Trails of the Angeles. John W. Robinson
In recent years, great numbers of people have visited the San Gabriels, the vast majority by automobile, and visitation is increasing. Each year there are an estimated 3.5 million visits to the Angeles National Forest, making the Angeles one of the most heavily used national forests in the United States.
As the use has increased, the wilderness aspect of the mountains has been nearly destroyed. Other than the specially set-aside wilderness areas and a few other small, isolated regions, the San Gabriels have in recent years become not much more than a king-size backyard playground for Los Angeles County. Some say that this is as it should be, but recent ecological studies have tended to show that wilderness undisturbed by humans plays a vital part in nature’s delicate balance among living things. What happens when there is no wilderness left? Southern California appears headed in that direction.
Angeles National Forest today encompasses 694,187 acres. Within this mountain area are 1,030 miles of roads, 697 miles of riding and hiking trails, 66 public campgrounds, 36 picnic areas, 505 summer residences, five wilderness areas, and three winter sports areas.
The future of the San Gabriels—as well as all other mountain ranges—rests with the population that lives nearby. In the words of mountain historian Charles Clark Vernon, “They are truly a gift to the people.” What the people will do with this gift of nature remains to be seen.
The Station Fire
What became the largest fire in the history of the San Gabriels—and the largest in Los Angeles County history—began inauspiciously enough on August 26, 2009, near the Angeles Crest Highway just above La Cañada. With several other large fires burning around the state, it received little notice at first and was nearly extinguished that first evening. However, overnight the fire gained strength, and by the next day it was out of control and began to spread, ultimately consuming more than 160,000 acres, approximately one-fourth of the Angeles National Forest. It was later determined that the fire was started by a still-unknown arsonist. Two Los Angeles County firefighters lost their lives battling the blaze when their truck tumbled off a roadway in the Mount Gleason area.
American Indian petroglyphs near Big Pine
In the aftermath of the fire—finally extinguished in mid-October—a large swath of the forest was officially closed to all entry. It has slowly reopened in stages, but as of this writing—spring 2013—portions of the Arroyo Seco and upper Big Tujunga areas are still classified as off-limits to hikers. The recently opened areas will still take years to recover fully. And the pine-and-fir forests that once clothed the higher mountaintops and flats—such as Mount Gleason, Charlton Flats, and Barley Flats—may never regain their former beauty.
Watch out for poodle-dog bush!
The authors have done their best to hike the trails in the burn area and note any changes; however, it is advisable to check ahead with the US Forest Service to verify current conditions before venturing into any recently opened areas.
Turricula, also known as poodle-dog bush, is a fire-following plant that has become widespread in Station Fire burn areas. It is a woody shrub with stems branching out from the base up to 6 feet in length, and it sports purple flowers that bloom during summer. Hikers should give this toxic plant a wide berth, as any contact can result in serious skin irritation much worse than that resulting from poison oak.
Strawberry Peak (Hike 38)
Hiking Hints
Traveling a mountain trail, away from centers of civilization, is a unique experience in Southern California living. It brings intimate association with nature—communion with the earth, the forest, the chaparral, the wildlife, and the clear sky. A great responsibility accompanies this experience—the obligation to keep the mountains as you found them. Being considerate of the wilderness rights of others will make the mountain adventures of those who follow equally rewarding.
As a mountain visitor, you should become familiar with the rules of wilderness courtesy outlined below.
Trails
Never cut switchbacks. This practice breaks down trails and hastens erosion. Take care not to dislodge rocks that might fall on hikers below you. Improve and preserve trails, as by clearing away loose rocks (carefully) and removing branches. Report any trail damage and broken or misplaced signs to a ranger.
Off Trail
Restrain the impulse to blaze trees or to build cairns where not essential. Let the next fellow find his way as you did.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikers need to respect the rights and the safety of hikers and horseback riders and should follow sound conservation practices. Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Control your speed. Stay off muddy trails, and do not shortcut switchbacks. Mountain biking is permissible on most forest trails but is prohibited in wilderness areas and on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Campgrounds
Spread your gear in an already-cleared area, and build your fire in a campground stove. Don’t disarrange the camp by making hard-to-eradicate ramparts of rock for fireplaces or windbreaks. Rig tents and tarps with line tied to rocks or trees; never put nails in trees. For your campfire, use fallen wood only; do not cut standing trees or break off branches. Use the campground latrine. Place litter in the litter can or carry it out. Leave the campground cleaner than you found it.
Fire
Fire is the greatest danger in the Southern California mountains; act accordingly. Smoking is permitted only in campgrounds, places of habitation, and vehicles. Report a mountain fire immediately to the US Forest Service.
Litter
Along the trail, place candy wrappers, raisin boxes, orange peels, and so on in your pocket or pack for later disposal; throw nothing on the trail. Pick up litter you find along the trail or in camp. More than almost anything else, litter detracts from the wilderness scene. Remember, you can take it with you.
Noise
Boisterous conduct is out of harmony in a wilderness experience. Be a considerate hiker and camper. Don’t ruin another’s enjoyment of the mountains.
Hiker Ethics
Human life and well-being take precedence over most everything else—in the mountains as elsewhere. If a hiker or camper is in trouble, help in any way you can. Give comfort or first aid, and then hurry to a ranger station for help.
Maps
It is important to know where you are in relation to roads, campgrounds, landmarks, and so on, and to have a general understanding of the lay of the land. For this orientation there is no substitute for a good map. Unless your trip is very short, and over a well-marked route, you should carry a map.
Besides the shaded relief trail map that accompanies this book, there are two other types of maps that will give you the picture you need of the San Gabriel Mountains. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
1. The US Forest Service sells recreation maps of each national forest. For the San Gabriels, you will need the maps of Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests. These maps show the highways, dirt roads, maintained trails, campgrounds, and major landmarks of the range, but not the topography. Their main advantages are that they give you an overall picture of the mountains and are fairly up-to-date, being revised frequently. Because they don’t show topographic features or ground cover, they are virtually useless for cross-country travel. These maps can be obtained at most ranger stations in the two national forests. Or write to the forest headquarters:
Angeles