within the Forest is as diverse in appearance and terrain as it is in the opportunities it provides for enjoyment. Elevations range from 1,200 to 10,064 feet. Much of the Forest is covered with dense chaparral which changes to pine and fir-covered slopes as you reach the majestic peaks of the higher elevations. [Graphic: Map of the Angeles National Forest]
Highway, roads, and trails in the Angeles National Forest are handled at the federal, state, county and city levels of government. The U.S. Forest Service manages highways with the letter “N” in the designation such as 5N12, 6N09, and 7N13. More...More...M
The Angeles National Forest has three visitor centers and two information centers in different areas of the forest. These centers provide services and literature for visitors including environmental education activities, general forest information and forest related materials.
![[Graphic]: Map of the Angeles National Forest. The forest covers 650,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fsbdev3_019878.gif)
