Angeles National Forest Information Office
701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006
(818) 574-5200 or (818) 574-1613
The Angeles National Forest provides the striking backdrop to Southern California's
largest metropolitan area, the city of Los Angeles. The forest's 694,187 acres includes
almost the entire San Gabriel Mountain range. Topography on the forest ranges from
mountain peaks over 10,000 feet to low-lying canyon bottoms at a mere 1,200 feet above sea
level. Dense pine and fir stands cover the higher elevations, while shady riparian areas,
and broad expanses of chaparral cloak the foothills and lower elevations.
The Angeles was the first forest preserve established in California, thanks to the exhaustive efforts of conservationists determined to protect this major watershed in Southern California. Protecting vegetation, preventing erosion, and ensuring a fresh, continual flow of water was the original purpose of the Angeles.
Fire management is an important part of maintaining the watershed. Firefighting in
Southern California has become very specialized in order to deal with the explosive
chaparral environment. It requires sophisticated fire suppression techniques, and a
massive fire prevention campaign. In addition to protecting the land, fire managers must
also contend with the growing number of homes and other structures, as development
continues to press against the borders of the national forest. Fire prevention efforts
must reach homeowners, as well as be heard by the massive numbers of visitors who come to
camp, to cook, and play on their local national forest.
The Angeles is the backyard playground to residents of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. The forests offers year-round opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, boating, picnicking, and sightseeing. Over 500 miles of forest trails lead hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and off-highway vehicle riders across rugged backcountry, along high, scenic ridges, and through shady, tree-lined canyons.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a 14-day stay limit. Reservations may be made for the group campsites. Occasional area closures make it necessary to contact the forest for current information on a campground's status.
Fishing and hunting are popular activities. Recreational target shooting is permitted in specific, designated areas. Snow play and skiing draw thousands to the Angeles high country. Six developed ski areas offer groomed slopes and miles of cross-country trail. Avalanche hazards exist and skiers must remember to stay within boundary areas.
Several sites within the Angeles offer accessible facilities for wheelchair users, and
for those with limited mobility.
The rugged San Gabriel and Sheep Mountain Wilderness areas cover more than 125 square
miles, with elevations ranging from 2,400 ft. to over 10,000 ft. The Cucamonga Wilderness
lies on the border of Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests. It is jointly managed
and offers another 13,000 acres of natural, unspoiled beauty. Despite the incredible
numbers of people who visit this national forest, you do not have to walk far to elude the
crowds. Wilderness areas provide islands of solitude for those seeking to escape the noise
and chaos of urban life.
The Angeles is surrounded on all sides by a sprawling, urban metropolis. Add to that the easy access by state and county highway systems, and the growing trends for residents to recreate close to home, and the Angeles enjoys the unique designation of a truly "urban" national forest. The Angeles hosts over 32 million visitors annually, making it the second most visited national forest in the nation. The urban proximity also places many demands on forest resources outside of recreation. Land uses range from important telecommunication sites, utility corridors, and mining operations, to providing locations for the local Hollywood film industry. "Local community" for an urban forest is as encompassing as that forest's vision. The Angeles National Forest contributes to the local communities in many ways, including participating in Southern California programs which provide employment and job training to urban residents from as far away as South Central Los Angeles.