A Hiking Blog for Southern California
Most of the time, people don’t associate hiking with an expensive outdoor activity … unless you start factoring in the latest ultralight gear and nutritional energy bars. But the National Forests in Southern California DO charge you a very small fee to park and use their land.
Except for this weekend…
On Saturday and Sunday, as part of without any Adventure Passes or fees — except for overnight camping, concession areas, and OHV zones.
So get out there and hike, cheapskates!
A 14 mile in-and-out that hits two of the tallest, most prominent peaks in the Angeles National Forest. Beginning with the historic, alpine brook that runs through Icehouse Canyon, this trail climbs through picturesque pine and cedar to Icehouse Saddle before visiting the site of an old trail resort and ascending a long ridge between the two peaks. A truly magnificent and rewarding hike, with great views of the Baldy Bowl for almost the entire route. Highly, highly recommended.
A brushfire burning in the Angeles National Forest near Lancaster is only 15% contained, but firefighters are optimistic the fire will be under control by tomorrow.
The fire has burned 250 acres northeast of Castaic Lake, threatened a hundred homes, and closed San Francisquito Canyon Road from Santa Clarita to Green Valley, but the fire has essentially stalled.
If you’re headed to the area, be aware of potential road closings for the next few days.
Via Los Angeles Times.
In response to high temperatures, drying vegetation, and increased visitation, the rangers in the Angeles National Forest have raised the official Fire Danger level from “high” to “very high” today. Fire restrictions remain the same — campfires in developed sites only, propane and gas stoves allowed with Fire Permit only.
Also, reader D.W. Davidson wrote in a few days ago to alert me to a change in operational hours at the gate to Chantry Flats. The Gate — which gets you into the beautiful Santa Anita Canyon area of the Angeles National Forest — will now be open from 6AM to 8PM until further notice. The reason? “Increasing fire danger and a history of human-caused fires in the area.”
Go figure.
Image by KeithJ
A 10 mile trek down the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, following the path of an attempted highway. This hike features multiple river crossings, plenty of opportunities to swim, historic sections of visible roads and tunnels, and the Bridge to Nowhere — a 120 foot high concrete bridge in the middle of the canyon. The bridge is an odd and beautiful sight that is unparalleled in the San Gabriels — and it’s also the only place in California were bungee jumping is allowed (on weekends).
Continue reading ‘Hiking the East Fork of San Gabriel River to the Bridge to Nowhere’
Last week, I came across a post from a local blogger about a place in the Angeles National Forest called “Monkey Canyon.” Not on any maps and unofficially named, the area appears to be a popular swimming hole and rugged hike for those in-the-know. It has rough canyons, big drops, and cold streams.
It looks like it would be a lot of fun to get to — if the area wasn’t nearly covered over in graffiti.
Regardless, this is not a leisurely stroll-in-and-swim hike. This is some serious off-trail scrambling and climbing, wading through waist-deep water in flash flood zones, and maneuvering around steep drop-offs. It is not for anyone who doesn’t know exactly what they’re getting in to — a lesson two men learned today when they were rescued from the canyon and hospitalized.
They’d both fallen off the trail — one 50 feet onto land, the other wedged between boulders in the water.
State & Lake has a post with some great information on Monkey Canyon, including some directions to the ‘trailhead’-ish area and some more warnings. Also, there’s a story about Bigfoot hiding out among the cliff-divers.
Huh. I always figured him for more of a Pacific Northwest boutique-coffee kinda guy.
Image by em crack.
A 6.3 mile ascent over an additional ridge to an often-overlooked peak in the front range of the San Gabriels. This route passes by several other prominent peaks in the area, and finally makes a ridge-line ascent of Markham that includes some moderate class 2 scrambling to the peak.
It’s a holiday weekend, which means thousands of people who rarely or never set foot within National Forest lands are about to descend upon picnic areas like nature-loving locusts.
The ANF Rangers issued a statement today announcing some special road closures and restrictions:
- Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road are closed to vehicle traffic through Monday, July 7th. Bikes and hiking boots are allowed on the thoroughfare, however.
- Gates at Chantry Flats and Chaney Trail will be open only from 5AM to 6PM through Sunday.
- Turnouts along the Angeles Crest Highway above La Canada Flintridge will be closed on July 4th only.
In addition, ALL fireworks are prohibited on National Forest land — including lame ones like sparklers or those little black snake things. So don’t even think about having your own private pyrotechnic party in the woods this weekend.
Be sure to check the Angeles National Forest’s web site for further information on fire and road restrictions. And if you’re trying to find a camp site up there this weekend … good luck.
Stay safe, have fun … and don’t forget what this holiday is all about.
A 6+ mile, moderate loop on and off-trail in the middle High San Gabriels. While low on sweeping vistas, this hike features large stands of incense cedar, boulder formations typical of the area, ski slopes, and a great sense of remoteness.
A short but steep hike to a prominent ridge in the San Gabriel High Country. You’ll pass through a defunct picnic area, an abandoned ski resort, and top it off with outstanding views of the middle of the front range and San Gabriel Wilderness. While it might not be a Destination Hike, it’s well worth the detour if you’re in the area.
Click here for a Google Map of Los Angeles hiking trails.
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