Hiking
The Angeles National Forest - San Gabriel Mountains National Monument offers 557 miles of hiking and equestrian trails which include 73 miles of national recreation trails and 176 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). These trails offer ample choices for all, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Backpacking
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
General Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Bandido Group Campground
Site Open
General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!Know Fire & Other Restrictions Before You Go!: These conditions can affect your entire trip. For…
Bear Creek Trailhead
Site Open
General Information about the Trail:The Bear Creek Trail is 11-miles-long. It begins at Valley of the Moon Plantation along Hwy. 39 and ends at the West Fork of the San Gabriel River. The trail is…
Blue Ridge Campground
Site Closed
General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!Know Fire & Other Restrictions Before You Go!: These conditions can affect your entire trip. For example,…
Buckhorn Campground
Site Open
General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears.…
Buckhorn Day-Use Area
Site Open
This site is located off Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) with a view of the surrounding mountains to the north. It is popular with hikers due to its proximity to the Mt. Waterman Trail.Amenities: 4…
Chantry Flat Picnic Area
Site Open
Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears. Help keep bears wild by following these tips.  Nestled high on a ridge in Big Santa Anita…
Charlton Flats Picnic Area
Site Open
Site is hike-in only.Gate is closed at Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2).Sites are shadowed by large Jeffrey pines and incense cedars. Panoramic views along the access road up to Vetter Mountain…
Chilao Campground
Site Open
General Camping Info: Find helpful guidance and tips for an enjoyable trip to the forest!Be Bear Aware!: Bear safety is critical, for the safety of your group and/or you, as well as our bears.…
Chilao Picnic Area
Site Open
Elevation: 5,300-feetAmenities: 20+ picnic sites with picnic tables, BBQ pedestal grills, campfire rings. vault toilets, trash facilities. Piped water may or may not be available. Due to limited…
Colby Bridge Day Use Area
Site Closed
Administratively Closed: Toilets and Trash Aren't Being Serviced on a Regular Basis Here