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Angeles National Forest Picnic Areas Brochure
Picnic areas are found throughout the Forest. Picnic sites are for day use only, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Choose from sites offering only one or two picnic tables, to large areas such as Charlton Flat, Stonyvale, or Chantry Flat which offer dozens of picnic sites.
A National Forest Adventure Pass, Interagency Access Pass, or Interagency Senior Pass is required for vehicles parked in these areas. Pets are welcome in the Angeles National Forest, but in consideration of other visitors and for your pet’s safety and the protection of wildlife, all pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet at all times. Stream and lake water on the national forest is not recommended for drinking. However, if you find it necessary, boil all stream or lake water for at least five minutes. Portable filtration units (.2 microns) may be used. Remember to help keep our forest beautiful; “Pack Out What You Pack In.”
Campfire permits are not required at the developed Forest Service picnic areas or campgrounds accessible to the public by motor vehicle. Visitors may use the stoves, fire pits and campfire circles which are provided by the
Forest Service, or their own liquid or gas fuel portable stoves as long as proper clearance is maintained. Visitors cannot build their own firerings. Please contact your Forest Service District Office for current Fire Restrictions regarding BBQs and open fires. Sites may be closed if there is a 50% chance of rain forecasted.
Angeles National Forest
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 574-1613
FAX (626) 574-5207
CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
LOS ANGELES RIVER RANGER DISTRICT
12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road
San Fernando, CA 91342
(818) 899-1900
FAX (818) 896-6727
CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)
M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Aliso Spring
2 tables, 2 grills with vault toilets.
Currently open without water.
Fee: Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation: 3,900 feet
Location: From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd and travel east to Oro Vista. Turn left onto Oro Vista and continue onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Turn left on Angeles Forest Highway for approximately 25 miles. (One mile north of Mill Creek Summit.)
Bear Divide Vista
2 tables, 2 grills.
Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Fee: Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation: 2,000 feet
Location: From the 210 Freeway (San Fernando Valley) exit at Osborne Street and take Foothill Blvd east for one block. At the traffic light make a left onto Osborne, which becomes Little Tujunga Canyon Road. Follow the road past the Ranger Station and the Earthquake Fault picnic area to Bear Divide. Or from the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR14), follow Sand Canyon Road south about 6 miles.
Cascade
2 sites with 2 tables and vault toilets.
Stream water nearby, but treat before using.
Fee: Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation: 2,800 feet
Location: From the 210 Freeway or Foothill Blvd take the Santa Anita Avenue off ramp in Arcadia. Travel north for about 6 miles to Chantry Flat. The trail to Cascade leads north and west from Chantry Flat Picnic Area.
Chantry Flat
20 sites with tables and stoves.
Piped water and flush toilets.
Gate opened daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Road
Fee: Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation: 2,000 feet
Location: From the 210 Freeway or Foothill Blvd, take Santa Anita Avenue north for about 6 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities: Several trails lead away from Chantry. One is to the northwest to Mt. Wilson via Hoegee’s Trail Camp; a second is shorter and leads 1.5 miles to the picturesque Sturtevant Falls.
Charlton Flat
184 sites with stoves and tables.
Open without water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:5,400 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:From the 210 Freeway above Pasadena, follow the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) north for about 24 miles to the signed picnic area on your left.
Amenities:One of our largest picnic areas. Vetter Mountain Lookout is only a short hike from the picnic area. Also, access is available to the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail.
Chilao Picnic Area
30 stoves and tables with vault toilets.
Currently open without water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:5,300 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:Located on the Upper Loop road of the Chilao area, this picnic area is near the Chilao Visitor Center. From the 210 Freeway follow the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) north for about 27 miles, then turn left on upper Chilao Road.
Amenities:Call the Chilao Visitor Center on the weekends for more information at (626) 7965541.
Delta Flat
Contact the District Office for information.
Eagle's Roost
12 tables, 12 grills, and vault toilets. No water available.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:6,700’
Location:40 miles northeast of the 210 Freeway on the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2).
Amenities:Close to the Jarvi Memorial Vista and Mt. Williamson.
Earthquake Fault
1 table and 1 grill.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:2,220 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway (San Fernando Valley) exit at Osborne Street and take Foothill Blvd east for one block. At the traffic light make a left onto Osborne, which becomes Little Tujunga Canyon Road. Follow the road past the Ranger Station and the Earthquake Fault Picnic Area to Bear Divide. Or from the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR14), follow Sand Canyon Road south approximately 6 miles.
Amenities:Interpretive sign nearby.
Echo Mountain Picnic Area
Small site with 3 picnic tables.
Fee:none
Elevation:3,200’
Location:From the 210 Freeway or Foothill Blvd, take Lake Avenue north to Loma Alta Drive. Turn left on Loma Alta and go about one mile. Turn right on Chaney Trail Road. Go 3 miles to Mt. Lowe truck trail parking area.
Hike 2.5 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities:Above the Cobb estate on the Sam Merrill trail to Mt. Lowe and Inspiration Point.
Hidden Springs
7 tables and 5 grills, and vault toilets.
Currently opened without water.
Forest visitors are cautioned about using the neighboring tunnel; it is hazardous to walk through.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:3,100 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd and travel east to Oro Vista and turn left. Go right onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway and go 1.5 miles to the picnic area.
Meadows
Contact the District Office for information.
Mill Creek Summit
9 tables and 8 grills, flush toilets, and piped water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:4,900 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd, and travel east. Turn left onto Oro Vista and continue onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Turn left on Angeles Forest Highway for approximately 25 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities:Viewing area adjacent.
Nino
Tiny picnic area with 2 stoves.
Seasonal stream water available nearby, but treat before using.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:1,500 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway, exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and head north about 2 miles. Parking area is on your right just before you enter the Forest. Hike 2.5 miles on the Gabrielino Trail to the picnic area. Elevation: 4,600 feet
North Fork
2 tables and 1 grill, no water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:5,000 feet
Location:From the Antelope Valley Freeway (Highway 14), follow Sand Canyon Road south approximately 6 miles; turn left on the Santa Clara Divide Road. Continue to the picnic area.
Paul Little
3 tables.
Seasonal stream water available nearby, but treat before using.
Fee:Adventure Pass required if you park on Forest Service Land.
Elevation:1,700 feet
Location:Above Nino on the Paul Little Trail. From the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and head north about 2 miles. Parking area is on your right just before you enter the Forest. Hike 2.5 miles on the Gabrielino Trail to the picnic area.
Pines
5 stoves with tables, currently no water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:3,500 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and go north to the Clear Creek Station. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway and drive about a mile to the Pine Picnic Area.
Red Box
5 sites with tables, flush toilets, 4 horse corrals, and currently no water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and go north about 14 miles.
Amenities:The Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center is located at the Red Box Station and open on weekends. Also, Red Box is the trailhead location to the West Fork of the San Gabriel River.
Shoening Springs
2 tables and 2 grills.
Seasonal stream, no piped water.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:2,900 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd and travel east to Oro Vista. Turn left on Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Turn right and go 10 miles to the picnic area. Or from the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and travel north. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway at Clear Creek Visitor Center, and continue about 3 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities:Opportunities for hiking and water play.
Skyline Park
5 tables (no stoves or grills), vault toilets, and piped water.
Elevation:5,600 feet
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2). Drive 14 miles northeast to Redbox and turn right onto Mt Wilson road. Continue 5 miles to Mt. Wilson via Mt. Wilson Road and go through large gate. Gate is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 p.m.
Stonyvale
10 family sized tables with grills, stoves, and piped water. Restrooms and the area are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:1,900 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd, travel east and turn left onto Oro Vista. Turn right onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road and go 8.25 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities:Opportunities for hiking and water play.
Switzer
24 sites with piped water and vault toilets.
Gate hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer weekends and 8 am to 4 pm in the winter. The lower parking lot gate is closed when the area is full.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:3,300 feet
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and go north 9.5 miles to the picnic area on the right.
Amenities:Switzer is known for its history and the nearby Switzer Falls. The waterfall is a half hour’s walk from the picnic area on the Gabrielino Trail. Fishing is also available.
Vista
6 tables (no stoves), vault toilets.
No water available.
Elevation:6,900 feet
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Location:38 miles northeast of the 210 Freeway on the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2).
Vogel Flats
18 tables, grills, and piped water. Restrooms and paved parking available.
Not accessible for persons with disabilities.
Elevation:1,800 feet
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles. Location: From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd, travel east to Oro Vista and turn left. Turn right onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road and go 8 miles to the picnic area.
Amenities:Access to Grizzly Flats trail nearby. Big Tujunga Creek available for fishing and water play.
Wildwood
22 tables, 16 grills, and restrooms.
Seasonal stream water available, but treat before using.
Elevation: 1,800 feet
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Location:From the 210 Freeway exit Sunland Blvd, travel east to Oro Vista and turn left. Turn right onto Big Tujunga Canyon Road and go 4 miles to the picnic area.
SAN GABRIEL RIVER RANGER DISTRICT
110 N. Wabash Avenue
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 335-1251
CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)
FAX (626) 914-3790
M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Fawnskin
Call the District Office for information.
Lake
Call the District Office for information.
Oaks
14 group sites with stoves, tables, and vault toilets.
No piped water.
Accommodates 12-24 people per site.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:1,800 feet
Location:From Foothill Boulevard above Azusa, take Hwy. 39 (Asuza Ave/San Gabriel Canyon Road) approximately 10 miles to the East Fork Road. Turn right (east) for 7.5 miles. Or take Glendora Mountain Road north from Sierra Madre Ave in Glendora to the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. Picnic area is approximately 1.5 miles west from the road.
Amenities:Grocery store and restaurant available at Camp Williams. Fishing and swimming in the East Fork of the San Gabriel River.
SANTA CLARA/MOJAVE RIVERS RD
33708 Crown Valley Road
Acton, CA 93510
(661) 269-2808
CRS (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
CRS (800) 735-2929 (TDD/TTY)
M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Arch
7 tables, no grills or fire pits. Vault toilet.
No water available. No trailer space available.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:6,800 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:Approximately 5 miles west of Wrightwood on the Big Pines Highway (1/10th of a mile from the Highway 2/Big Pines Highway intersection).
Emigrant Landing at Pyramid Lake
77 stoves, 135 tables, piped water, and restrooms with flush toilets maintained by a concessionaire.
Accessible for persons with disabilities.
There is also a boat launch area.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles; separate fee for launching a boat on Pyramid Lake.
Location:From Interstate 5 exit Smokey Bear Road. Turn left at Pyramid Lake Road. Pyramid Lake is to the south.
Amenities:Pyramid Lake has a snack bar and bait along with fishing opportunities. In addition, there is a swimming beach and a new Visitor’s Center south of the Lake at the Vista del Lago exit.
Frenchman's Flat
Day use only.
Visitors must park at gate and walk-in.
No tables, no grills or fire pits, one vault toilet.
Fires are not permitted.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Location:Just below the dam for Pyramid Lake. From Interstate 5 exit Templin Highway and turn left under the freeway. Turn right on old Highway 99 and go approximately 2 miles to the parking area.
Grassy Hollow
22 tables with grills, piped water, and vault toilets. No trailer space available.
Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:7,300 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 4277623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:6 miles west of Wrightwood on the Angeles Crest Highway. From Interstate 15 near Cajon, take Highway 138 (the Pearblossom Highway) west. Turn left (west) on the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and travel 5 miles to Wrightwood.
Amenities:Located next to Grassy Hollow Visitor Center which has displays to view and forest souvenirs for purchase. Near the Pacific Crest Trail and the Sheep Mountain Wilderness to the south. Inspiration Point is less than a mile to the east; Vincent Gulch is 2 miles to the west.
Jackson Lake
8 tables, 4 grills, piped water, and vault toilets.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:6,000 feet; snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:From Interstate 15 near Cajon, take Highway 138 west. Turn left (west) on Angeles Crest Highway and drive 5 miles to Wrightwood. Continue for 3 miles to Big Pines. Bear right on Big Pines Highway (County Road N4) and drive 3 miles to the picnic area.
Juniper
5 group sites; 21 tables with some shaders, piped water, and restrooms.
Total capacity of picnic ground is 168.
Water shut off in winter.
Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Located:Within the Little Rock Recreation Area. From Highway 138 (Pearblossom Highway), take Cheseboro Road south.
Amenities:Fishing, boating, and stores available nearby.
Los Cantilles
Contact the District Office for information.
Mescal
9 tables with grills, and a vault toilet.
Seasonal stream, treat water before using.
Piped water is turned off in the winter.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:6,100 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Location:On Big Pines Highway (a bit hidden from view), approximately 8 miles west of Wrightwood. The site is approximately 1/10th of a mile from Jackson Lake and 3 miles from Arch.
Rocky Point
3 sites with tables, fire rings and grills, and restroom.
Piped water is available only during the summer months.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:3,200 feet
Amenities:Part of the Littlerock Recreation Area.
Location:On Cheseboro Road just off Highway 138 (Pearblossom Highway) near Palmdale.
Sage
4 sites with tables, fire rings and grills; and restroom.
Piped water is available only during the summer months.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:3,200 feet
Amenities:Part of the Littlerock Recreation Area.
Location:On Cheseboro Road just off Highway 138 (Pearblossom Highway) near Palmdale.
Table Mountain
6 tables, restrooms, and piped water.
Open May to November.
Fee:Adventure Pass required for vehicles.
Elevation:7,200 feet snow & ice in the winter.
Call Caltrans at (800) 427-7623 or the District Office for highway conditions.
Amenities:Big Pines Visitor Center nearby. Numerous hiking trails in the area.
Issued 06/2011
Alerts & Warnings
- NEW! Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
- UPDATED Closure: Small Section of the Forest Still Closed due to Bobcat Fire
- Fire Danger Increases to ‘MODERATE’ at the Angeles National Forest
- Advisory: Hiking at High Elevations
- Driving to the Forest?
- Forest Service Road Closures
- Closure: West Fork Road to recreationists on weekdays thru Dec. 1, 2024
- Closure: San Gabriel Reservoir Area thru June 30, 2024
- Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2024